What are the Conditions for Nurses' Family Reunion in Germany?

Attention all nurses! Are you planning a family reunion in Germany? Before you start packing your bags, there are a few things you need to know. As much as we'd like to say it's all beer and pretzels, some conditions must be met. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know about the conditions for nurses' family reunions in Germany – from visa requirements to health insurance. So grab a cup of coffee and let's dive in!

Visa Requirements for Nurses' Family Reunions in Germany

Nurses from all over the world strive to work in Germany due to its robust healthcare system and excellent job opportunities. As such, many nurses relocate to Germany, leaving their families behind. However, with the German government's family reunification policy, these nurses can now apply for visas for their family members to join them in Germany. Here is what you need to know about the visa requirements for nurses' family reunions in Germany.

Types of Visas Available for Nurses’ Family Reunions in Germany

The German government recognizes the importance of family and allows non-German family members of migrants to join them in Germany. There are different types of visas available for nurses' Family Reunions in Germany, depending on the status of the sponsor in Germany. For nurses, the following visas may be applicable:

• Family Reunion Visa: This type of visa is for non-EU family members of EU citizens or non-EU citizens who hold residence permits in Germany. This visa allows the holder to live and work in Germany.
• Schengen Visa: This visa allows non-EU family members to visit Germany and other Schengen countries for a limited time, typically up to 90 days.

Required Documents for Visa Application

Applying for a visa requires a substantial amount of documentation. The following are some of the documents that you need to prepare:

• Passport: A valid passport is a must-have for visa applications. The passport must be valid for at least six months from the planned entry date.
• Application form: You need to fill out a visa application form, which can be downloaded from the German embassy's website.
• Marriage certificate: If you are applying for a family reunion visa, you will need to provide a valid marriage certificate.
• Birth certificate: You will also need to provide the birth certificates of your children.
• Proof of income and health insurance: You must provide proof of adequate income and health insurance for your family members.
• Travel itinerary: You must provide a detailed travel itinerary indicating the planned dates of travel and accommodation arrangements.

Privileged Treatment

For some groups of immigrants, specific conditions may be waived for family reunification. For instance, resettlement refugees, third-country nationals who receive asylum, recognized refugees, and those who benefited from subsidiary protection. These groups do not need to demonstrate secure subsistence if they submit their family reunification application within three months of their protection status being recognized or, for resettlement refugees, once they are granted a residence permit. These conditions may change after the transition period. Additionally, certain persons may not need to provide proof of sufficient German language knowledge.

The Language Requirements of Nurses’ Family Reunions in Germany

Before family reunification can be initiated, it is essential to meet specific language requirements set by the German authorities.

In some cases, individuals may be exempt from the German language requirement. For instance, if the family member has already completed a recognized German language course, they do not need to pass the language test again. This exemption applies if the course that the family member has completed has been recognized by the German accreditation system, the BAMF, or the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees.

Moreover, family members from non-EU countries like India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, who are allowed to work in Germany, can apply for a visa under the Fast-Track-Procedure. They do not have to fulfill any German language requirements; however, they need to present a valid job contract or binding job offer from the employer in Germany.

The people who must meet certain language requirements are spouse/civil partners.

Say your spouse/civil partner lives and works in Germany. If you want to travel to Germany to meet them, you must first be over 18 years of age, and have basic command of the German language.

Additionally, if you are a single parent and are bringing your child over to Germany, make sure that you have custody of your child. And, if your child is aged between 16 and 18, they must have excellent command of the German language to get a family reunion visa.

Note: If your partner/spouse meets any of the criteria below, they won’t have to meet any of the age or language requirements;

• Being an EU Blue Cardholder.
• Being self-employed.
• Being an official researcher in Germany.
• Having a Highly-qualified status in Germany.

Further Requirements

You thought the requirements were done and over with. Right? Not just yet. Nurses living in Germany trying to reunite with their families must make sure they’ve got their papers in order. Gotta have a residence or settlement permit or be a German citizen - no sneaky business allowed. 

