Family Reunification Suspension for Subsidiary Protection Holders (2026)
TL;DR
Policy update: Family reunification for people with subsidiary protection in Germany is suspended until March 2027 (exact end date may differ—check official sources). During this time, subsidiary protection holders cannot apply for family reunification visas for spouses, children, or other family members. The suspension started in 2025 and may be extended. Refugee status holders and other visa types are not affected.
What this means for you
If you have subsidiary protection (subsidiärer Schutz), you cannot submit new family reunification applications during the suspension. Applications already in the system before the suspension may still be processed. Exceptions exist in law for hardship and humanitarian cases. Refugee status, EU Blue Card, skilled workers, and standard spouse/family reunification are not affected. Confirm your status with your residence permit or the Ausländerbehörde; for options, consult the BAMF and official government pages linked below.
What Is the Suspension?
Germany has temporarily stopped family reunification for holders of subsidiary protection (subsidiärer Schutz). New applications for family reunification from this group are not accepted during the suspension period. The measure is meant to be temporary and is under review.
Subsidiary protection is granted when someone does not qualify as a refugee under the Geneva Convention but would face serious harm (e.g. death penalty, torture, inhuman treatment) if returned. Refugee status (Flüchtlingsstatus) is different—family reunification for recognised refugees is not suspended.
Standard family reunification (e.g. for spouses of residents or citizens) is unchanged: A1 for Spouse Visas (2026), Spouse Visa Processing Time (2026).
Who Is Affected?
Affected: Anyone with subsidiary protection (subsidiärer Schutz) who wants to apply for family reunification for spouses, children, or other eligible family members. All new applications from this group are covered by the suspension.
Not affected: Recognised refugees (Flüchtlingsstatus), asylum beneficiaries, EU Blue Card holders, skilled workers, and normal family reunification for other residence titles. Applications submitted before the suspension may still be processed.
Check your residence permit or protection document for “subsidiärer Schutz” or “subsidiary protection”. If unsure, contact your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) or a lawyer.
Timeline (2025–2027)
| Period |
Status |
Note |
| Before 2025 |
Family reunification available for subsidiary protection |
Standard process |
| 2025 |
Suspension in force |
No new applications from subsidiary protection holders |
| 2025–March 2027 |
Suspension in force |
Current period; end date may be adjusted |
| March 2027 (planned) |
Suspension scheduled to end |
Subject to review; may be extended |
The end date is set for around March 2027 but can be extended. Always confirm the current situation on official government and BAMF websites before making plans.
Exceptions
Applications already submitted before the suspension may still be processed. Hardship and humanitarian cases can be possible under the Residence Act (AufenthG §§ 22, 23)—urgent humanitarian or international-law grounds, e.g. serious medical need or particularly vulnerable persons. Each case is assessed individually. Status change: If your status changes from subsidiary protection to refugee status, family reunification rules for refugees apply. If you get another residence title (e.g. work visa, EU Blue Card), the rules for that title apply. Legal avenues: In individual cases, courts may grant relief; a lawyer can advise.
Other residence and language rules: Permanent Residency: All Visa Types & Language (2026), EU Blue Card Timeline (2026).
After 2027
Whether the suspension ends, is extended, or is replaced by new rules will be decided by policy. Follow official announcements (BAMF, Federal Government, BMI) and your Ausländerbehörde. If reunification resumes, there may be backlogs or updated requirements.
Alternatives While Suspension Is in Place
Other visa types: Family members might qualify for their own visas (work, study, etc.) and apply independently. Status upgrade: If you can move from subsidiary protection to refugee status, family reunification for refugees may become an option—ask a lawyer. Permanent residency: Once you have a permanent residence title, different family reunification rules may apply; working toward language and integration helps. Legal advice: An immigration lawyer can explain hardship clauses, court options, and your situation. Visits: Family can visit on visitor visas where possible; this is temporary, not reunification.
Language and residence: B1: 21 vs 33 Months (2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the suspension?
Family reunification for people with subsidiary protection is suspended until around March 2027. New applications from this group are not accepted during that time. Applications already in the system may still be processed.
Who is affected?
Only people with subsidiary protection. Recognised refugees, EU Blue Card holders, skilled workers, and standard family reunification (e.g. spouse visas) are not affected.
When does it end?
Planned for around March 2027, but the period can be extended. Check BAMF and government sites for current information.
Are there exceptions?
Yes. Pre-suspension applications may be processed; hardship/humanitarian cases under the law can be considered; upgrading to refugee status or getting another residence title can change which rules apply; courts can grant exceptions in individual cases.
What can I do if I’m affected?
Check whether you qualify for a hardship exception, consider other visa types for family members, ask a lawyer about status upgrade or court options, and follow official policy updates. Prepare for a possible resumption of reunification after the suspension.
Official Sources
Only government and official institutional sources. Use these for current rules and end dates.
Last checked: February 2026. End date and exceptions are set by law and policy; confirm on the sites above.
Next Steps
Confirm your status (subsidiary protection vs refugee). Check whether you fall under any exception (e.g. hardship). Consider other visa options for family members and, if relevant, status upgrade or legal advice. Follow BAMF and government announcements. Prepare documents and requirements in case reunification resumes.
Standard family reunification (not under this suspension): A1 for Spouse Visas (2026), Spouse Visa Processing Time (2026), Spouse Visa Exemptions (2026), Permanent Residency: All Visa Types & Language (2026).
