Can I stay in Germany if I marry a German? (2023)

What happens when you marry a German citizen?

If you marry a person who holds German citizenship, you will not automatically be considered a German citizen, but you are entitled to a residence permit for three years if you and your partner both want to live together in Germany.

Can I get permanent residency in Germany after marriage?

The residence permit will be temporary, but after a few years of marriage (usually two years) and time spent in Germany (three years), the spouse becomes eligible to gain permanent residence. During this time, the spouse can apply for permits that are for employment or study purposes.

Can I marry a German and become a citizen?

Spouses or registered same-sex partners of German citizens are eligible for naturalization after three years of legal residence in Germany. They must have been married or in a registered partnership for at least two years at the time of application. The general requirements for naturalization also apply.

How do I get German residency through marriage?

Spouses arriving in Germany must register their new address at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residents' Registration Office) and then apply in person for a temporary residence permit for spouses joining their partners.

Does Germany recognize US marriage?

The basic rule is that a marriage entered into abroad will be regarded as valid in Germany if the legal provisions relating to marriage of that foreign state were abided by.

Is a marriage in Germany legal in the US?

However, the religious ceremony can only be held after the civil ceremony, § 67 PStG (PersoneflStafldsgesetz, Personal Status Act). All marriages performed in Germany according to the German law are recognized in the United States.

Can I live in Germany as a U.S. citizen?

A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.

How long does it take to get a German spouse visa?

As your application will also be forwarded to the competent immigration authorities in Germany, processing will take at least three months.

What are the benefits of getting married in Germany?

The advantages are greatest for couples with children and a classic life model in which one earns little and looks after the children and the other earns a higher income full-time. In this case, marriage can bring up to 10,000 EUR more in disposable income per year in Germany.

How long does it take to get German citizenship after marriage?

Provided certain other conditions are met you have the right to naturalization after you have been legally resident in the Federal Republic of Germany for three years. However you have to have been married for at least two years. For further advice and information, please contact the competent local German authority.

Can I marry a German on a tourist visa?

According to German law, it is not allowed to register a marriage with a foreigner who came to Germany on a Schengen visa as a tourist or guest. Rather, you can sign, but to obtain a residence permit you will have to go back home and from there apply for family reunification.

Can I live with my partner in Germany?

Even if your partner is a national of a non-EU country, you can look forward to living together in Germany. For your spouse to be able to join you, the following requirements are to be met: Right of residence: As an employee, you have a temporary or permanent residence permit or an EU Blue Card for Germany.

How long is the marriage process in Germany?

The process of getting married in Germany can be fairly quick, as couples must tie the knot within six months of receiving their marriage license. Couples have a civil ceremony at a registry office. They can then choose to follow this with a religious ceremony or reception; however, this has no legal effect.

How long does it take to get permanent residency in Germany?

The settlement permit

In order to receive this title, you must have held a residence title for at least five years, have paid statutory pension insurance contributions for at least 60 months, have a secure livelihood, and be well integrated.

Is it easy to get German residency?

To be eligible for this permit, you must have lived in Germany for at least five years (or three years if you are married to a German citizen). You must also be able to provide proof of your employment, financial resources, and German language skills. If you have this permit, you can stay in Germany indefinitely.

Does Germany allow dual citizenship through marriage?

You can apply for citizenship if you have permanent residence in Germany and if: You have lived in Germany for at least eight years of residence legally. You have been married to a German citizen (or partner) for at least three years. You are stateless.

Do I need to register my marriage in the US if I got married abroad?

The United States has no national registration of marriages, foreign or domestic. U.S. states recognize marriages performed in other states and in other countries. If your marriage was legally performed in the country or state where you got married, then the marriage is recognized in the United States.

Can I bring my fiance to Germany?

If so, the fiancé(e) living in Germany must first apply to a German registry office for a date on which to establish the marriage or life partnership. The fiancé(e) living abroad will then apply to the German foreign mission (embassy or general consulate) for a national visa for the purpose of marriage.

Can I be deported if I am married to a citizen?

Can you be deported if you are married to an American citizen? The answer is yes, you can. About 10% of all the people who get deported from the U.S. every year are lawful permanent residents. You can actually be deported for several reasons.

How can I bring my German wife to USA?

If you are a U.S. citizen you have two ways to bring your foreign spouse (husband or wife) to the United States to live. They are: Immigrant visa for a Spouse of a U.S. Citizen (IR1 or CR1) - An immigrant Petition for Alien Relative, Form I-130 is required. Learn more.

What do I need to marry a German citizen?

Valid ID, such as a passport or identity card (not a driving licence) Birth certificate (issued in the last six months), original or certified true copy showing parents' names. Certificate of no impediment to marriage (Ehefähigkeitszeugnis), which can be obtained from your local mission or embassy.

Is it hard for an American to move to Germany?

It is not difficult to move to Germany from the US if you have a valid reason, such as a job offer, a letter of acceptance from a German university, or wishing to join your partner. However, generally speaking, everyone outside the EU/EEA or Switzerland needs a solid reason to receive a German residence permit.

How do I permanently move to Germany from the US?

