Route: family

Spouses, children and parents: German A1, exemptions, processing at the embassy.

Family reunification (§§ 27 ff. AufenthG) depends on who is already in Germany and which permit they hold. Apply at the embassy (embassy: family reunion, marriage); processing about 6–8 weeks, fee €75 in SGD.

Spouses

• Spouse of a foreigner in Germany (§ 30): both 18+, a qualifying permit of the sponsor, and simple German (A1) of the joining spouse. Exceptions in § 30 (1) S. 3:
  • Nr. 5: no A1 if the sponsor holds a Blue Card, an ICT card or a permit under §§ 18a, 18b, 18c (3), 18d, 18f, certain § 19c titles or § 21.
  • Nr. 4 (nationalities in § 41 AufenthV) does not help: Singapore is not on that list. A spouse joining a Singapore citizen who is, for example, a student needs A1.
• Spouse of a German (§ 28 (1) S. 5): A1 is required, with exemptions only for illness, low integration need or unreasonable burden. See the BAMF leaflet.
• The embassy accepts certificates such as Start Deutsch 1, telc, ÖSD, not older than 12 months. Sources: § 30, § 28.

Children

Minor unmarried children of a foreigner with a qualifying permit: § 32. Age limits, custody proof and exemptions not checked in detail here. Sons approaching NS age: see National Service (exit permit and bond).

Parents

• Parents of skilled workers (§ 36 (3)): if a Blue Card or a permit under §§ 18a, 18b and some others was first granted on or after 1 March 2024, parents may get a permit if their living costs are secured.
• Other relatives only in cases of exceptional hardship (§ 36 (2)). Source: § 36. Health insurance for parents is a practical obstacle.