Source: BUS Sachsen-Anhalt (Linie6PLus)

Applying for a residence permit for parents to join a minor foreigner

Description

As the parent of a foreign minor, you can obtain a residence permit if you come from a country outside the EU or eea and your child is a national of a country outside the EU and EEA.

In addition, you should want to establish or continue a family partnership with the child in Germany (a family cohabitation usually exists if you live with the child in a common apartment).

Furthermore, the child living in Germany should

a residence permit as a resettlement refugee, recognised person entitled to asylum or refugee, or
a settlement permit for humanitarian, political or international law reasons

and your presence in Germany is required because no other parent with custody is in Germany.

The residence permit for parents to join a minor child is a temporary residence permit. It is issued for the period of validity of the residence permit of the minor child in Germany. If the residence permit of your minor child living in Germany is valid for less than one year, your residence permit will also be issued for this shorter period.

Under certain circumstances, the Foreigners' Registration Office may oblige you to participate in an integration course. This will then be noted on your residence permit.

Prerequisites

You have a recognized and valid passport or passport substitute and, if necessary for entry - a dedicated visa.
Your child has not yet reached the age of 18.
Your child is staying in Germany unaccompanied by a parent with custody.
Your child has a residence permit as a resettlement refugee, a recognised person entitled to asylum or a recognised refugee or a settlement permit for humanitarian, political or international law reasons.
There is no interest in expulsion against you.
Your stay does not endanger or adversely affect the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Required documents

Valid passport or passport replacement
Current biometric photo
Visa, as far as this was necessary for entry
Proof of custody of the child to whom the reunification is to take place
Birth certificate of the minor child to whom the reunification is to take place
Residence permit of the minor child in Germany to which the reunification is to take place
Current registration certificate

In individual cases, the Foreigners' Registration Office may request further documents.

Fees (costs)

Issuance of residence permit: EUR 100,00

Under certain conditions, a fee reduction or fee exemption may be considered.

Hints:

Additional fees may apply for the issuance of the residence permit in the form of the electronic residence permit, which can also be used as electronic proof of identity.
The timing and form of charging and payment vary depending on the authority.

Deadlines

The residence permit should be applied for at least eight weeks before the expiry of your still valid visa or current residence permit or – if you are legally resident in Germany without a visa – within 90 days of entry.
Objection period: 1 month

Online procedure occasionally possible

Written form required
Personal appearance required

Procedure

The procedure is as follows:

Depending on the foreigners' registration office and concerns, it may be possible to apply via the Internet. Find out whether your immigration office offers the electronic application for a residence permit.
If the application is only possible in person, make an appointment with the Foreigners' Registration Office. During the appointment, your application will be accepted and your proofs will be checked (bring them with you to the appointment). Your fingerprints will be taken for the production of an electronic residence permit (eAT).
In the event of an electronic application, the Foreigners' Registration Office will contact you after receipt of your online application in order to make an appointment at the Foreigners' Registration Office if necessary. During the appointment, your certificates will be checked (bring them to the appointment) and your fingerprints will be taken for the production of the eAT.
If your application is granted, the Foreigners' Registration Office will arrange for the eAT to be produced.
After about six to eight weeks, you can pick up the eAT at the Foreigners' Registration Office.
The eAT must always be collected in person.
Fees apply for issuing the residence permit. The timing and form of payment vary depending on the authority.