6.1 Basic Categories and General Structure
Family reunification from Uganda includes, in particular:
- Spousal reunification with German citizens and third-country nationals residing in Germany with a residence permit.
- Child reunification (minor, unmarried children) with parents living in Germany.
- Parent reunification with minor German children.
- Family reunification with persons entitled to protection (recognized refugees, beneficiaries of subsidiary protection).
- Visa for marriage in Germany.
The Embassy in Kampala requires verification of Ugandan documents (e.g., birth and marriage certificates) for many family reunification cases. A document verification form must be completed for this purpose; the Embassy initiates verifications through trusted lawyers/authorities.
6.2 Spousal Family Reunification
Requirements (general under the Residence Act):
- Valid marriage recognized under German law.
- Spouse in Germany holds a German passport or a valid residence permit (e.g., skilled worker, Blue Card, settlement permit).
- As a rule, sufficient living space and secure means of support for the spouse living in Germany (exceptions include Germans or persons entitled to protection).
- Proof of German language proficiency at level A1 prior to entry, unless a legal exception applies (e.g., spouse is a Blue Card holder, highly qualified, or unable to acquire the language).
** Typical documents (based on global guidelines, supplemented by Ugandan specifics):** - National visa application form + declaration pursuant to § 54 AufenthG.
- Applicant’s passport + copies; if applicable, Ugandan residence permit for third-country nationals.
- 2–3 biometric passport photos.
- Copy of the German passport or residence permit and a copy of the passport of the spouse living in Germany.
- Marriage certificate (Ugandan, URSB registration if applicable), legalization/verification if necessary, certified translation into German/English.
- Applicant’s birth certificate; divorce decrees/death certificates of former spouses if applicable.
- Certificate of residence for the spouse in Germany, lease agreement, proof of income (employment contract, pay stubs), if required.
- Proof of German language proficiency at level A1 (Goethe-Institut or similar), if required.
6.3 Family Reunification for Children
For the family reunification of minor children from Uganda to Germany, simplified or standard conditions apply, depending on the parents’ status.
Documents (excerpt):
- National application + declaration under § 54 of the Residence Act (AufenthG).
- Child’s passport, biometric photos.
- Child’s birth certificate (verification/legalization and translation, if necessary).
- Parents’ marriage certificate; proof of custody (especially if only one parent lives in Germany).
- Declaration of consent from the parent not moving with the child or court order granting sole custody.
- Proof of the parent living in Germany (passport, residence permit, registration certificate, lease agreement, income) – depending on the legal basis, requirements regarding means of support and housing may be relaxed (e.g., for German children).
6.4 Family Reunification for Persons Entitled to Protection
With the entry into force of family reunification for persons entitled to subsidiary protection, close relatives (spouses, minor children, parents of minor beneficiaries of protection) may join them under certain quota regulations. Registration and appointment scheduling are partly handled through special waiting lists/programs (IOM Family Assistance Program).