Joining family in Berlin

Spouses, children and parents: German A1, exceptions, and documents from Hong Kong.

Family members apply for a national visa at the Consulate General; see the family reunion page and the marriage checklist.

Spouse or registered partner

• Of a German citizen: German A1 is generally required (§ 28).
• Of a non-German living in Germany: German A1 (§ 30). Exempt among others: spouses of Blue Card holders, skilled workers under §§ 18a/18b, researchers and self-employed (§ 21). The exemption for nationals of the states in § 41 Residence Ordinance does not cover Hong Kong.
• Housing and secure income are usually required, with exceptions for spouses of Germans.

Children and parents

Minor children: § 32. Other relatives only in cases of hardship (§ 36 (2)). Since 1 March 2024 parents of skilled workers who first got a permit from that date can come under conditions (§ 36 (3)).

Documents from Hong Kong

Marriage certificate, birth certificates and, where needed, a Certificate of Absence of Marriage Record, each with an apostille from the High Court; see Documents and apostille. The Consulate's checklists say which ones apply to you.