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Study in Germany

Bringing your spouse or family to Germany as a student

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German law lets the spouse of a foreign student apply to join them, but there are conditions. Check each one before you pay for flights or a flat.

The main conditions for a spouse

  • Both spouses are at least 18.
  • Your spouse can communicate in simple German. Exceptions include illness or disability, and cases where it was not possible or reasonable to learn it before arrival.
  • You hold a residence permit, such as the student permit, and enough living space is available.
  • You can support the family, and you have health insurance, as with most residence permits.

Timing

The law has two routes for someone on a student permit:

  • The marriage already existed when your permit was issued and you will probably stay in Germany for more than one year.
  • Or you have held a residence permit for two years, and it does not rule out a later settlement permit.

Money and housing

The law asks for enough living space and, in general, a secure livelihood. We have not confirmed the exact amount of money required for a family, so ask the embassy and your immigration office what proof they want. Do not assume the blocked-account amount for one person is enough.

Children and other family

We have not confirmed the rules for children and other relatives, so check the embassy's family page before applying. Your parents or other relatives can look at a visit visa: see our Germany visit visa guide.

Official sources

Common questions

Can my spouse join me in Germany while I study?
Often yes. The law gives a permit to the spouse of a foreigner who holds a residence permit, if both are at least 18, the spouse can communicate in simple German, and further conditions are met.
Does my spouse need to speak German?
In general yes, at a simple level, shown before arrival. There are exceptions, such as illness or disability, or where the spouse could not reasonably learn it first.
What else does the family need?
Enough living space, and in general a secure livelihood and health insurance.
Do I need to have studied for a certain time first?
There are two routes. If your marriage existed when you received your permit and you will stay for over a year, your spouse can apply. Otherwise you need two years with a permit.

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