How much salary do you need for family reunification?
The salary for family reunification is decisive, so that your declaration of commitment according to § 68 AufenthG is recognized. As a guide, you need at least 2,050 € minimum incomeif you are a single person and would like to bring your spouse to Germany. This sum results from the minimum rent of approx. 700 € and the standard requirement level of the citizen's allowance.
The amount of the necessary net income increases if you are applying jointly with your spouse and other family members are to come to Germany, or if you want to bring more than one person.
Salary table for family reunification
Enclosed is a net salary table for your guidance if you are applying for family reunification under § 29 AufenthG or submit a declaration of commitment:
Applicant | Net salary for 1 person joining the family | Net salary for 2 persons joining you (e.g. spouse & 1 child) | Net salary for 3 persons joining you (e.g. spouse & 2 children) |
|---|---|---|---|
Single reference person | 2.050 € | 2.650 €
| 3.250 €
|
Single caregiver with 1 child
| 2.650 €
| 3.250 €
| 3.900 €
|
Single caregiver with 2 children
| 3.100 €
| 3.700 €
| 4.350 €
|
Note: The values are always based on the amount of rent and the number and age of the people moving in.
Appropriate rent levels for different household sizes
Rent is very important when calculating your necessary net salary. The higher your rent, the more salary you need to prove. Different rent levels are considered appropriate. The appropriate rent level varies depending on the living space and number of people in the household. Here is an orientation table:
Number of persons | Appropriate living space | Average rent (warm) |
|---|---|---|
2 persons | 60 m²
| 700-850 €
|
3 persons
| 75 m²
| 850-1.000 €
|
4 persons
| 90 m²
| 1.000-1.200 €
|
5 persons
| 105 m²
| 1.200-1.400 €
|
*Please note that rental prices can vary greatly depending on the region.
The amount of your rent is decisive for the net salary with which you plan to apply for family reunification. In Cottbus, the average rent of €7.51 per square meter is much lower than in Freiburg, for example, at €13.91 per square meter. Accordingly, you should expect a higher salary for family reunification in Freiburg.
Are the salary targets gross or net?
When calculating income for family reunification, the net salary always applies. net salary. The net salary is the amount that is paid to you after deduction of taxes and insurance contributions. It is therefore the money you actually have available for living expenses.
In principle, income is still adjusted for family reunification. This adjustment is always made from the gross salary. The adjusted sum is then deducted from the net wage, and this sum must be higher than the entitlement (citizen's allowance + rent).
Example: A single person with a net salary of € 2,400 would like to join their spouse.
- Rent: 700 € (warm)
- Standard requirement for 2 persons: € 1,000
- Total requirement: € 1,700
- Adjusted net income: € 2,050
As the adjusted net salary of €2,050 exceeds the total requirement of €1,700, the financial requirement for family reunification is met. requirement for family reunification is met.
Why is the salary a prerequisite for family reunification?
The more money you earn, the better you will be able to provide financially for yourself and your family. For this reason, securing your livelihood is usually one of the requirements for family reunification in accordance with § 29 AufenthG. You will need the salary statements to submit a declaration of commitmentg at the Foreigners' office or when applying for a visa at the embassy.
What happens if I don't earn enough money?
If the income is not sufficient, there are alternatives, such as the declaration of commitment by a third party (e.g. friends or relatives) or setting up a blocked account. A blocked account requires a deposit that covers living expenses for five years, based on the same criteria (standard needs + rent). This can be a heavy financial burden, but it is a legal option.
Can I receive public benefits?
There are public benefits that you may receive and that do not count as the use of public benefits within the meaning of the Residence Act. You can receive the following benefits:
- Child benefit
- Child supplement
- Parental allowance
- Parental allowance
- Benefits such as BAB or BaföG
- Benefits under the Maintenance Advance Act
These benefits reduce your own income requirement as they count as part of your disposable income. This is particularly helpful for families with childrenas child benefit can be up to €250 per child per month.
We can help you with questions about family reunification and salary!
With the Settlement permit or Naturalization , family reunification is easier. We at Migrando have years of experience in advising on Settlement permit and Naturalization and assisting clients with their applications! Let us successfully tackle your application for Naturalization or Settlement permit together!
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the salary for family reunification
As a single person, you must pay at least at least € 2,050 net salary to be able to provide a guarantee for your family member joining you.
In the event of family reunification, you may receive the following benefits:
- Child benefit
- Parental allowance
- Parental allowance
- Child supplement
- Benefits such as BAB or BaföG
- Benefits under the Maintenance Advance Act
As a guide, the following is sufficient for a single person 2,050 € net. Your salary depends on whether you are applying alone, whether you live alone and how many people are joining you. At the same time, how high your rent is is also decisive. The higher your rent, the more income you will have to prove.
Yes. It is possible for third parties to undertake to join your family members. These persons must then submit a declaration of commitment and are responsible accordingly and must ensure that they can support themselves in full.
