Germany Family Visa Guide 2026

Bringing your husband, wife, or children to live with you in Germany is now different because of new online rules. Starting January 15, 2026, the German government says you must use the digital way first for family reunion. This guide uses very simple English. It explains everything step by step so it is easy to understand.

If you have an EU Blue Card job or you are a skilled worker, this new online portal is the main path to bring your family.

The 2026 Digital Revolution: Consular Services Portal

Now you cannot use only paper anymore. You start your family visa application online. The website is digital.diplo.de. This is the same for people in big cities like Islamabad, Karachi, or other places. This online system helps make things quicker and clearer.

• Online Visa Pre-Check First, you fill the Videx form on the computer. Then you upload your papers. The German office checks them first. They tell you if anything is wrong or missing. This saves time later.
• e-Visa Status Tracking After you send your application, you can see the status online every day. You do not have to wait and worry. Right now in 2026, most family visas take 1 to 3 months after you go to the embassy for fingerprints and photos.
• Digital Document Upload You must send very clear photos or scans of your important papers. You need things like:

• Marriage certificate (Nikah Nama if you are from Pakistan)
• Birth certificates of children
• The residence permit of the person in Germany

You upload these before you can book a time to visit the embassy.

This new digital rule started in 2026. It makes the process modern and faster for many families.

Financial Pillars: Secure Your Livelihood

Germany wants to be sure your family will not need government help for money. So the person in Germany (the sponsor) must earn enough money. They look at your net income (money after tax). It must pay for basic living plus rent (warm rent means rent with heating and water).

The simple rule is: Basic needs money + Rent money = Your minimum net income.

Germany Family Visa Income Requirement 2026

Here are the rough amounts you need each month in 2026:

• Only husband or wife joins: About €2,050 net money. Rent is usually €700 to €850.
• Husband or wife + 1 child: About €2,650 net money. Rent is usually €850 to €1,000.
• Husband or wife + 2 children: About €3,100 net money. Rent is usually €1,000 to €1,200.

For a family of 4 people, you often need at least €3,000 net each month.

Your money can come from:

• Your job salary
• Child benefit (Kindergeld)
• Other allowed help like parental money

The income must be regular and enough for the whole family.

If your salary is very close to the limit, you can use a Blocked Account. It is like a special bank account with saved money for your family.

Language & Integration: Who is Exempt in 2026?

Most wives or husbands who come to Germany need to show basic German. This is A1 level certificate from Goethe-Institut or ÖSD. It means you know simple words for everyday talk.

But some people do not need this test.

• If your husband or wife has EU Blue Card: No A1 needed. This helps good workers bring family fast.
• If your husband or wife is a skilled worker under FEG rules (§18a or §18b): Mostly no A1 needed.
• If the person coming has a university degree and will integrate well: Sometimes no A1 needed.

Children do not need any language test.

These exemptions help Germany get more skilled people and their families.

Housing Standards: Adequate Living Space

Your house or apartment in Germany must be big enough. You cannot live in a very small place. The German office checks your rental contract.

General Rule

• Every person 6 years and older needs at least 12 square meters.
• Every child under 6 years needs at least 10 square meters.

Your home must also have:

• A kitchen
• A bathroom
• Good heating

Everything must follow the local house rules. For some skilled workers, the office may allow you to skip this proof for the first few months. But it is not sure. It depends on your city or state.

Strategic Tips for a Successful Application

Here are easy tips to make your visa application strong.

• Do not apply during job probation: Many offices say no if the sponsor is still in the first 6 months of a new job. Better to wait.
• Use Blocked Account if needed: If money is just enough, this account shows extra savings for family.
• Think about children: German law says the happiness and growth of small children is very important. Show why family must stay together.

Always make your papers complete and true.

2026 Germany Family Visa Roadmap

Quick look at different cases:

• EU Blue Card holder: No A1 language. Money rule: At least €50,700 gross per year. Easy digital way.
• Opportunity Card holder: A1 language needed. Money rules are strict. Use Consular Portal.
• German citizen: A1 sometimes needed. Money rules are easy or none. Use Consular Portal.

FAQ: Germany Family Visa 2026

Disclaimer: The new digital system in 2026 is good for families. But your papers must be perfect. Always check official websites like auswaertiges-amt.de or make-it-in-germany.com for latest news. Good luck! I hope your family comes to Germany soon.