National Visa - Changes Regarding A1 German Requirement for Spouses

Dear Subscriber of the Visa Newsletter,

We would like to circulate some important messages regarding the processing for National visa applications.

The following group of applicants is affected by this update:

- Spouses who wish to join their partner in Germany (Family reunion)

Depending on the residence permit or visa of the partner who plans to work in Germany or who is already working in Germany, simple German language skills based on a recognized A1 certificate may be mandatory for their spouse.

The modification of §§ 30, 32 AufenthG (German Residence Act) regarding the requirement of German language skills for family reunion with professionals and specialists came into force on 31.12.2022.

If your spouse is working in Germany under one of the following paragraphs (find it on the residence permit or visa), you do not have to submit an A1 certificate anymore:

There may be other exceptions, which will be examined by the visa office in each individual case. For further information you can also read an official leaflet here. However, this leaflet does only contain additional exceptions and has not yet been updated according to the above given examples!

Please note:
If the residence permit or visa of your spouse is not mentioned above, you still need to submit an A1 certificate.

Please bear in mind that this information does not pertain to Schengen visa applications.

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