Family Reunification and German Proof: Which Level Is Required?

With family reunification, a German proof is often involved, especially with spousal reunification. Which level is required frequently causes uncertainty. Here you get an orientation.

Which level for family reunification?

With spousal reunification, simple German skills at A1 level are in many cases required even before entry. However, there are numerous exceptions, for example depending on nationality or the purpose of residence. Which rules apply in your case is decided by the relevant diplomatic mission abroad or immigration authority, and the requirements can change. So check the current status. A classification of the certificates is given by our page which German certificate do I need.

Proof and next steps

You provide the A1 proof with a recognised certificate. After entry, further language acquisition often follows, for example in the integration course. An overview is given by which German certificate do I need, and which requirements other titles place is explained in which certificate for the residence permit. Whether telc is recognised is in is telc recognised, and for comparison language level for citizenship helps.

The bottom line

With family reunification, A1 before entry is often required, with many exceptions. The exact requirements are set by the relevant authority, ask there in good time.