For many people, family is a very important area of their life. Marriage,
partnerships and families can have all sorts of constellations. They can include
adoptive and foster children, and can be based on LGBT parenting or patchwork family
structures. Family structures can also evolve into lone parents with children if a
couple separates or a partner dies. Names are changed, certificates are issued –
there is a whole lot of bureaucracy involved.
As a family member of a German, you can, under certain conditions, apply for a permanent right of residence (settlement permit)after a three-year stay in Germany.
