The law on the suspension of family reunification with beneficiaries of subsidiary protection entered into force on 24 July 2025. With the entry into force of this law, family reunification with persons with subsidiary protection status will not be granted up until and including 23 July 2027.

This new legal situation does not affect sections 22 and 23 of the Residence Act. It will still be possible to notify cases of hardship pursuant to these (exceptional) provisions.

Cases of hardship must be reported in writing, exclusively by email, to IOM FAP at info.fap.hardship@iom.int stating the reasons for the individual case.

Close family members (spouses, unmarried minor children and parents of minor children) of a person eligible for subsidiary protection in Germany are able to apply for a visa for the purpose of family reunion. Eligible family members may already use the following link to register for an appointment to submit their visa application: Waiting List

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been mandated by the German Federal Foreign Office to support family members of persons entitled to subsidiary protection when leaving for Germany within the Framework of the Family Assistance Programme (FAP). The aim of the Programme is to help applicants with any questions they have related to the visa application process and to ensure that they can submit all the necessary documents before their visa apppointment. IOM has established a Family Support Centers in Kabul. IOM is contacting Afghan applicants who are waiting for an appointment by email or by telephone to support them with the preparation of the necessary documents for their visa application.

For more information, please contact IOM directly:

FAP Kabul - Afghanistan

Tel: +93 701104000

Email: info.fap.af@iom.int

Working Hours: Sunday through Thursday 8.30 am till 3.30 pm