To join a family member who was granted subsidiary protection in Germany after March 17, 2016, you can apply for a family reunification visa abroad at the appropriate German diplomatic or consular mission.
Those eligible for family reunification are immediate family members, that is, spouses or domestic partners, parents of children granted subsidiary protection (if no parent with legal custody is residing in Germany), and unmarried minor children. Other family members (siblings, uncles, and aunts) and parents of foreign nationals who are of legal age or married are excluded from family reunification.
For the visa and the subsequent residence permit to be granted, humanitarian grounds must exist, which may relate to either the person entitled to subsidiary protection residing in Germany or the family member seeking to join them. The law provides an illustrative list of humanitarian grounds. Particular consideration is given to the duration of the family’s separation, the presence of minor, unmarried children, existing threats to life and limb, as well as serious illness, severe disability, or a significant need for care.
When deciding on eligibility for family reunification, the efforts of the person entitled to protection living in Germany to integrate into German society are viewed favorably (knowledge of the German language, independent provision of livelihood and housing, social engagement, and volunteer work).
The decision on eligibility for family reunification is made by the Federal Office of Administration as part of the visa application process. Each month, 1,000 national visas may be issued for family reunification with persons entitled to subsidiary protection. Depending on how much of the quota has been used, there may sometimes be long waiting periods, particularly for spousal family reunification.
After receiving the visa and arriving in Germany, you must apply for the appropriate residence permit at the Foreigners’ Registration Office responsible for your place of residence.

Family reunification for beneficiaries of subsidiary protection is suspended until July 23, 2027.