For skilled workers and EU Blue Card holders, the dream isn’t complete until the family arrives. However, in 2026, “family reunion” is more than just an emotional milestone—it is a significant financial project. With Germany’s updated Bürgergeld (Citizen’s Allowance) benchmarks and the shift to the Digital Consular Services Portal, the cost of entry has changed.
This guide breaks down every Euro you’ll need to budget for, from the initial A1 language test to the final residence card issuance.
Direct Visa & Administrative Fees (Baseline Costs)
These are the main fees you must pay to the German Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You cannot avoid them.
- National Visa Fee (€75) This is the normal fee for an adult spouse who wants a long-stay D-visa in 2026.
- Minor Applicant Fee (€37.50) Children under 18 pay half price. This is a good discount for kids.
- VFS Global/Service Provider Fee (approx. €30–€40) Many embassies use outside companies like VFS Global to take fingerprints and photos. You pay this extra fee for their service.
- Translation & Legalization Costs You need to translate marriage and birth certificates into German. A certified translator must do this. It costs about €50 to €100 for each document. In some countries like Pakistan or India, the embassy may ask for extra checks. This can add more money.
- Residence Permit Fee (€100) When your family comes to Germany, they go to the local foreigners office (Ausländerbehörde). There, they change the entry visa into a real residence card (electronic residence title or eAT). This costs €100 per person.
These baseline costs add up fast. For a spouse and one child, you may pay over €300 just in fees. Plan for this early.
Financial Stability & Salary Benchmarks (The 2026 Hurdles)
In 2026, most visa rejections happen because of low income. The office checks if you can support your family without help from the government. They use Bürgergeld rules plus your rent to decide.
- Net Income Minimum (approx. €2,050) If you want to bring only your spouse, you need about €2,050 net salary per month. For spouse plus one child, it goes up to around €2,650. This is after taxes and social payments.
- Anpassungsklausel (Adjustment Clause) This rule says your income must cover all family needs. After deducting health and other costs, you should not need public money. It protects the system.
- Sufficient Living Space You must show enough room in your home. The rule is about 12 square meters for each person over 6 years old. For younger children (0-6 years), it is 10 square meters per child. In big cities like Munich or Berlin, a good apartment costs €1,200 to €1,600 warm rent (with heating). This high rent means you need even higher salary to pass the check.
Many people face problems here. You need a signed rental contract before your family applies. Without enough space and income, the visa can be refused.
Mandatory Integration & Insurance Costs
These are extra costs that many people forget. But in 2026 rules, they are needed to make your application strong.
- A1 Language Course & Exam Fee Most spouses need to show basic German (A1 level). You take a course and exam at places like Goethe-Institut or Telc. The fee is €100 to €180. Spouses of EU Blue Card holders or highly skilled workers do not need this language proof. This saves time and money.
- Incoming Insurance (Travel Health Insurance) Your family needs health cover for the first 90 days in Germany. This is travel health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage. It costs €50 to €100.
- Family Health Insurance Surcharge If you have public health insurance (GKV), your family joins for free. This is great. But if you have private insurance (PKV), you pay extra for each family member. It can be €200 to €400 per person every month.
Health costs are important. Without proper insurance, the application stops.
2026 Digital Workflow: The New Portal
From early 2026, all family reunion applications use the Consular Services Portal. This is an online system to make things faster.
- Digital Pre-Review You upload all documents online first. Then you book an appointment. Good scans help avoid mistakes and rejections.
- Fiktionsbescheinigung Fee (approx. €13) Sometimes the residence permit takes time. If the 90-day visa ends before it is ready, you need this paper to stay legal. It costs about €13.
- 68 Formal Obligation (Verpflichtungserklärung) If your income is not high enough, you can sign a promise to pay for your family. You do this at the town hall and pay €29.
The new portal is easy but needs good internet and clear documents.
FAQ: Family Reunification Costs 2026
Can I use my savings to cover a salary shortfall?
No, most times. The office wants regular monthly income. Savings help only in rare cases, like for students.
Do I need a new apartment before my family applies?
Yes. You must give a signed rental contract. It must show enough space for all family members.
How much is the document verification fee?
In some countries, the embassy checks documents extra. For example, in Pakistan, it can be around PKR 75,000 for marriage and birth papers.
These questions come up a lot. Know the answers to avoid delays.
Ready to Reunite Your Family?
The 2026 rules are strict, but you can plan them. Get a good apartment first. Make sure your net salary reaches the minimum, like €2,050 for a spouse. This removes the main problems. Many skilled workers succeed when they prepare well.
Family reunion brings joy. With right money planning, you can make it happen soon.
Would you like me to create a “Total Cost Calculator” table for your specific family size (e.g., spouse + 2 children) to help you budget for 2026?
Disclaimer: This article is for information and education only. Please check latest details from official sites like Make it in Germany portal or German Federal Foreign Office. Rules can change.