Information concerning subsequent immigration of spouses

Following a recent change in the law, foreign spouses of German citizens and of foreign nationals living in Germany are now only able to obtain a residence permit if they can hold at least simple conversations in German. Foreign nationals wishing to move to Germany to live with their spouse must therefore be able to demonstrate basic skills in the German language before they arrive. Through this measure, Germany is aiming to achieve a situation where migrants are able to participate in society as soon as they arrive in the country.

The exceptions

The law does not apply to spouses who cannot learn German on account of having a physical, mental or psychological illness or impairment.

Further exceptions are listed in the Leaflet on subsequent immigration by spouses.

What has changed with the new law?

Spouses wishing to move to Germany must prove upon applying for a visa that they can make themselves understood in basic German (Skill level A1 of the Common European Reference Framework for Languages)

You can find out exactly what is meant by “basic German language skills” in the Leaflet on subsequent immigration by spouses.

How can spouses demonstrate basic German language skills?

Anyone wishing to apply at a German embassy or General Consulate for a visa for subsequent immigration by a spouse and who cannot yet make her/himself understood in basic German must attach to the application papers a certificate from the Goethe Institute proving successful completion of the “Start Deutsch 1” language examination.

How can you acquire basic German language skills?

If you cannot make yourself understood in simple German you must attend a German course locally if possible. Deutsche Welle radio also offers opportunities for learning German. There are free German courses for beginners and advanced learners in almost 30 different languages on this radio broadcaster’s website. Deutsche Welle has developed the audio language course “Radio D” in conjunction with the Goethe- Institut. Beginners with no knowledge of German can download the course or subscribe to it as a podcast. In addition, “Radio D” is broadcast by Deutsche Welle.

Further information about many other learning programmes and language courses is provided in the Leaflet on subsequent immigration by spouses.

Who can provide further help?

Further information about the new law and about opportunities to learn German is available via the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees’ telephone hotline (+49 911 943 6390).