How to Relocate to Germany With Your Family Through Business

FamilienMITzug vs FamilienNACHzug

Relocating to Germany with your family is one of the most important steps for non‑EU entrepreneurs and self‑employed professionals. Germany offers a stable legal environment, strong social protection, and clear immigration rules. However, the process of bringing your spouse and children requires careful preparation.

This guide explains how to move to Germany with family and  the difference between Familienmitzug and Familiennachzug. It is written for applicants relocating through self‑employment or business immigration.

Two Legal Pathways to Relocate to Germany With Your Family

Germany provides two mechanisms for family immigration. Understanding the difference is essential for planning your relocation.

Familienmitzug — Family Accompanying the Main Applicant

Familienmitzug allows your spouse and children to relocate at the same time as you.

According to BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees), spouses and minor children may migrate to Germany to join a third‑country national legally residing in Germany.

Advantages of Familienmitzug:

• Often no German language certificate required for the spouse
• Faster and more predictable processing
• Family receives residence permits linked to the main applicant
• Ideal for applicants with stable financial capacity

However, Familienmitzug is not automatically granted. German authorities assess whether the main applicant can financially support the entire family in Germany, provide adequate accommodation, maintain valid health insurance, and meet other required conditions.

Familiennachzug — Family Reunification After the Main Applicant Arrives to Germany

If simultaneous relocation is not possible, your family can join you later through Familiennachzug. The family can only join once the following conditions are met:

• The main applicant must first enter Germany alone
• Authorities require proof of business activity before family joins
• Proof of income from business activity in Germany and housing is needed
• Spouse may need an A1 German language certificate

Financial Requirements for Bringing Your Family to Germany

The possibility of relocating with your family does not depend on the “category” of residence permit, for self‑employed applicants, the residence permit type is the same.

However, Familienmitzug is only approved if the applicant can financially support the family.

Authorities evaluate whether your income covers:

• Housing and utilities
• Health insurance
• Food and daily expenses
• Mandatory contributions
• Other essential costs

While the exact amount is calculated individually, practical benchmarks exist.

For example, for a family of two adults and two children in Berlin, immigration authorities typically starts from €60,000 annual income to ensure the family will not require state assistance.

This aligns with the general requirement of “sufficient income and adequate living space” for family reunification visas.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Move to Germany With Your Family

1. Prepare your self‑employment documentation 
2. Submit visa applications for the main applicant and family
3. Attend consular interviews
4. Wait for approval from the immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde)
5. Arrive in Germany and register your address
6. Receive residence permits for all family members

Processing times vary by embassy/consulate and can range from several weeks to several months.

Why the Main Applicant’s Submission Is the Key Factor in Familienmitzug

When relocating with your family, the most decisive element of the entire process is the main applicant’s own application. Familienmitzug is only granted if the authorities are fully convinced that the primary applicant’s case is strong, financially secure, and meets all legal requirements.

This is where many applicants underestimate the complexity: the evaluation is not only about documents, but about how convincingly the entire case is presented: business financial capacity, whether is your business is beneficial for Germany, long‑term stability, and compliance with immigration rules.

Because of this, it is essential to understand your real chances before applying. A weak or incomplete application can block the possibility of relocating not only for your family, but get your own application rejected.