Residence permit - family reasons

Spousal reunification

Spousal reunification is possible for Germans and for foreigners with a residence permit or settlement permit. In principle, the spouse joining them is granted a residence permit if both spouses have reached the age of 18, their livelihood is secured and the spouse joining them can communicate at least in a simple manner in German (A1).

Child immigration

The subsequent immigration of children is possible for Germans and for foreigners with a residence permit or settlement permit. It is limited to minor children.



Different regulations apply to the residence of family members of persons entitled to asylum and recognised refugees.

Labour market

A residence title for the purpose of family reunification entitles the holder to pursue gainful employment. Access to the labour market and the associated conditions are specified in the wording of the residence permit.

Please make an appointment in advance using the online appointment form.

To make an appointment, you must be registered with your main residence in Jena.

Register with the appointment code

You will receive an appointment code with your appointment. If you are not on time, the appointment will be cancelled. Half an hour before the appointment you can register at the multilingual registration terminal of the Foreigners' Registration Office with the appointment code. You do not need to pull a ticket!

Appointment confirmation is considered a fictitious certificate

If you make your appointment via our online appointment system, you will receive a fictitious certificate which you can print out together with the binding appointment confirmation. This certificate is valid in Germany and bridges the time until the appointment.

• completed form (-> see forms)
• passport
• a biometric passport photo (format 35 x 45 mm)
• Registration at the Bürgerservice
• Proof of accommodation (e.g. tenancy agreement)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of income (salary statement for the last three months / last income tax assessment of the applicant or spouse / registered partner)
• e.g. marriage certificate
• e.g. school certificate (for school-age children)

• Act on the Residence, Employment and Integration of Foreigners in the Federal Territory (Residence Act - AufenthG)
• Ordinance on the Employment of Foreigners (Employment Ordinance - BeschV)
• Residence Ordinance (AufenthV)
• Regulation on the implementation of integration courses for foreigners and late repatriates (Integration Course Regulation - IntV)