Bringing parents to join their adult children (Section 36(2) AufenthG) is one of the most difficult procedures in German immigration law. The law sets very high hurdles for these cases.

The criterion of exceptional hardship

Parents can only join their children in exceptional cases where separation would cause exceptional hardship. A need for care is only recognised if there are objectively no other relatives or support services available in the home country.

Financial support and the declaration of commitment

The inviting child signs a formal declaration of commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) to cover the parent's living and medical costs. By law it applies for up to five years; even after that, the family must support the parent without state social benefits.

The main hurdle: private health insurance

Older people from abroad usually cannot join the statutory health insurance system. That generally leaves private health insurance, such as the basic tariff (Basistarif), which can cost around €1,000 a month for an older person.

Other options

If reunification under Section 36 is not possible, discuss other options with a lawyer, such as regular visits on a Schengen visa (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) or, in cases of serious illness, legal protection through the courts. The right route depends on the individual case.

What to check

  • Obtain medical reports on the need for permanent care.
  • Show that no other close relatives can help in the country where your parent lives.
  • Calculate the family income including the monthly cost of private health insurance.
  • Consult a specialist immigration lawyer before applying at the German mission.

Example situation

A lawyer documents the complete isolation of a 78-year-old mother who lives alone with a severe disability and obtains permission for her to join her family on humanitarian grounds through the administrative court.

Next step

Bringing elderly parents to Germany requires watertight evidence; start with a legal assessment of your situation.

Official information on this topic

Checklists and examples are organisational recommendations. Requirements depend on the procedure, the city and your situation; check them with the relevant office before you act. Please discuss legal and tax questions with an authorised professional.

This article was prepared with the help of AI. The example illustrates the approach and does not describe a client case.