Spouse joining a family member
Last checked 2026-09-30
The German requirement for a spouse visa (Ehegattennachzug), shown before entry.
Conditions
- Basic German (A1), usually with a certificate such as Goethe-Zertifikat A1
- Both spouses are at least 18
Watch-outs
- Many spouses are exempt: for example spouses of EU Blue Card holders and of skilled workers with a permit under § 18a, 18b or 18d, spouses of people from countries whose citizens can enter Germany without a visa, and spouses with a clearly low integration need.
- Exemptions also apply for illness or disability, or when learning German before entry is not possible or reasonable.
- Spouses of Chancenkarte holders are not exempt, and you generally cannot join someone who only holds a Chancenkarte.