More than 100,000 people have arrived in Germany in 2025 through family reunification with relatives. As of the end of November, 101,756 visas for this purpose had been granted, according to the Foreign Office.
The majority of those joining family members came from Turkey—nearly 15,000 people—followed by Syria (around 13,100), as well as individuals from India, Kosovo, and Albania.
Family Reunification for Subsidiary Protection Holders Suspended
The family reunification policy generally applies to spouses, minor children, and, in some cases, parents. Most often, the arriving family member is the spouse of someone residing in Germany who does not hold German citizenship.
By the end of November 2025, approximately 44,400 spouses received visas to join their partners in Germany. Around 37,200 children were reunited with their parents, and roughly 3,500 parents joined their children. An additional 16,300 visas were granted to spouses who are German citizens.
In July, the German government suspended family reunification for individuals with subsidiary protection status for a period of two years. This primarily affects refugees from Syria. Reunification is now only permitted in “hardship cases” for spouses, minor children, and, in the case of unaccompanied minors, their parents. Previously, up to 1,000 relatives of these subsidiary protection holders were allowed to join them each month.
It is possible that the two-year suspension could be reevaluated before its expiration, depending on evolving political and social conditions. The number of visas issued in 2026 and 2027 will likely be closely monitored. Furthermore, the criteria for defining “hardship cases” could become a point of contention and potential legal challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries are the most common origins for those arriving through family reunification?
According to the report, most of those arriving through family reunification came from Turkey (nearly 15,000) and Syria (around 13,100) as of the end of November 2025.
Who is eligible for family reunification in Germany?
Generally, family reunification applies to spouses, minor children, and sometimes parents. In most cases, the arriving family member is the spouse of someone living in Germany who does not have German citizenship.
What changed regarding family reunification for those with subsidiary protection status?
The German government suspended family reunification for individuals with subsidiary protection status in July for two years, with exceptions only made in “hardship cases.” Prior to this, up to 1,000 relatives of these individuals could join them monthly.
How might these changes to family reunification policies impact integration efforts within Germany?
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