Germany has published a list of 31 countries whose citizens can enter the country without a visa to live with their parents. The exemption applies to children under 18 who hold citizenship in any of the 27 European Union (EU) member states or the four European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member states.
EU Citizens Exempt From Visa Requirement
According to Germany's official position, children under 18 are entitled to a temporary or permanent residence permit if either parent holds the right to reside in Germany. However, the need for a visa before entry depends on the child's nationality.
The 27 EU member states whose children qualify for visa-free entry are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
EFTA Member States Also Covered
Beyond the EU, children from the four EFTA member states are equally exempt. These countries are Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Together, EU and EFTA citizenship cover 31 countries.
Germany's official guidance states: "If your children are citizens of the EU or an EFTA member state, they do not require a visa to enter Germany and can live here with their parents."
Conditions and Exceptions
Children holding passports from any nation outside these groupings would need a visa to enter Germany to reunite with a parent who holds residency or citizenship there.
In a related development, Germany has also named Mauritius and Seychelles as the two African countries whose citizens can enter the country without a visa for short stays. This exemption comes with conditions: citizens of these countries can stay for up to 90 days within 180 days and are not allowed to work during their stay. Seychelles citizens must also have a biometric passport to qualify for the visa waiver.
