Family Reunion Visa (parent moving for German minor)

[wheatism 0]

Hello,

 

I am a British citizen currently living in the UK. I have a son (12 years old) who has dual nationality. He was born in the UK but lives with his German mother in Germany; we are divorced, she has remarried.

 

I am hoping to move to Germany to be closer to my son and support him; although he will continue to live with his mother. I would find my own place to live and hopefully as I 'work remotely' in the UK my employer may be flexible. I am financially solvent. I think my choices are:

 

1. a blue card if my employer would sponsor me and supports me relocating to Germany but that is not ideal...

 

2. I think my second and preferred choice is a 'family reunification visa'. I would be moving to support my sons psychological welfare and development. But could I work still? How long are they valid?

 

At the moment I travel over to see my son once per month or so on a tourist visa but for his sake it would be better if I could live close to him in Germany. His mother supports this idea and thinks it would be great for my son to have me close.

 

Any ideas if this is possible? Any suggestions before I fork out €200-€300 on an initial solicitor consultation?

[LeonG 14,797]

A family visa is possible, see  BAMF - Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge - Subsequent immigration to join German nationals

 

I would suggest that you make an appointment with Ausländerbehörde where your ex lives to go to on your next trip.  That way, you can find out which forms and documents you need to apply.  Your ex could go with you if she's willing.  I am assuming that you will need to fill out an application, provide a passport photo, possibly marriage / divorce certificate and your sons' birth certificate and German passport.  I know a woman who was initially given 3 years for such a visa and it was not complicated for her to extend.

[wheatism 0]

23 hours ago, LeonG said:

A family visa is possible, see  BAMF - Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge - Subsequent immigration to join German nationals

Thanks for this... on that link it does state:

 

The key condition is that the German must have his or her main place of residence in Germany and the foreigners must intend to live with the German national as a family unit.

 

Not sure my ex will want me (as the foreigner) living with her and her new husband even if we do get on ok! My son will continue to live with them; I just plan to find a place to rent close by. Do you think that is possible? "key condition" doesn't imply it's negotiable 

[LeonG 14,797]

3 hours ago, wheatism said:

Thanks for this... on that link it does state:

 

The key condition is that the German must have his or her main place of residence in Germany and the foreigners must intend to live with the German national as a family unit.

 

Not sure my ex will want me (as the foreigner) living with her and her new husband even if we do get on ok! My son will continue to live with them; I just plan to find a place to rent close by. Do you think that is possible? "key condition" doesn't imply it's negotiable 

 

I don't think this applies in your case but would apply if for example you were moving to join a spouse, also seems to apply to minor children who are joining a German parent.  It's not listed under parents of minor children.

 

I also know a man who is here on a visa as a father of a German child.  He was never married to the mother nor did he even live with her but he has visitation with his daughter.  The website also says that you should have custody (or shared custody?) but I don't even think you need that as long as you are doing visitation and being an active parent in your childs life.  In any case, you will find out if you go there and ask.

[LimeGreenJelly 22]

I am in this situation and have an Aufenthaltstitel which I have also renewed. it is very much possible. I live in Berlin, and my daughter lives in Hamburg with her mother. I was initially approved for just 1 year.

 

It’s pretty straight forward. Make sure you have the SorgeKlärung (spelling? It shows you have joint custody - pretty easy to get)

 

good luck!

 

what I have no idea about is the time frame about converting to a permanent visa.

[LimeGreenJelly 22]

I forgot to mention the family reunion visa gives you full work privileges!

[wheatism 0]

On 22/04/2022, 16:22:11, LimeGreenJelly said:

... I was initially approved for just 1 year...

...what I have no idea about is the time frame about converting to a permanent visa.

 

@LimeGreenJelly

What happened about renewing? Did you just have to show the same papers or anything in addition?

Was it just extended for another 1 year?

 

I am now quite excited at the prospect... seems doable and I can get work so would definitely be planning for more than 1 year...

 

Thanks for posting everyone!

[LimeGreenJelly 22]

 

21 hours ago, wheatism said:

 

@LimeGreenJelly

What happened about renewing? Did you just have to show the same papers or anything in addition?

Was it just extended for another 1 year?

 

I am now quite excited at the prospect... seems doable and I can get work so would definitely be planning for more than 1 year...

 

Thanks for posting everyone!

.

 

renewal is super easy,

it was extended for another 2 years without any drama.

 

The auslanderbehorde wanted to see some kind of proof that I visit my child.

I am on good terms with my ex, and we don't have any formal arrangements with the jugendamt.

So we wrote up a letter of how often I visit my daughter and both signed it.

 

I also took in the passport from my ex and daughter to both the initial application and renewal,

as neither of them came to either.

 

Also, we were never married. Just in a defacto relationship.

 

 

good luck!

its not at all difficult, and pretty cheap (compared to applying for visas in Australia at least)

just make sure you have all the original documents.

The German govt likes that you want to be part of your child's life, and pay taxes here too I guess