Russian applicants · Federal Republic of Germany
Family reunion residence permit for Russian citizens
Residence permit for spouses and children of German residents or citizens.
- Processing time
- Varies — historically 6–12 months from consulate to residence permit.
- Government fees
- Visa €75; residence permit €100.
- Typical duration
- Typically 1–3 years at a time; leads to settlement.
- Sponsor required
- No
- Leads to settlement
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Schengen Area
Consular processing: Applicable consular post in origin country
Tourist entry vs. this route
Russian nationals require a visa for any entry into Federal Republic of Germany. The Family reunion residence permit is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Visa overview
Family reunion covers spouses and minor children of Germans and non-EU residents. Requirements include adequate housing, sufficient income, and — for spouses in most cases — A1 German before arrival. Several exemptions apply, including for spouses of Blue Card holders.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Qualifying sponsor resident in Germany.
- ✓Adequate income and housing.
- ✓A1 German for spouses (with exemptions, including Blue Card spouses).
Common blockers
- !Sponsor's income or housing insufficient.
- !A1 German not attained and no exemption applies.
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage certificate (apostilled / legalised).
- ·Sponsor's payslips and accommodation evidence.
- ·Language certificate.
Application pathway
Confirm sponsor eligibility and document housing/income
Sponsor prepares apartment rental contract, Meldebescheinigung, and income evidence.
Attain A1 German if required
Sit the Goethe-Zertifikat A1 or equivalent.
Apply for family-reunion visa at consulate
Submit with marriage/birth certificates and supporting documents.
Enter Germany and register for residence permit
Anmeldung and Ausländerbehörde appointment.
Other Federal Republic of Germany routes covered for Russian applicants
Comparable routes in other destinations
Frequently asked questions
Are Russian citizens eligible for the Family reunion residence permit?+
Eligibility for the Family reunion residence permit is set by BAMF and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Russian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Schengen Area. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Russian applicants typically file the Family reunion residence permit?+
Applicable consular post in origin country. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by BAMF — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Russian applicants need a tourist visa for Federal Republic of Germany as well?+
Russian nationals require a visa for any entry into Federal Republic of Germany. The Family reunion residence permit is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Do spouses of EU Blue Card holders need to speak German?+
No. Spouses of Blue Card holders are typically exempt from the pre-arrival A1 German requirement. This is one of the most practical advantages of the Blue Card route.