Privileged Parents and In-Laws Reunification

Privileged Immigration of Parents and Parents-in-Law under § 36 (3) of the Residence Act (AufenthG)

A skilled worker, as the primary rights holder, who is granted a residence permit for the first time on or after March 1, 2024, is allowed to apply for the immigration of their parents and parents-in-law. This provision is intended as an incentive for skilled worker immigration to Germany. The regulation is provisionally limited until the end of 2028.

Who can file a family reunion application?

Who qualifies as a holder of a residence permit as a skilled worker under this regulation?

1. Skilled worker with vocational training under § 18a AufenthG
2. Skilled worker with academic training under § 18b AufenthG
3. Holder of a permanent settlement permit for highly qualified skilled workers under § 18c (3) AufenthG
4. Researchers under § 18d AufenthG
5. Mobile researchers under § 18f AufenthG
6. Holders of the EU Blue Card under § 18g AufenthG
7. Holders of the so-called ICT Card under § 19 AufenthG and the Mobile ICT Card under § 19b AufenthG
8. Holders of a residence permit for experienced professionals under § 19c (2) AufenthG
9. Civil servants under § 19c (4) sentence 1 AufenthG
10. Holders of a residence permit for self-employment under § 21 AufenthG
11. Holders of a residence permit for other employment purposes under § 19c (1) AufenthG, specifically:
    • As senior executives or employees
    • As managerial staff
    • As company specialists
    • As scientists
    • As visiting researchers
    • As engineers or technicians in the research team of a visiting researcher
    • As teaching staff

This regulation reflects Germany’s focus on attracting skilled workers and enabling broader family reunification to support their integration and professional success.

Requirements for Issuance

• The family relationship must be proven with suitable documents, such as birth or marriage certificates.
• In the case of parents-in-law moving to Germany, both spouses must have their permanent residence in Germany. This applies only to the initial issuance of a residence permit for parents-in-law.
• The general requirements for issuance under § 5 of the Residence Act (AufenthG) must be met, particularly:
  • The livelihood of the parents or parents-in-law who are moving must be fully secured (approximately €1,000.00 per month per person). Adequate financial means can be demonstrated in the following ways:
    1. Household income of the skilled worker and/or the spouses
    2. Declaration of commitment by another person (e.g., siblings in Germany)
    3. A blocked account set up by the applicant
    4. Employment of the parents or parents-in-law (including non-qualified jobs)
• Proof of health insurance coverage is required, often before entry (voluntary health insurance without employment).
• Sufficient living space must be available (in accordance with § 29 (5) AufenthG).

The residence permit for parents or parents-in-law is issued for at least one year but cannot exceed the validity of the inviting skilled worker’s residence permit, provided the issuance requirements continue to be met.

Our law firm, Jaberi, located in Hamburg, specializes in this field and offers comprehensive advice and support in applying for this residence permit, as well as assistance with all other migration and employment law matters. With their expertise, the firm represents both employers and employees and guides clients through the entire process.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, interested parties can contact the firm at 040 41349987 or visit the website jaberilawyers.com. Additional details about office hours and services can also be found on the website.