Immigration Law · European Union
Bring Your Family Together With the Right Family Reunification Lawyer
Family reunification lets a legally resident non-EU national bring a spouse, children or other eligible relatives to join them — but income thresholds, housing requirements and waiting periods differ in every country. We match you, free of charge, with an immigration lawyer who handles family reunification cases in your country of residence every day.
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Who this is for
For residents of Europe who want their spouse, children or parents to live with them
Family reunification is the legal process that lets a non-EU national already lawfully resident in an EU or EEA country bring close family members — most commonly a spouse or partner, dependent children, and in some cases parents or other relatives — to live with them. It is one of the most important rights in European immigration law, but it is also one of the most heavily conditioned. The resident sponsor usually has to prove a stable and sufficient income, adequate housing, valid residence status and, for a spouse, a genuine relationship. Each country applies its own thresholds, waiting periods and document formats, and a small gap in the file can separate a family for months. Reuniting a family is rarely a matter of a single form; it is a structured case that rewards careful preparation.
Why families get stuck
Family reunification fails most often on the sponsor’s side.
Not on the family member’s.
Income, housing and status conditions fall on the person already in Europe — and they are easy to underestimate.
Income that falls short of the threshold
Most countries require the sponsor to show a stable, sufficient income to support the whole family, and the required amount rises with each dependent. Freelance or variable income is often the hardest to document.
Housing that doesn’t meet the standard
Authorities typically require proof of accommodation big enough for the whole household, in a specific format. A rental contract or living arrangement that seems fine to you can still fail the official test.
Proving a genuine relationship
For spouses and partners, authorities look for evidence the relationship is real and ongoing — shared history, correspondence and cohabitation. Couples who marry shortly before applying are scrutinised especially closely.
What you get
A family reunification lawyer who manages the whole case
We only match you with immigration lawyers who regularly handle family reunification and dependent applications in your country of residence.
Eligibility confirmed early
Your lawyer tells you honestly whether you and your family member meet the core conditions — status, income, housing and relationship — before you commit time and fees.
Document file assembled
Get a precise, country-specific checklist and a line-by-line review of every form, sworn translation and certificate for both the sponsor and the family member, so the file is complete before it is lodged.
Thresholds met, not guessed
Income and housing requirements are checked against your actual situation rather than assumed, so you submit knowing you meet the local standard — not hoping the office will accept it.
Delays and refusals handled
If the application stalls or is refused, your lawyer knows which channel to use and represents you in the appeal or a corrected fresh application.
Coverage
Family reunification lawyers across Europe
Family reunification is governed by national law and EU directives, applied differently from one country to the next. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Family reunification — common questions
Who can I bring through family reunification?
It depends on your country of residence and your status, but the core family members are usually a spouse or registered partner and dependent children. In some countries, and under stricter conditions, parents or other relatives may also qualify. A lawyer can confirm who is eligible in your case.
What income do I need to sponsor a family member?
Most countries require the sponsor to prove a stable, sufficient income that can support the whole household, with the amount rising as more family members join. The exact threshold and the accepted forms of proof vary by country and family size.
Do I need to prove I have enough housing?
Yes, in most countries. Authorities typically require proof of accommodation that is adequate in size and standard for the entire household, usually in a specific format such as a rental contract or tenancy certificate. Your lawyer will confirm the local standard.
How do I prove my relationship is genuine?
For spouses and partners, you are usually asked to provide evidence that the relationship is real and ongoing — such as a marriage certificate, shared correspondence, travel history and cohabitation proof. Authorities scrutinise recent marriages especially closely.
How long does family reunification take?
Processing times vary widely by country and can range from a few weeks to many months, often depending on the completeness of the file and local backlogs. A lawyer familiar with the relevant office can often help you avoid the delays caused by incomplete documents.
What if my family reunification application is refused?
A refusal is not the end of the road. Most countries allow an appeal within a strict deadline, and a lawyer can review the grounds, correct the underlying issue — whether income, housing or documentation — and represent you in the appeal.
Free case review
Get your family’s case prepared properly, once
Tell us about your residence status and the family members you want to bring, and we’ll connect you with an immigration lawyer who handles reunification cases in your country — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.