Wedding in Denmark done. Now the partner from the third country should join you in Germany. How does that exactly work? Which visa, which deadlines, what does it cost? Here is the 2026 guide.
Which visa does your partner need?
For reunification with the German spouse, the non-EU partner needs a family-reunification visa (§ 28 or § 30 AufenthG). It is applied for at the German embassy in the home country, before entering Germany.
Important: orderFirst the wedding in Denmark → then visa application in the partner's home country → then entry to Germany. Anyone who enters on a tourist visa and then applies for family reunification afterwards risks being forced to return home.
Requirements for reunification
- Valid marriage Danish marriage certificate (multilingual)
- Livelihood the partner living in Germany must be able to secure maintenance
- Living space adequate living space for both
- Health insurance for the joining partner
- Language skills A1 German (exceptions: EU/EEA citizens, highly qualified)
Processing times by home country
| Home country | Processing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Turkey | 3–6 months | Appointment in Istanbul/Ankara often weeks of wait |
| Brazil | 2–4 months | Embassy Brasília or consulate São Paulo |
| India | 4–8 months | Long appointment wait |
| USA | 6–10 weeks | Generally faster |
| Russia, Belarus | 3–6 months | Currently additional security check |
| Morocco, Tunisia | 4–8 months | Partly sham-marriage check |
Which documents does the visa application require?
- Passport (valid 12+ months)
- Danish marriage certificate (multilingual or certified translation)
- Birth certificate with apostille
- A1 German certificate (Goethe / telc / ÖSD)
- Livelihood proof of the German partner (salary, assets)
- Rental contract or ownership proof
- Health-insurance proof
- Biometric photos and embassy application form
Book the appointment earlyIn many embassies (Turkey, India, Russia) visa appointments are booked out 4–12 weeks in advance. Book right after receiving the Danish marriage certificate.
What does family reunification cost?
€ 75Visa fee
€ 200–400A1 language course
€ 60–110Translations + apostille
After entering Germany
Registration at the residents' registration office
Within 14 days after entry.
Apply for residence permit
At the foreigners' office, converts the visa into a 3-year title.
Integration course
Often mandatory, 600–700 hours of German + orientation.
Settlement permit
Possible after 3 years of marriage + B1 German.
Ready for the next step?
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Reunification checklist for my country → Fixed price €649.99 · Apostille €199.99 · GDPR-compliant
