Complete Guide to Family Reunification
One of the major benefits of the EU Blue Card is the ability to bring your family to Europe immediately and without waiting periods. This guide covers everything you need to know about family reunification.
Family Reunification Benefits
Blue Card holders enjoy significantly better family reunification rights compared to holders of national work permits. Key benefits include:
No Waiting Period
Family members can join immediately - no need to wait months or years
Full Work Rights
Spouses have unrestricted access to the labor market
No Accommodation Proof
Many countries waive strict housing size requirements for Blue Card families
EU Mobility Rights
Family can move with you to other EU countries
Who Can Join You?
Spouse or Registered Partner
Your legally married spouse or registered civil partner can join you. Requirements:
- Valid marriage certificate or civil partnership registration
- Marriage must be legally recognized in the EU country
- Some countries have minimum age requirements (usually 18+)
Minor Children
Your children under 18 can join you. This includes:
- Your biological children
- Your spouse's biological children (if you have custody)
- Legally adopted children
Adult Children (Limited Cases)
Adult children may qualify in specific circumstances:
- If unable to support themselves due to disability or serious health condition
- Some countries allow students up to age 21-25
- Rules vary significantly by country
Application Process
Gather Documents
Collect all required documents and have them translated and apostilled
Apply for Family Visa
Family members apply at the embassy/consulate in their home country
Wait for Processing
Processing typically takes 4-12 weeks depending on the country
Enter & Register
Family enters on family visa and registers at local authorities
Receive Residence Permit
Family members receive residence permits linked to your Blue Card
Timing Options
You have two options for when family members apply:
Required Documents
For Your Spouse
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Passport photos (2-4, biometric format)
- Family reunification visa application form
- Marriage certificate (original + certified translation)
- Copy of your Blue Card or approval letter
- Proof of accommodation in the EU country
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Your employment contract or recent payslips
For Minor Children
- Valid passport for each child
- Birth certificate (original + certified translation)
- Passport photos
- Visa application form (signed by both parents for minors)
- Consent letter from non-accompanying parent (if applicable)
- Custody documentation (if relevant)
- School enrollment letter (some countries)
Document Tips
- All documents must be translated by certified translators
- Documents need apostille (Hague Convention countries) or legalization
- Some embassies accept documents in English - check beforehand
- Recent documents (less than 6 months old) are generally required
Rights of Family Members
Spouse Rights
- Work: Immediate and unrestricted access to the labor market
- Education: Access to language courses and vocational training
- Healthcare: Full access to the healthcare system
- Social benefits: Same access as nationals in most cases
- Mobility: Can travel freely within Schengen area
Children's Rights
- Education: Free access to public schools
- Healthcare: Full pediatric healthcare access
- Language support: Integration/language programs available
- Childcare: Access to kindergartens and childcare
- Work: May work part-time from age 15-16 (varies by country)
What Happens If You Change Jobs?
Family members' residence permits are linked to your Blue Card. If you change jobs:
- If the new job still meets Blue Card requirements, family permits remain valid
- You should notify the immigration authority of the job change
- Family permits may need to be updated with new information
If You Lose Your Job
Blue Card holders have 3 months (6 months after 2 years) to find new employment without losing status. During this time:
- Family members' residence permits remain valid
- Spouse can continue working
- Children continue schooling
Moving to Another EU Country
After 12 months in your first EU country, you can move to another EU member state using intra-EU mobility rights. Your family can move with you:
Apply for new Blue Card in the second EU country
Family members apply for new residence permits simultaneously
Simplified procedure - no need to return to home country
Path to Permanent Residence
Family members can also qualify for permanent residence (long-term residence status):
- Same timeline as the Blue Card holder (33 months, or 21 with language skills)
- May need to demonstrate basic language knowledge
- Must have been legally resident throughout the period
- Permanent residence gives even more stability and rights
Country-Specific Considerations
🇩🇪 Germany
No income or space requirements for Blue Card family reunification. Spouse gets immediate work rights. Family can apply before or after main applicant arrives.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Fast processing (2-4 weeks). Family applications can be submitted together with main application. 30% tax ruling may apply to spouse income too.
🇫🇷 France
Family members can start working immediately. Children get access to French public schools. Integration courses available.
🇦🇹 Austria
Some German language requirements may apply. Red-White-Red Card family category used. Spouse work permit issued automatically.
Have Questions?
Check our FAQ or explore country-specific family reunification requirements.