How long can an American stay in Germany?

US citizens in possession of a valid US passport do not need a visa for airport transit, tourist or business trips for stays up to 90 days.

What level of German is required for spouse visa?

2 The parties must already have been married before one of the spouses moves the location of their usual place of residence to the federal territory. A basic knowledge of German means a knowledge of German at proficiency level A1 of the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.

Can a spousal visa be denied?

Spouse Visa Refusals can be distressing for couples and families hoping to live together and start a new life in the United States, but the decision can be appealed. We've had spouse visa petitions denied by U.S. Visas and Immigration.

What are the reasons for rejecting a spouse visa to Germany?

Who pays for the wedding in Germany?

Costs – the father of the bride has to pay the wedding. This is an old custom but today normally both parents and the couple itself divide the costs for the wedding. Dance – the first dance is danced by the bride and the groom, it is traditionally a waltz.

Do German marriages last?

Couples together for average of 14 years before divorcing

Interestingly, many couples wait a long time before dissolving their marriage, with around 22.900 or 16,1 percent of all couples having celebrated their silver wedding anniversary (being married for 25 years) before divorcing.

Does Germany allow dual citizenship?

Immigrants currently entitled to dual citizenship in Germany include EU and Swiss nationals, those whose country of origin does not allow people to renounce citizenship (e.g. Iran, Afghanistan, Morocco), children of parents with German and other citizenship, refugees who are threatened with persecution in their home ...

What is the fastest way to get German citizenship?

Can I Apply for Naturalization Quicker? Yes, in some cases, you can apply to become a naturalized German citizen quicker than in eight years' time. This includes: After seven years of residence, if you completed a German language integration course at a Community College (Volkshochsschule).

Can I get my German citizenship back after becoming a US citizen?

Can I get my German citizenship back? In principle it is possible for former Germans to be renaturalized. Key conditions include the ability to support oneself, mastery of the German language and proof of ties to Germany. Generally health insurance for Germany is also required.

Which country gives free citizenship?

Austria, Belgium, Ecuador, Belize and Costa Rica, countries where you can get citizenship and work visas easily of you have an Indian passport. Travel Tips, Immigration with Indian Passport: There are many countries in the world who give citizenship of their country if you have the passport of India and some documents.

Can I stay in Europe if I marry a European?

If your EU spouse is legally employed in another EU country, you can stay there with them without having to meet any conditions.

How much does a couple need to live in Germany?

You will need around 934 euros a month to cover your living expenses in Germany as of 2022. On average, to cover your living expenses in Germany you will need around 934 euros per month (around $906 US dollars) or 11,208 euros per year (around $10,876 US dollars).

Can I move to Germany without a job?

Can I Move to Germany Without a Job? If you are a non-EU national, you cannot live in Germany longer than three months, unless you are working or studying. However, if you meet the requirements, you can apply for a job-seeker visa which allows you to stay in Germany for up to six months as you look for employment.

How do I prove my relationship in Germany?

The declaration is to be completed by the person living in Germany who is to receive the visit from his/her partner. It must be accompanied by a copy of an identity document of the person living in Germany. The declaration must be signed by both partners.

How much does it cost to register marriage in Germany?

These fees are subject to the law of the federal state in which the registry office is located and may also vary according to the case. The fee will probably be between 80 and 120 euros. Usually the registry office will send a request for payment of the fees before beginning to process the application.

Do I need a visa to get married in Germany?

A visa for an intended marriage in Germany can only be granted if a certificate of intended marriage (“Anmeldung zur Eheschließung”) has been issued by the competent German Civil Registrar. You are required to present a valid passport (min. validity 6 months).

How do I get a German residence permit through marriage?

Spouses arriving in Germany must register their new address at the Einwohnermeldeamt (Residents' Registration Office) and then apply in person for a temporary residence permit for spouses joining their partners.

How can I get permanent residency in Germany through marriage?

First of all you have to apply for a visa for family reunification (subsequent immigration of spouses) from the competent German mission abroad. Documents required include an authenticated marriage certificate as well as the German passport of the German spouse.

Can a US citizen live in Germany?

A residence visa is required if you intend to stay in Germany for more than 90 days for work or study or if you intend to move to Germany permanently.

How long can you live in Germany without a citizenship?

Think of a “travel visa” as an entry permit for a limited time as a tourist or business person. Only if you want to stay longer than 90 days in Germany, are you required to apply for a RESIDENCE PERMIT.

Is residency free in Germany?

After clearing the KP test Doctors are eligible to go for free PG/Medical Residency to work as a doctor in Germany.

How long does marriage visa Germany take?

As your application will also be forwarded to the competent immigration authorities in Germany, processing will take at least three months.

How long can a US citizen stay in Germany?

US citizens in possession of a valid US passport do not need a visa for airport transit, tourist or business trips for stays up to 90 days.

Do I lose my US citizenship if I become a German citizen?

See the sections above entitled, "Basics about American Citizenship Law" and "Basics about German Citizenship Law". Neither country requires a person born under these circumstances to choose between American and German citizenship, i.e., he/she may keep both citizenships his/her entire life.