Germany has confirmed that citizens from 14 countries can travel to the country without a visa if they are accompanying a spouse or civil partner, with the option of applying for a residence permit after arrival.
Notably, no African country is on the visa-free list for family reunification, so citizens of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, and the rest of the continent must go through the standard visa application process at a German embassy before traveling.
Countries with visa-free access for Germany family reunification
According to the German government’s official immigration resource, nationals of the following countries may enter Germany for family reunification and then apply for the necessary residence permit at the local foreigners authority:
- Andorra
- Australia
- Brazil
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Israel
- Japan
- Canada
- Monaco
- New Zealand
- San Marino
- Republic of Korea
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
How Germany visa-free entry process works
Once in Germany, eligible nationals must contact the appropriate foreigners authority to formalize their stay.
The permit application is handled locally rather than at an embassy abroad, making the process much easier for those from qualifying countries.
Everyone else must obtain a visa before traveling to reunite with their families. Spouses from non-exempt countries must apply online through the Federal Foreign Office’s Consular Services Portal or in person at their nearest German Embassy.
Documents required for visa-free application
A valid passport and a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, or registered partnership certificate are the main documents required for a family reunification visa application.
Additional documents may be required depending on the circumstances, and applicants are advised to consult with their local German embassy for a complete list of requirements before submitting anything.
Processing times can vary, and Germany’s immigration guidelines recommend that applicants start gathering their documents early to avoid delays.
The Federal Foreign Office maintains a comprehensive directory of German missions abroad via its Advisory and Contact Services channel to assist applicants in locating the appropriate embassy for their location.
