Certain conditions apply for family reunification in Germany.

• Depending on their nationality, your family members may also require visas and residence permits for (longer-term) stays in Rostock.
• In general, the consent of the responsible foreigners authority in Germany is required. The responsible foreigners authority is the one of the place where the foreigner wishes to reside. In Rostock, this is the Migration Office.
• Just like you, your spouse and children must register in the local office (“Ortsamt”).

The following pages give a good overview of the different requirements and procedures:

• https://www.make-it-in-germany.com (a central portal of the Federal Government)
  • Family reunification to EU nationals
  • Family reunification to nationals of third countries (at a glance)
• https://www.starkimberuf.de (an information source from the Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women and Young People)
• https://www.bamf.de (Federal Agency for Migration and Refugees)
  • Family reunification to German nationals
  • Family reunification to EU nationals
  • Family reunification to nationals of third countries

Required documents

Depending on your personal circumstances, you will need various documents to apply for a visa or residence permit, and for registering at the local office and migration office. These may be the following, for example:

• Proof of “sufficient living space” (§ 2(4) AufenthG)
• Proof of financial means (§ 2(3) AufenthG)
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of familial relationships (e.g. birth certificate of the child)
• Proof of language skills
• …

The Federal Government's portal https://www.make-it-in-germany.com offers a very good overview in various languages on the topics of

• Childcare and
• the school system and mandatory schooling in Germany.

The portal website of the City of Rostock offers an overview of day-care centres (“Kitas”) and schools in Rostock. Further information about this can also be found on the Town Hall website.

On the website of the State Government you will find an information brochure for immigrated parents on the subject of schools, in various languages.

The family office at the University of Rostock will be pleased to help you search for special information for your situation and for registration in the institutions.

Notes and tips

• The Sozialreferat des Allgemeinen Studierendenausschusses (AStA) (Social Services Department of the General Students’ Committee) offers advice, networking, events and lobbying for students with children.
  Tip: Contact studis.familie@asta-rostock.de, to be included in the email distribution list and to receive up-to-date information.
   
• The Social Counselling Service of the Student Union can also pass on contacts to other students with children and can help if there are any problems.
  Tip: Apply for a “Mensa-Kinderausweis” (Mensa children pass) to receive free or reduced-price food in the Mensa for your children (up to the age of 10) (#Kinderteller).

Families are supported by various different services in Germany. The most important ones are “Kindergeld” (child benefit) and “Elterngeld” (parental allowance). A good overview of the various different services and conditions is provided by

• the family portal of the Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women and Young People
• EURAXESS GERMANY and
• the Federal Employment Agency.

Also take a look at our section Financing for general funding options, such as grants.

If you are severely challenged as a result of family obligations, you can, for example, apply for a bridging and graduation grant for junior scientists from the University of Rostock.

Take a look at our section Leisure for leisure activities for the whole family.