Can my family join me on a Researcher permit and can they work?

Researchers are normally able to bring their family to Germany. Family reunification for researchers follows Germany's general family rules, under which spouses or registered partners and minor unmarried children can join the permit holder.

A joining spouse is generally entitled to take up work in Germany, which makes the move more practical for dual-career households. Because the family members' permits and any conditions are processed under the reunification provisions, confirm the documents required for each family member with the responsible authority, and check whether your status as a researcher relaxes any requirements.