A family reunification visa is a long-stay national visa for moving permanently to join a spouse, parent or child who lives lawfully abroad. Unlike a visit visa, it rests on living together, not on returning.
It is one of the visa types that varies most between countries, so treat the points below as a framework and rely on the embassy page of your destination.
Who can apply for family reunification?
Generally spouses, registered partners and minor children, as well as parents joining a minor child. For adult children, parents and other relatives, reunification is usually possible only in exceptional cases.
The sponsor’s status matters: different rules apply to citizens, EU citizens and foreign residents.
What must the sponsor show?
Most countries look for a valid right of residence or citizenship, regular income sufficient to support the family, adequate housing and health insurance.
For some statuses the income and housing conditions are relaxed or waived.
Is there a language requirement?
In some countries. Germany, for example, usually requires basic (A1) German for spouses at the time of application, with exemptions such as spouses of EU Blue Card holders. Countries like the Netherlands use an integration exam taken abroad.
Start language preparation alongside your documents.
Which documents are required?
Marriage certificate, birth certificates for children, civil registry records, passports, photos, the sponsor’s passport and residence card, income documents, a tenancy agreement or proof of housing, and health insurance.
Civil documents may need multilingual formats, apostilles or sworn translations. Divorce decrees are required where relevant.
How long does it take, and why is it refused?
It can take months, because the consulate often forwards the file to the immigration office where the sponsor lives. Do not finalise tickets or housing before approval.
Common refusal reasons are unmet income or housing conditions, a missing language certificate, inconsistencies in names and dates, and doubts about the marriage.
Can you switch from a visit visa to family reunification?
In most countries, no. The application is expected from abroad with the correct national visa. Hiding your real intention in a visit visa application can also harm the later reunification file.