7.1 General Structure of Family Reunification
A national visa is required for family reunification in Germany (spouses, children, parents of German children, reunification with persons entitled to protection, marriage in Germany); the Embassy in Accra provides its own information pages and fact sheets.
Family reunification is regulated by the Residence Act (in particular Sections 27–36 of the Residence Act; English version: Chapter 3 “Residence for family reasons”).
7.2 Spousal Reunification
Purpose: Reunification of a spouse with a person living in Germany (German citizen or third-country national with a residence permit).
Requirements under the Residence Act:
- A valid marriage recognized under German law.
- Genuine intention to live together as husband and wife.
- As a rule, sufficient living space and secure means of support for the spouse living in Germany (exceptions for Germans/persons entitled to protection).
- Proof of A1 German language proficiency for the joining spouse, unless a legal exception applies (e.g., for highly qualified individuals/Blue Card holders).
Typical documents (based on family reunification guidelines): - National visa application form + §54 declaration.
- Applicant’s passport + copies.
- 2–3 biometric photos.
- Marriage certificate (Ghanaian marriage certificate, registration with the Births and Deaths Registry if applicable); depending on the case, legalization or document verification by the embassy.
- Applicant’s birth certificate; if applicable, divorce/death certificates of former spouses.
- Copy of the passport and residence permit of the spouse living in Germany; registration certificate and lease agreement; proof of income.
- Proof of German language proficiency at level A1 (Goethe Certificate or equivalent).
7.3 Child reunification and family reunification with German children/persons entitled to protection
For minor children, parents of German children, and relatives of persons entitled to protection, simplified rules apply in some cases (e.g., lower requirements for living expenses/housing). The Embassy in Accra is also responsible in these cases and generally requires the children’s birth certificates, the parents’ marriage certificate, proof of custody, and, if applicable, document verification.
7.4 Consular Portal for Family Reunification
The Embassy has gradually integrated family reunification into the Consular Services Portal; there, applications can be prepared online and family applications submitted together.