
German authorities issued 7,300 family reunification visas to children in 2024. This made up 60.8% of the 12,000 total visas granted for family reunification, according to the German Foreign Office.
These visas allowed children to join their parents or other relatives in Germany, highlighting the government’s priority on keeping families together.
Family reunification visa distribution highlights focus on children
Most of the visas went to children, but 3,200 were issued to spouses or partners joining family members in Germany. Another 1,500 visas were given to parents of children under 18 who had refugee status.
These numbers show Germany’s focus on keeping families together during ongoing migration challenges.

Since 2016, Syrians seeking family reunification have faced challenges due to stricter rules. Many asylum seekers were given subsidiary protection, which limits their rights and blocks family reunification under standard procedures.
Syrian families continue facing hurdles under protection restrictions
In 2018, Germany began allowing up to 1,000 family reunification visas per month for those with subsidiary protection. This change has helped some families but falls short of meeting the overall need.
As of 2024, the process remains difficult. Applicants must prove long-term separation, threats in their current location, or serious health issues. This process reflects Germany’s attempt to balance humanitarian responsibilities with political concerns.
Election policies in Germany could redefine migration rules
Germany’s migration policies could change based on the results of upcoming elections. The CDU party supports stricter measures, such as stopping family reunification for people with subsidiary protection and moving asylum processing to non-EU countries.
In contrast, the Greens and SFD favor more inclusive policies, seeing migration as a way to address labor shortages.
The AfD party, which opposes immigration, wants Germany to withdraw from the UN Migration and Refugee Pact and further tighten border controls.

ETIAS launch, visa policies may affect EU visitors, migrants
Germany’s focus on family reunification visas reflects a broader trend that could shape the EU’s approach to immigration and travel in the years ahead.
By prioritizing family reunification, Germany emphasizes a human-centered approach within the Schengen Zone, even as stricter regulations and new systems are introduced to improve travel and border security.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to launch in 2026, will require visitors from visa-exempt countries to get pre-travel approval. This new requirement aims to boost security while keeping travel accessible for legitimate visitors.
Though the ETIAS does not directly impact family reunification applicants, it highlights the European Union’s (EU) focus on balancing openness with control. Migrants applying for Schengen visas or family reunification may face longer processing times as authorities adjust to the administrative demands of ETIAS.
Over time, policies like Germany’s focus on reunification and the introduction of the ETIAS will influence the EU’s approach to migration and travel. While pre-approval systems may reduce irregular migration, they could also create new obstacles for migrants fleeing conflict or seeking to reunite with family.
These changes show how the EU and countries like Germany are working to balance security, humanitarian concerns, and political pressures—decisions that will impact millions across Europe and beyond.
Focus on the future of family reunification
Germany’s migration policies will continue to face scrutiny as they affect thousands of families separated by war, conflict, or other crises. The struggles of Syrian refugees show the need for practical and compassionate policies that respond to the realities of global displacement.