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Permanent Residence with German Spouse

Visa needed?

All persons who wish to stay in Germany for more than 90 days are required to obtain a residence permit.

German tests for certain visa applicants
In order to facilitate integration, visa applicants from Non-EU countries, who intend to move to Germany as a spouse, must prove basic German skills when applying for a visa.
For more information click here (PDF)
Where to apply?

Citizens of the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, as well as EU citizens may apply for their residence permit after entering Germany without a visa.
Citizens of other countries are required to apply and obtain a residence permit prior to entry (an option also open to US citizens) at the German Embassy in Washington, the Consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York or San Francisco.
Click here to find out where to submit your application and to learn about any specific application procedures. Due to local particularities handling and processing may vary slightly among the German missions involved.

How to apply?

Except for rare instances, you have to submit your application in person. Upon submission of all required documents the application will be forwarded to the Aliens' Office (Ausländeramt) competent for your intended place of residence in Germany. Applications take about 1-3 months to be processed. After the application has been approved by the Aliens' Office the Consulate will issue a residence permit in the form of a visa. The Aliens' Office requires all residence permit holders to register upon their first arrival. A final residence permit will be granted in German after arrival.

Required Documents

- two fully completed application forms and required declaration in duplicate

- two passport photographs (strict requirements, see details)

- valid passport and one copy

- additional requirement for non-US citizens: original of valid US alien registration card or valid US resident visa (type A, E, F, G, H, I, J, L, O, R) and one copy

- original or certified copy of marriage certificate incl. Apostille

- original or certified copy of passport of spouse holding either a German or EU passport or a residence permit for Germany

- fee: visa is free of charge; $15,- for mailing the passport back once the visa is ready (payable by cash or money order only)