Germany issued 71,100 spouse reunification visas in 2022, highest to Indians

Germany shared in a recent report that in 2022, the visa offices in foreign embassies and consulates granted a significant number of visas for 'reuniting spouses'. These visas that are granted are part of Germany's family reunion visa program, and we Indians received the highest number of these visas.

What

According to the country's Federal Foreign Office, in the year 2022, Germany issued a total of 71,129 visas for the purpose of reuniting spouses among foreign nationals, as reported by SchengenVisaInfo.com.

This number was significantly higher than the previous year, and here's what else the data says: 

• Indians received the highest number of spouse reunification visas from Germany in 2022.
• A total of 8,930 Indian citizens were granted these visas, with the majority processed by the German Consulate General in Bengaluru.
• Turkish nationals secured the second-highest count of spouse reunification visas in Germany last year. A total of 8,778 citizens from Turkey were granted these visas. Most of these were approved by the German Embassy in Istanbul and the Consulate General in Ankara.
• Third on the list were citizens of Lebanon. Germany granted a total of 5,008 such visas to Lebanese citizens in 2022.
• Additionally, Germany awarded a substantial number of spouse reunification visas to citizens of Russia, Kosovo, and Iran.
• Russians obtained a total of 4,981 spouse reunification visas, while Kosovars received 4,643; and Iranians were granted 4,161 spouse reunification visas in the year 2022.

If you're wondering what exactly is spouse reunification visa, here's a quick guide: 

• Spouse visa is a part of the family reunion visa, which is a special kind of visa issued by the German government.
• What is it? The German government allows immigrants from non-EU countries who are working in the country to bring their family members to the country on a temporary or permanent basis.
• The family members also include spouses, and there are a few criteria that need to be fulfilled to get the family unification or spouse reunification visa. 

What are the conditions for obtaining a family reunion visa for Germany?

For you to be eligible for a family reunion visa to Germany based on your relative, spouse, or partner's residency in the country, the following prerequisites need to be met:

1. Residence authorisation: Your family member in Germany must possess a valid residence permit.

2. Health coverage: Adequate health insurance coverage for people coming to Germany is required.

3. Financial verification: The individual should have the financial capability.

4. Adequate accommodation: There must be sufficient living space for your stay.

READ MORE: Germany reduces Schengen visa processing time in India to 8 weeks, after 8,875 rejections in 2022

What about spouses? 

If you are joining your spouse/partner who is living and working in Germany, you must initially be over the age of 18 and have basic knowledge of the German language.

BUT

If your spouse/civil partner belongs to one of the following categories, there is no age nor language requirement:

• EU Blue Cardholder.
• Is self-employed.
• Has a researcher status in Germany.
• Has a highly qualified status in Germany.

If your partner was issued a residence permit while you were married, then you can get the permit as well, if you simply fulfil the requirements. On the other hand, if your spouse was awarded the permit after you were married, then you might have to wait for two years until you can apply. So clearly, marriage should be basic reason why you want a visa for Germany. 

To know more, you can always check with the respective embassies or visit schengenvisa.com. 

Other kinds of visa

Indians also topped the list when it came to work visas, of course. Last year, Germany granted a total of 1,52,336 work visas. 

Moreover, a high number of visas were issued for study purposes. Germany issued 71,018 national study visas in 2022, with students from India, Türkiye, and China being the main beneficiaries.

READ MORE: Indian passport holders spent Rs 54 crore on German Schengen visa in 2022