If you’re bringing over your significant other, make sure they’ve got a visa and that your love has been going strong for a couple of years. Note that you also need a couple of your friends to vouch for you. 

And don’t worry, they won’t kick you out as long as you’re not a troublemaker or a criminal. But hey, we’re a cool country and we wanna make sure you’re taken care of - gotta have enough space and moolah for ya first! 

As a rule of thumb for nurses trying to have nurses' Family Reunions in Germany, or anywhere else, you have to make sure you’re a resident and that you don’t have a criminal record. Not to mention the financial aspect of it all.

Restrictions of Nurses' Family Reunions in Germany

As of March 17, 2016, the Act on the Introduction of Accelerated Asylum Procedures came into effect, which limited family reunification for specific beneficiaries of subsidiary protection. 

For individuals who received a residence permit for subsidiary protection after this date, their ability to reunite with their family will be halted until March 16, 2018, according to Section 104, subs. 13 of the Residence Act. This includes parents seeking to join their unaccompanied minor children. During these two years, admission for family reunification will only occur under special hardship provisions of international law or for critical humanitarian reasons. After this transition period, the provisions enforced since August 1, 2015, will be restored automatically.

Challenges of Nurses' Family Reunions in Germany

In recent years, there has been a notable rise in the number of individuals seeking asylum and receiving protection. This has posed significant challenges for both affected families and German diplomatic missions abroad. 

Despite various efforts to speed up the process, there is still a shortage of staff and wait times for filing applications have reached over 18 months in some diplomatic missions.

To address this backlog, additional personnel, infrastructural upgrades, and faster procedures have been introduced. However, with the continued increase in beneficiaries and those entitled to apply, the number of actual applicants is also on the rise.

Exclusions for Family Reunions in Germany

Family reunification will not be permitted in case of a forced civil partnership or marriage or civil partnership or forced marriage of convenience. In addition, the application for family reunification may be refused if the sponsor does not meet certain requirements, in particular the requirement of sufficient means of subsistence. Family reunification will not be permitted either if the sponsor is non-enforceably or enforceably required to leave the country or belongs to some other status groups.

Final Word

Organizing a Nurses' Family Reunions in Germany can be an exciting and rewarding experience for nurses and their families. From the scenic locations to the delicious cuisine, Germany offers a wealth of experiences that will be sure to create unforgettable memories. Additionally, the country's rich culture and traditions provide a unique opportunity for families to connect and learn more about their heritage.

As such, we encourage nurses who are considering a family reunion in Germany to start planning and take advantage of all that this wonderful country has to offer. Whether it's hosting the reunion in a picturesque village or exploring medieval castles, there are endless possibilities for creating a truly unforgettable experience.

We hope that this article has provided helpful insights and tips for nurses who are planning a family reunion in Germany. With some careful planning and preparation, we are confident that you will be able to create a memorable and meaningful gathering for your loved ones.

FAQ

Is it necessary to obtain a visa for family members attending the reunion in Germany?

It depends on the nationality of the family member. Non-European Union citizens will need to apply for a visa before traveling to Germany.

How much should we budget for a family reunions in Germany?

The cost of a family reunion in Germany will vary depending on the number of attendees, the duration of the trip, and the activities involved. It is essential to plan a budget that covers expenses such as transportation, accommodation, food, and entertainment.

What is the best time of year to plan a Nurses' Family Reunions in Germany?

The best time to plan a family reunion in Germany is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, it is also a peak tourist season, which could increase the prices of accommodation and other activities.

Can we rent a vacation home or villa for the Nurses' Family Reunions in Germany?

Yes, Germany has many vacation homes and villas that can be rented for family reunions. It is advisable to book in advance and make sure that the property is suitable for the number of attendees and meets all the requirements. 

Can a nurse apply for a family reunion visa for their extended family members?

Yes, a nurse can apply for a family reunion visa for their extended family members such as grandparents, siblings, or cousins. However, proof of relationship and financial stability must still be provided for each family member.