Family Reunification Europe
Reunite with your spouse, children, parents, and loved ones. Expert guidance through European family immigration pathways
Spouse & Partner
Bring your married spouse or registered partner to live with you in Europe
Minor Children
Reunite with children under 18 years old
Elderly Parents
Sponsor parents in certain countries under specific conditions
EU Rights
Strong legal protections under EU family reunification directives
👨👩👧👦 Who Can Join You in Europe?
Family reunification rights vary by country, but most EU nations allow the following family members to join:
Spouse
Married partner (opposite-sex and same-sex marriages recognized)
Registered Partner
Civil partners or long-term partners (varies by country)
Minor Children
Children under 18, including adopted and stepchildren
Dependent Parents
Elderly parents who are financially dependent (certain countries)
Family Reunification in Germany 🇩🇪
Germany offers robust family reunification rights for spouses, minor children, and in some cases parents. The process requires proof of sufficient living space and financial stability.
- Spouse/Partner: Must have residence permit; spouse needs basic German (A1) unless exemption applies
- Minor Children: Can join both parents; must be under 18
- Parents: Can join only under exceptional hardship cases or if parent is a minor's guardian
- Financial Requirement: Proof of sufficient income (approx. €2,200-€2,500/month net)
- Housing Requirement: Adequate living space (12m² per adult, 10m² per child)
- Processing Time: 3-6 months
Family Reunification in France 🇫🇷
France's family reunification (regroupement familial) allows spouse and minor children to join. The process is well-structured with specific income and housing requirements.
- Spouse: Must be legally married; no language requirement initially
- Minor Children: Under 18 at time of application
- Parents: Generally not included unless exceptional circumstances
- Income Requirement: Minimum monthly income based on family size (€1,500-€2,000+ net)
- Housing Requirement: Adequate housing meeting OFII standards
- Processing Time: 6-12 months (OFII processing)
Family Reunification in Spain 🇪🇸
Spain allows family reunification (reagrupación familiar) for spouses, minor children, and dependent parents. The process requires the sponsor to hold a residence permit for at least one year.
- Spouse: Legally married; de facto partners (pareja de hecho) recognized in some regions
- Minor Children: Under 18 and unmarried
- Dependent Parents: Over 65 and financially dependent
- Income Requirement: 150% of IPREM (approx. €1,200/month) + 50% per additional family member
- Housing Requirement: Adequate housing report (informe de vivienda)
- Processing Time: 3-6 months
Family Reunification in Netherlands 🇳🇱
The Netherlands offers family reunification for spouses, registered partners, and minor children. The process is administered by the IND (Immigration and Naturalisation Service).
- Spouse/Partner: Married or registered partnership; unmarried partners can also apply if relationship is proven
- Minor Children: Under 18 years old
- Parents: Not automatically included; exceptional cases only
- Income Requirement: Minimum of 100% minimum wage (approx. €2,100/month gross)
- Language Requirement: Spouse must pass basic civic integration exam abroad (except exemptions)
- Processing Time: 2-3 months
Family Reunification in Italy 🇮🇹
Italy's family reunification (ricongiungimento familiare) allows spouse, minor children, and dependent parents to join. The process is managed through the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione.
- Spouse: Legally married; de facto partnerships recognized in some regions
- Minor Children: Under 18, including adopted children
- Dependent Parents: If parents are over 65 and have no other children to support them in home country
- Income Requirement: Minimum annual income based on family size (€9,000-€20,000+)
- Housing Requirement: Certificate of accommodation (idoneità alloggiativa)
- Processing Time: 4-8 months
🇪🇺 Special Rights for EU Citizens & Blue Card Holders
If you are an EU citizen exercising free movement rights, or an EU Blue Card holder, family reunification rules are more favorable:
EU Citizens
Family members (spouse, children, parents) can join without waiting periods, income requirements, or language tests in most cases
EU Blue Card Holders
Can bring family immediately without waiting period; family members receive work rights upon arrival
Fast-Track Processing
Priority processing for EU citizen family members and Blue Card holders
No Language Requirements
Language tests often waived for EU citizen family reunification
How Family Reunification Works
Check Eligibility
Verify that the sponsor holds valid residence permit and meets income/housing requirements
Submit Application
Apply at local immigration authority or embassy. Provide marriage/birth certificates (apostilled), proof of relationship, financial documents
Visa Issuance
Family member applies for entry visa at embassy in home country after approval
Arrival & Residence
Upon arrival, register with local authorities and apply for family residence permit