The accelerated skilled worker procedure offers an attractive opportunity not only for skilled workers themselves, but also for their family members to enter Germany quickly and easily. In this article, we explain how the procedure works for spouses and partners as well as unmarried minors and what requirements must be met.
Family reunification as part of the accelerated skilled labour procedure
In addition to the skilled worker themselves, the accelerated skilled worker procedure also includes the spouse or registered partner as well as unmarried children who are minors. They can either enter the country together with the skilled worker or join them within six to twelve months - depending on the period of validity of the skilled worker's visa.
Important note: Inclusion of family members
It is advisable to inform the immigration authority of the inclusion of family members when concluding the agreement. However, this should be done at the latest by the time the preliminary approval is issued. This speeds up the process considerably and ensures smooth processing.
Requirements for the spouse or partner
In order to be allowed to enter Germany as a spouse or partner, certain requirements must be met:
- Recognition of marriage or civil partnership: The marriage or registered civil partnership must be recognised by the state in the country of origin and be legally valid in Germany.
- Documents: The spouse or partner must present the following documents:
- Recognised and valid passport or passport substitute
- Power of attorney from the spouse/life partner to the employer
- Marriage certificate or civil partnership certificate in original or as officially certified copy, supplemented by a German translation
- Language certificate: Proof of German language skills at least at level A1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is required. Exceptions apply in the cases of § 30 para. 1 sentence 3 AufenthG.
Requirements for underage, unmarried children
Underage, unmarried children can also join you as part of the accelerated skilled labour procedure. The following conditions apply here:
- Age limit: The children must not have reached the age of 18 and must be single (not married, divorced or widowed).
- Documents: The following documents must be submitted:
- Recognised and valid passport or passport substitute of the child
- Authorisation of the custodial parents to the employer
- Birth certificate in original or as officially certified copy, supplemented by a German translation
Securing a livelihood and sufficient living space
A key criterion for family reunification is proof that the livelihood of the entire family is secured. The livelihood must be secured for the entire duration of the stay in Germany.
Housing requirements:
- At least 12 m² of living space must be available for each family member aged 6 and over.
- For children under the age of 6, the minimum requirement is 10 m².
Even if the skilled worker's salary may not be sufficient, it can be proven that they have other means of subsistence. Exceptions to the requirement to provide proof of sufficient living space are possible in the cases set out in Section 29 (5) AufenthG.
Conclusion
The accelerated skilled worker procedure not only makes it easier for the skilled workers themselves to enter the country, but also for their family members. It is important to provide the necessary documents at an early stage and to inform family members of their inclusion when submitting the application. This ensures a speedy process and facilitates the start in Germany.
