In principle, later immigration of a visiting scholar’s family members for the purpose of reuniting the family is possible if you qualify for a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) or a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), the accommodation is adequate to house the additional family members, they possess adequate health insurance and are sufficiently supported financially. 

The proper permit for the visiting scholar’s spouse is the residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis as defined in §§ 27, 29, 30 AufenthG). Subject to the residence status of the visiting scholar already residing in Germany and the planned period of the stay, the spouse arriving later will be granted a residence permit. If the visiting scholar possesses a residence permit of at least one year or a settlement permit, the spouse must be granted a residence permit. If, however, the visiting scholar has been granted a residence permit of less than one year, the spouse arriving subsequently may be granted a residence permit, which is a decision within the discretion of the Foreigners' Registration Office. 

Unmarried minor children younger than 16 are permitted to join the visiting scholar. Children between 16 and 18 can be granted a residence permit when the prospects of integration are favourable (among other prerequisites competence in German) or in the event of hardship.

• Valid Passports
• Marriage certificate (original document and certified translation)
• Birth certificates (original document and certified translation)
• Copy of the passport and residence permit of the partner who is already staying in Germany
• All other relevant documents of the partner who is already staying in Germany
• If necessary, the A1-Certificate of the following partner (to proof the knowledge of the German language, not necessary for §18d)