Marriage in Germany

You can join your spouse in Germany once you can show basic German (A1). Enrol in a course now; most people reach A1 in a few months of part-time study.

A spouse joining a German ordinarily has to show A1 German before the visa is issued. It is a low bar: introducing yourself, simple questions, everyday phrases. Missions expect a certificate from a recognised provider such as the Goethe-Institut.

The requirement is waived where learning German is impossible or unreasonable in your case, for example no teaching within reach or illness or disability, or after a year of genuine effort without success. If one of these might apply, raise it with the mission in writing.

Once the visa is granted, Section 28 of the Residence Act gives you a residence permit that lets you work, a settlement permit after three years, and citizenship after three years' residence once the marriage has lasted two.

Email yourself a summary

Send your result and every answer you gave to your inbox, so you have it when you need it. We're copied on the email, so if you'd like our team to take a closer look, just reply.

Email Address

Notes (Optional)

Email My Summary