Applying for a family reunion visa in Germany can be one of the most emotionally exhausting and administratively complex processes an applicant will ever face.
After more than two years navigating the system — and learning from many others who went through the same struggle — these are the most important lessons, mistakes to avoid, and strategies that actually work.
🧭 1. Understand the Two-Sided System
Your application is never handled by only one authority.
It always involves:
- the German mission abroad (embassy or consulate), and
- the local immigration office in Germany (Ausländerbehörde).
If one side is waiting for documents from the other, your case can stall for months.
What works:
Always ask both sides where your file currently is.
📂 2. Track Every Document and Every Date
Create a simple timeline of:
- application submission date
- interview date
- document requests
- when each document was sent
- which authority currently holds your file
This timeline becomes extremely powerful when requesting help from universities, lawyers, or officials.
📧 3. Save All Emails — They Become Your Evidence
Written records protect you.
If one authority says “we sent the file” and another says “we are still waiting”, your emails expose the problem instantly.
Never rely only on phone calls.
🏛️ 4. Use Institutional Support When Available
If you are a student, researcher, or employee:
- contact your international office,
- involve your supervisor or department head.
A short institutional letter often carries more weight than many personal requests.
🩺 5. Health and Stability Matter
If prolonged separation affects your health, work, or studies:
- document it,
- obtain a short medical statement,
- communicate the facts professionally.
German authorities do consider human impact — when it is properly documented.
🔁 6. Force Coordination (Politely)
Sometimes delays happen simply because:
Authority A believes Authority B has the file —
and Authority B believes Authority A has it.
What works:
- email both authorities,
- CC them together,
- request clarification.
This often resolves months of delay in a single exchange.
🎓 7. Special Case for Public-Funded Scholarship Holders — Apply Together with Family
If your scholarship is paid from public funds (e.g., DAAD, Erasmus+, Marie Curie) and your application is handled by the German Embassy in Abuja, you should request to apply together with your family from the start.
This special arrangement can prevent waiting times of several years, which often occur when family members apply separately after the main applicant has already travelled.
What to do (simple):
- Visit the official contact form:
👉 https://nigeria.diplo.de/ng-en/service/kontaktformular - Write a short message clearly stating:
- the scholarship you hold, and
- that you request joint application with your family.
You do not need all documents at this stage.
Some documents (such as the DAAD sponsor letter for family members) are normally issued after the scholar arrives in Germany and can be submitted later. The embassy may request additional documents from you.
This single step can save you months — and in some cases years — of waiting.
📨 8. Communicate with the Embassy the Right Way
Many applicants unknowingly slow their own cases by ignoring the embassy’s communication rules.
Before contacting the embassy, read their official FAQ:
👉 https://nigeria.diplo.de/ng-en/2718304-2718304
The German Embassy in Nigeria instructs applicants to:
✔ Use only one email address
Do not email multiple addresses or CC others.
✔ Do not send repeated emails
Wait at least two weeks for a response.
Repeated emails may cause your case to be deprioritized.
✔ Send one complete message per issue
Explain everything clearly.
Attach all documents in the first email.
Avoid fragmented follow-ups.
✔ Always include identification
Every email must contain:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Passport number
- Reference or barcode number (if available)
Messages without this information may not be processed.
🧑🤝🧑 9. What Interviews Are Really About
Interviews are usually not technical.
They focus on:
- how you met
- your communication history
- your future plans
- proof the relationship is genuine
Prepare your story clearly and confidently.
⏳ 10. Expect Long Waiting Times
Many applicants wait months — sometimes over a year — for appointments and processing.
Start early.
Be patient.
Stay organized.
🕊️ 11. Your Winning Formula
Anger slows things down.
Structure speeds things up.
Every interaction should be:
- calm
- factual
- respectful
- solution-focused
This approach consistently produces the best outcomes.
Final Advice
The German visa system responds best to clarity, documentation, patience, and professionalism.
If you master these four elements, you dramatically improve your chances of success.
Searching for life-changing scholarship opportunities? We’ve compiled a powerful list of top-tier and prestigious scholarships that students around the world actively compete for — complete with key deadlines and details.
Notable Scholarships — Key Opportunities & Deadlines