Residence permit for spouses, parents and children of German citizens

Issuance or extension of a residence permit for the
  • Spouses
  • Same sex life partners,
  • Parents and
  • Children
of German citizens.

Note:
You already have such a residence permit for 3 years? And would you like to apply for an permanent settlement permit?
Then please inform yourself in the section "More information" (see service 'Permanent settlement permit for family members of German citizens')

Prerequisites

  • In-person visit
    • For a recognized marriage or registered same-sex civil partnership, the personal interview of both spouses / partners is required.
    • In the case of minors, the personal interview of the family (parents with child) is required.
  • Of majority of both spouses or same sex life partners
    Both spouses or same-sex partners must have completed their 18th birthday.
  • Simple German language skills
    The foreign spouse or same-sex partner usually has to have basic German language skills.
  • Main residence in Berlin
    A second home in Berlin is not sufficient.

Documents required

  • Application form (filled out)
    See the “Forms” section.
    Please fill in one form for each person who wishes to apply for a residence permit.
    (not required for the extension of the residence permit)
  • Valid passport
    A passport must be submitted for each member of the family. For German spouses / same sex civil partners, the personal identity card (Personalausweis) is also sufficient.
  • Kinderausweis (Child's identity card)
    For German children, a children's ID (Kinderausweis) is required. (if available)
  • 1 current biometric photo
    35mm x 45mm, frontal shot with neutral facial expression and closed mouth, looking straight into the camera, light background
  • Marriage certificate/ partnership certificate
    For spouses or same sex civil partners (not required for the extension of the residence permit)
  • Birth certificate for underage children
    For a German child or a foreign child with a German parent (not required for the extension of the residence permit.)
  • Certificate regarding legal custody
    A certificate regarding legal custody must always be presented if
    • the foreign father is not married to the child's mother and the residence permit application affects care and custody
    or
    • an under-age, foreign child applies for a residence permit and one of the parents is not resident in Germany.
  • Proof of recognition of paternity (Vaterschaftsanerkennung)
    A paternity recognition must always be presented if the parents are not married under the German law (not required for the extension of the residence permit).
  • For all foreign documents: translation, possibly with an additional apostil or confirmation of authenticity
    • Please provide an authenticated translation of all foreign documents.
    • Depending on your country of origin, you may also need an apostil or confirmation of authenticity (issued by a German consular official) for your document(s). More on the topic in the section "More information".
  • Confirmation from the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt)
    If the foreign father of a German child applies for a residence permit without being accompanied by the child's mother, confirmation (not older than 14 days) is required from the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) regarding the degree of contact he has with his child.
  • Current certificate of school attendance
    For children who are required to attend school, no matter if they have the German or a foreign citizenship. The certificate must not be older than 14 days.
  • Language certificate (Only required for the foreign spouse / same sex civil partner)
    An A1 language certificate (about simple knowledge of the German language) must be submitted.
  • All certificates showing participation in the integration (Only in case of extension).
    If you were required to attend an integretion course by the Registration Office for Foreigners you have to show all certificates showing participation in the integration course.
  • Proof of main residence in Berlin
    • Certificate of registration at the main residence (Meldebestätigung) or
    • lease and written confirmation of occupancy from the landlord

Forms

Fees

For the first issuance of the residence permit:

  • Adults: 100.00 euros
  • Minors: 50.00 euros
  • Turkish citizens: a maximum of 37.00 euros
For the extension of the residence permit:
  • Adults: 93.00 euros
  • Minors: 46.50 euros
  • Turkish citizens: a maximum of 37.00 euros
Free of charge when presenting current proof of receiving benefits according to SGB II or XII or the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act.

Legal basis

Average time to process request

Around 5–6 weeks
A personal visit four to six weeks before the existing temporary residence title expires is best. If possible you should book an appointment for this.

More information

Hinweise zur Zuständigkeit

This service can only be taken advantage of in the Berlin Immigration Office (Landesamt für Einwanderung – LEA) at Friedrich-Krause-Ufer.

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