Entering Germany as a nurse is often associated with many challenges, especially if family members are to join you. In this blog post, we explain the most important points to consider when bringing family members to Germany: legal basis, necessary documents, costs, blocked account, child benefit and state support, childcare, job opportunities for partners and entry as part of the fast-track procedure for skilled workers.
Who is allowed to come to Germany and when?
A visa for family reunification with a spouse living in Germany can be applied for if:
- The spouse is residing in Germany or you, as a family, intend to move to Germany together.
- Sufficient living space is available for your family in Germany (proof may not be required in the case of reunification with nurses under Section 18a).
- Your livelihood is secured, for example through:
- Your salary as a nursing assistant or nurse
- Possibly additional income from your spouse
- A blocked account (Sperrkonto)
There are two ways to bring your family to Germany:
1. Inclusion in the Fast-Track Procedure for Skilled Workers (§ 81a AufenthG):
The fast-track procedure for skilled workers was introduced to enable qualified international nurses a quicker and more efficient entry and employment process in Germany. This procedure also covers family reunification for spouses and minor, unmarried children, provided their visa applications are submitted within six months of the nurse’s application. If the review of family documents is still ongoing, the family reunification can also take place at a later date. However, all necessary documents for the nurse must be complete at the time of application submission.
2. Visa Application Without the Fast-Track Procedure:
Required documents
You will need the following documents for family reunification:
Spouse
- Valid passport
- Marriage certificate incl. sworn translation
- Birth certificate incl. sworn translation
- German A1 certificate or recognized university degree
Children
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate incl. sworn translation
- If applicable, proof of custody if the children are only travelling with one parent
- German C1 certificate for children over 16 years of age
Other
- If applicable, rental agreement
- If applicable, proof of a blocked account
Important: All documents must be prepared on time. We are happy to assist with the submission of applications as part of the accelerated procedure, but the responsibility for family reunification lies with the specialists.
Expenses and cost of living
The costs for the entire process (e.g. flights, translations, documents) as well as the cost of living in Germany must be covered by you.
Here is an example of the monthly cost of living for a family of four:
What is a blocked account?
A blocked account serves as financial security and is required by the immigration authorities if only one salary is not sufficient to support the family. As a rule, a blocked account is required for three or more people entering the country to compensate for a low family salary. The salary as an auxiliary worker is therefore normally sufficient for two people.
The amount required is based on the standard rates of the German Social Security Code. Housing costs and the standard rate are deducted from your family’s net salary. The remaining amount is usually extrapolated to one year or to the estimated duration until you are fully recognized. This total amount must be paid into the blocked account. The money paid in is released monthly on a pro rata basis.
Here is an example: If €12,000 is deposited in the blocked account, you as a family can withdraw €1,000 each month. The remaining amount cannot be withdrawn in the respective month.
Important: Child benefit and state benefits are partially included in the calculation. However, there is no uniform regulation from the authorities here.
Where do I set up a blocked account?
State support and child benefit
Child benefit is state financial support in Germany for children up to at least the age of 18 to facilitate basic care and education. It can be applied for retroactively for up to one year, but is often delayed as a residence permit is required for payment.
Childcare and school
If you are traveling with children, their care must also be ensured. In the first few weeks, this is often done by the partner traveling with you. After that, children can be enrolled in daycare centers, kindergartens or schools. In some regions of Germany, there are also long waiting times for childcare places in daycare centers and kindergartens.
Please note: You will often be heavily involved with work and additional courses (e.g. B2 certificate and knowledge test). Bear in mind that you will be working full-time right from the start. Therefore, well-organized childcare is essential.
Registration for kindergartens
In Germany, the demand for kindergarten places is very high, which is why it is important to look for a place early. Children of working parents in particular are often given preference, but they too must register in good time, sometimes up to a year in advance. In larger cities, such as Berlin or Stuttgart, there are often central online portals such as the so-called “Kita-Portal”, which parents can use to register their children in the desired kindergartens. In rural areas, on the other hand, registration often takes place directly on site at the facilities.
Certain documents are usually required for registration, including the child’s birth certificate, vaccination record and a registration certificate confirming the family’s place of residence.
We have had good experiences here so far and have been able to find a childcare place quickly. As soon as the employer has been determined, pre-registration is recommended.
Registration for schools
In Germany, compulsory schooling begins for children at the age of six, which is why they must be registered at a school before their first day of school. In large cities, registration is often organized centrally via the school authority, whereas in rural areas, children are usually assigned directly to the nearest school. For children with special needs, such as participation in intensive German classes, there are often individual counseling options to find the right school.
Certain documents are also required when registering for school. These include a certificate of registration, a school report if the child has already attended another school and often proof of health, for example a medical certificate. It is advisable to register early, as school places fill up quickly in some regions.
Work permit of the spouse
The spouse has free access to the labor market and does not require a separate permit from the immigration authority to take up employment (exception: regulated professions).
- Entry opportunities: Jobs in gastronomy, production or retail are often possible even with little knowledge of German.
- Part-time: Part-time jobs are particularly useful for combining childcare and work.
- Long-term prospects: German courses and qualifications can facilitate access to better jobs. In addition, if the spouse is not working, he/she may be required by the immigration authorities to take part in an integration course including a German course totaling approx. 700 hours. The costs amount to approx. 1500 €, but do not have to be paid off all at once.
Family reunification is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. With clear organization, timely submission of documents and financial security, nothing stands in the way of successful entry with your family. We are happy to support you in this important step so that you and your family can arrive in Germany safely!
