Spouse reunification in Germany: the conditions of Section 30 AufenthG

Selected corrections on 11 October 2026 to the citizenship or family-reunification conditions on this page; sources are listed below. This does not certify every accepted document, local procedure or individual case.

Written under our editorial standards.

Last checked against the official source: 29 August 2026

Spouse reunification is governed by Section 30 AufenthG. The ordinary conditions include both spouses being eighteen, basic German legally defined as A1 by Section 2(9), and a qualifying title for the resident spouse. The statute also contains age and language exceptions; general residence conditions and their exceptions must be checked.

Which permit the resident spouse must hold

The following are examples from Section 30(1), number 3. This condensed list does not replace the conditions of each letter; cases under letters (e) and (f) are also described below.

• Niederlassungserlaubnis — a settlement permit.
• Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt – EU — an EU long-term residence permit.
• Permits under Sections 18d or 18f, or Section 25(1) or 25(2), sentence 1. This letter does not cover every Section 25 permit.
• A permit held for two years under letter (d), subject to its conditions concerning a Section 8(2) restriction or a statutory exclusion of a later settlement permit. This route excludes Section 25(2), sentence 2.
• An EU Blue Card, ICT Card or Mobile ICT Card. Letter (e) also covers specified titles if the marriage already existed when granted and residence is expected to exceed one year; Section 25(2), sentence 2 is excluded. Letter (f) covers a Section 38a permit where marital family life already existed in the EU state in which the resident held long-term-resident status.

The language condition: what the text actually says

The requirement to communicate in a simple manner is legally defined as level A1 by Section 2(9) AufenthG, rather than merely interpreted that way by missions. The evidence and accepted certificates depend on the case and the competent mission’s instructions. A certificate is not required in every exempt case.

Exemptions from the language condition

1. Illness or disabilityWhere the language ability cannot be demonstrated because of illness or a physical, mental or psychological disability.
2. Manifestly low integration needsWhere the spouse manifestly has a low need for integration.
3. The resident spouse’s nationalitySection 30(1), sentence 3, number 4 concerns the foreign resident in Germany whose nationality permits visa-free entry and residence for non-short stays. The arriving spouse’s visa-exempt nationality alone is not the condition stated in this provision.
4. Certain skilled and research permitsIn the cases of researcher permits and some specialist-personnel permits.
5. Exceptional circumstancesWhere exceptional circumstances make the effort of learning the language impossible or unreasonable.

Frequently asked questions

How long does spouse reunification take?

Section 30 sets no time limit for deciding an application. The actual duration is determined by the German mission in your country and varies with application volumes and appointment availability. Ask the competent mission for its published processing time rather than relying on someone from another country.

Can someone under eighteen apply?

The ordinary rule is eighteen for both spouses, but exceptions exist. Section 30(1) disregards age and language where number 3(f) applies: a Section 38a title and marital family life already established in the relevant EU state. Section 30(2) also permits departure from the age condition to avoid special hardship. Neither exception guarantees a permit without the remaining conditions.

Which residence permit must the spouse in Germany hold?

It depends on the precise case in Section 30(1), number 3. Examples include settlement and EU long-term permits, Blue Card and ICT titles, Sections 18d and 18f, and Section 25(1) or 25(2), sentence 1. Letters (d), (e) and (f) provide other cases with specific conditions. Any Section 25 permit or merely having lived in Germany for two years is not enough.

Is the language requirement level A1?

Yes, ordinarily A1. Section 30 requires simple communication, and Section 2(9) legally defines that level as A1. Check the statutory exceptions and the competent mission’s evidence requirements; A1 is not solely an administrative interpretation.

Can the language requirement be waived?

Yes, in the cases specified in Section 30. Examples include inability due to illness or disability, low integration needs or lack of a course entitlement under the stated conditions, specified skilled-worker titles, and exceptional individual circumstances before entry. The nationality exception concerns the resident foreigner in Germany, not simply the arriving spouse. Number 3(f) also disregards age and language together. Check the full conditions of each exception.

Has family reunification been suspended in Germany?

Section 30, which governs spouse reunification, was in force in the text we checked on the date recorded above. Reports of suspension concern other routes with their own provisions. Ask the mission or a lawyer which provision applies to your specific case.

Sources for these targeted corrections: § 2 AufenthG · § 29 AufenthG