Immigration of Parents to Germany

Family Reunification in Germany

In German residence laws, unlike some neighboring countries, and except for attaching parents to a child who is under the legal age, there is no straightforward way to bring other family members, such as parents, to Germany without fulfilling specific conditions. Unlike bringing spouses and children under the age of eighteen, which enjoy legal rights, the inclusion of other family members, especially parents’ right of residence in Germany, does not grant automatic legal rights and is only permitted under certain conditions.

Two examples of methods available in the German legal framework are as follows:

✅ One method is applicable to those who have permanent residence in Germany or are German citizens and have the financial means to support themselves and the new family member(s). Additionally, it must be demonstrated that the parents or family member who intends to come to Germany faces significant difficulties or impossibility in sustaining their livelihood or maintaining the relationship from a distance. Proper and lawful documentation of this claim is essential, as the legislator has established stringent conditions for approving such requests. However, approval of a significant number of such requests occurs annually.

The other method is relevant to retirees who possess sufficient savings to sustain their living in Germany. This method entails several intricacies and has only recently become legally possible. The financial ability and savings required are assessed based on various parameters and do not have a fixed amount. Simply having financial means for one year is insufficient; the immigration office must be assured of the applicant’s long-term financial resources. In this method, there is no need to prove kinship and dependency on children in Germany, as individuals act independently and rely on their property and financial resources. In certain cases, some financial capability can be proven through property ownership.

Submitting this request requires comprehensive regulation, preferably based on laws and recent court rulings, and free of legal errors, as any mistakes could increase the likelihood of rejection.

⛔️ An important piece of advice is to avoid seeking advice from the foreign nationals office to reunite parents or other family members without legal rights, as certain explanations in your case could permanently hinder its success or even jeopardize the possibility of obtaining a short-term visa for visiting.

In such cases, it is advisable to consult with a lawyer and choose one of these two methods based on the existing conditions and submit the request accurately and thoroughly. Apart from these two methods, there are other supplementary methods to reunite parents with someone who has the right to reside in Europe, which can be employed based on the specific circumstances of each case. As some of these methods depend on individual conditions and facilities, we recommend seeking advice on these matters.

Our office in Germany, along with our legal team, is prepared to offer you services, advice, and assistance with such requests and provide representation. Feel free to contact us for a consultation.