Exchange in Germany: can I bring my family to live with me?
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One of the most frequently asked questions among students planning an exchange in Germany is whether they can bring a spouse and children during their study period. The answer is Yes, and in this complete guide we will explain how this process works, what the requirements are, and how to transform your dream of studying in Germany into a transformative family experience.
Why Germany is ideal for family exchange
Germany stands out as one of the best destinations for those who wish study and work in Germany accompanied by the family. The country offers a unique combination of quality of life, economic stability, and favorable migration policies for international student dependents.
With one of the strongest economies in Europe, Germany provides a safe and welcoming environment for families. The German education system is recognized worldwide, which means that your children will have access to a quality education during their stay. In addition, the country has excellent health infrastructure and efficient public transportation.
Key benefits for families:
- High-quality education system
- Security and social stability
- Efficient and safe public transport
- Multicultural and tolerant environment
- Job opportunities for spouses
Family Reunion Visa: Your Way to Take the Family
O family reunion visa in Germany It is the document that allows spouses and underage children to accompany the main student during the exchange period. This visa is one of the most affordable modalities for families who wish to remain together during their academic experience.
Who can apply for a family reunion visa
Spouses:
- Legally married or in a recognized stable union
- Over 18 years old
- They cannot have a criminal record
Children:
- Under 18 years old
- Legally biological or adopted children
- Single and financially dependent on parents
Documentation required for a family visa
To apply for the family reunion visa, you will need to gather a specific documentation for the German visa that proves both your academic status and your family bond. The documentation includes:
For the spouse:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Apostilled and translated marriage certificate
- Proof of proficiency in German (minimum A1 level)
- International health insurance
- Recent biometric photos
- Completed request form
For younger children:
- Valid passport
- Apostilled and translated birth certificate
- Travel authorization (if applicable)
- International health insurance
- Biometric photos
Main student documents:
- Proof of enrollment at the German institution
- Valid student visa
- Adequate financial proof to support the family
- Proof of family accommodation
Financial requirements to support the family
One of the most important aspects of the process is to demonstrate financial capacity to support all family members during the study period. The required values are:
For the main student:
- €11,904 per year (amount for 2024/2025)
For each additional dependent:
- Spouse: approximately €8,000 per year
- Each minor child: approximately €6,000 per year
These values can be proven through:
- Blocked Account
- Letter of financial guarantee from parents
- scholarship
- Combination of the above methods
Important tip from Be Easy
For a family with two children, the total amount required can reach up to €31,000 annually. Therefore, we recommend starting financial planning at least 18 months in advance.
Job opportunities for spouses
One of the great advantages of a family reunion visa is that spouses can legally work in Germany without restrictions on hours. This means that your partner can:
- Work in any field or profession
- Search for opportunities in German or international companies
- Start or start your own business
- Take professional qualification courses
To maximize employment opportunities, we recommend that the spouse:
- Start a German course before the trip
- Have professional documents translated and apostilled
- Prepare a resume in German format (Lebenslauf)
- Research about the recognition of foreign diplomas
German education system for your children
When you decide adapt your family to the new school life in Germany, it is important to understand how the local education system works. Education in Germany is compulsory for all children, including children of foreigners, and is offered free of charge up to secondary level.
Structure of the German education system
Grundschule (Primary School):
- Ages: 6 to 10 years
- Duration: 4 years
- Focus on basic reading, writing, and math skills
Secondary School (various modalities):
- Gymnasium: preparation for university
- Realschule: technical and commercial education
- Hauptschule: basic and vocational education
- Gesamtschule: comprehensive school that combines all types
Children's adaptation to the German system
The adaptation of Brazilian children to the German education system is generally surprisingly positive. The system emphasizes:
- Learning through practical projects
- Development of autonomy and responsibility
- Multilingual education
- Diversified extracurricular activities
- Social integration with German and other nationality colleagues
Detailed family financial planning
To help with planning, we prepared a realistic estimate of the monthly costs for a family in Germany:
Basic monthly costs (family of 4)
Housing:
- 3-bedroom apartment: €1,200 - €1,800
- Utilities (water, electricity, gas): €200 - €300
- Internet and telephone: €50 - €80
Food:
- Supermarket: €600 - €800
- Occasional meals outside: €200 - €300
Transportation:
- Monthly family pass: €200 - €300
- Or car (fuel, insurance, maintenance): €400 - €600
Health:
- Family health insurance: €400 - €600
Education and leisure:
- School supplies: €50 - €100
- Extracurricular activities: €100 - €200
- Family leisure: €200 - €400
Estimated total: €3,000 - €4,580 per month
Strategies to reduce costs
- Housing: Consider smaller cities close to major centers
- Food: Take advantage of local markets and supermarket discounts
- Transportation: Use the excellent German public system
- Leisure: Explore free activities like parks and public museums
Step-by-step process for taking the family
1. Preparation in Brazil (6-12 months ago)
Documentation:
- Apostille all necessary documents
- Start German courses for the whole family
- Organize the financial situation and open a blocked account
- Search for schools and neighborhoods in the destination city
Planning:
- Define the full family budget
- Search for family housing options
- Check if professional diplomas need recognition
2. Visa application (3-4 months before)
- Schedule interviews at the German consulate
- Prepare all translated and apostilled documentation
- Prove financial capacity for the whole family
- Wait for approval (may take 4-8 weeks)
3. Final preparations (1-2 months in advance)
- Confirm family accommodation
- Organize change and luggage
- Cancel or transfer contracts in Brazil
- Prepare documents for children's school enrollment
4. Arrival in Germany (first weeks)
- Register with local authorities (Anmeldung)
- Enroll your children in schools
- Open family bank account
- Seek job opportunities for the spouse
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Language barrier
Challenge: Initial adaptation to German Solution:
- Start studying German while still in Brazil
- Enroll children in German as a second language classes
- Join cultural exchange groups
Children's cultural adaptation
Challenge: Social and school integration Solution:
- Enroll children in extracurricular activities
- Stay in touch with other Brazilian families
- Be patient with the adjustment period (3-6 months is normal)
Bureaucratic issues
Challenge: Navigation through the German system Solution:
- Count on the support of Be Easy
- Join Brazilian groups in Germany
- Learn about family rights and duties
Long-term benefits for the family
Taking the family to Germany during your exchange offers benefits that go far beyond the academic experience:
For the kids:
- Natural German-Portuguese bilingualism
- High-quality international education
- Development of cultural adaptability
- International friendship network
- Global perspective from an early age
For the spouse:
- International career opportunities
- Professional development in a multicultural environment
- Possibility of entrepreneurship in Europe
- International professional networking
For the whole family:
- Strengthening family ties
- Enriching cultural experience
- Possibility of future permanent immigration
- European quality of life
- Access to trips around Europe
Paths to permanent permanence
Many families that start with a student exchange end up choosing to remain in Germany. As work visa options for graduates provide excellent opportunities for transitioning from student to permanent resident.
Main paths:
- Job Search Visa: 18 months after graduation
- Blue Card: for highly qualified professionals
- Skilled Work Visa: for various professions
- Permanent residence: after 5 years in the country
Be Easy: your partner for family exchange
Na Be Easy, we understand that taking the family to the exchange is an important decision that goes far beyond academic aspects. Our specialized team offers full support for families who want to live this transformative experience together. Since the student visa process until the whole family's adaptation in Germany, we're here to make that journey safer and smoother. Contact us and discover how we can help you transform the dream of studying in Germany with your family into an extraordinary reality!