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Prerequisites

• You, as the parent with custody, have German citizenship and are habitually resident in Germany.
• Your child has a valid identity document.
• Your child has the necessary visa if this was required for entry.
• When you apply, your child is a minor and is neither married nor divorced or widowed.
• Your paternity or maternity of the child is proven.
• You are actually and legally willing and able to establish a family relationship with the child moving in. This is assumed if you have custody of your child. (However, custody is not a prerequisite for the granting of a residence permit.)
• There is no reason for your child to be deported.

Documents required

• Recognized and valid identity document (e.g. passport or passport substitute) of the child and of you as a parent
• Your child's visa, if required for entry
• Current biometric photo of your child in passport format (45 x 35 mm)
• Your child’s birth certificate
• If the parents are not married and the child is to join the German father. Proof of recognition of paternity
• If a parent with custody remains abroad:
  • Proof of custody
  • Consent of the parent living abroad.

The documents and information must generally be presented in German. In individual cases, the immigration authorities may require less or more evidence.

Please note

The residence permit is issued for a limited period of time. The residence permit for your child corresponds to the duration of your residence permit. This means that after the period of validity has expired, you must arrange for an extension of your residence permit and the residence permit for your child yourself.

There is no right to reunification for stepchildren and foster children. However, it is possible to obtain a residence permit on another basis.

Deadlines

The residence permit is issued for at least one year. It can be extended as long as the family continues to live together. After holding the residence permit for three years, it is possible to obtain a settlement permit.

Procedure

• You make an appointment with the responsible office
• During the appointment, your identity and the identity of the child as well as the available documents will be checked (please bring all documents, if possible in the original, with you to the appointment).
• If your application is approved, your child's fingerprints will be taken to produce the electronic residence permit (eAT card for short). Fingerprints will not be taken for children under the age of six.
• The responsible authority commissions the production of the eAT card from the Federal Printing Office.
• Once the eAT card has been completed, you will receive information and can collect the eAT card in person from the responsible office.
• If your application is rejected, you will receive a rejection notice.

Processing time

6 - 8 weeks

Fees

50,00 EUR

Additional fees may apply for issuing the residence permit in the form of an electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.

Legal remedies

contradiction

Legal basis

Section 28 paragraph 1 sentence 1 number 2 Residence Act (AufenthG)