Publication date: 06 October 2025
This study provides an overview of legal and policy developments related to the implementation of the Family Reunification Directive since 2017. It examines the current state of national legislation, policies, and practices following two decades of the Directive’s application, incorporating relevant case law and highlighting both challenges and best practices. It also presents data on the scale and evolution of family reunification between 2017 and 2023 (and 2024 where available), drawing on both Eurostat and national sources.
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Main theme: Family reunification
Publication Type: Thematic Studies
Keywords: Family Reunification Directive, application for family reunification, requirement, eligibility, sponsor, family member, digitalisation, access to rights
Publication date: 15 August 2025
This ad hoc query examines how EMN Member and Observer countries verify that third-country nationals applying for residence permits with the purpose of study have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. The query also explores trends in the issuance of residence permits for third-country national students and their family members in recent years.
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Main theme: Study § Training
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: student, sufficient financial resources, documentary proof, residence permit, application for family reunification
Publication date: 28 April 2025
This ad hoc query compares the existing legislation in EMN Member and Observer Countries regarding the granting of protection statuses to family members of beneficiaries of international protection, as well as recent changes in practices in light of the regime change in Syria.
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Main theme: International Protection, Family reunification
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for family reunification, Syria, protection status, suspension, decision-making
Publication date: 05 January 2025
This ad hoc query maps the existence of language requirements prior to entry for family members of beneficiaries of international protection. Responding countries also report on experiences with pre-entry language requirements for other categories of residence permits, when applicable.
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Main theme: Family reunification
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for family reunification, beneficiary of international protection, language requirement, language learning
Publication date: 06 December 2024
This ad hoc query looks into which countries verify that the sponsor who applies for family reunification is not a threat to public order when examining the application for family reunification.
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Main theme: Family reunification
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for family reunification, sponsor, threat to public order
Publication date: 04 August 2024
This ad hoc query examines the approach taken by EMN Member and Observer countries in relation to applications for family reunification from third-country national workers, in particular with regards to the level of resources and the quality of accommodation required by those applying for family reunification, as well as the possible obligation to provide for medical insurance in the context of such applications.
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Main theme: Family reunification
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for family reunification, foreign workers, income threshold, accommodation, medical insurance
Publication date: 19 April 2024
On the 20th Anniversary of the Family Reunification Directive, this Inform offers a thorough examination of family reunification practices and legislation for beneficiaries of international protection across EMN Member and Observer Countries. It specifically looks at the procedures in place for applying for family reunification and how these have evolved considering recent (since 2017) case law before the European Court of Justice (CJEU), and where relevant the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).
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Main theme: Family reunification
Publication Type: Informs
Keywords: Family Reunification Directive, beneficiary of international protection, application for family reunification, documentary proof, real family relationship, minors of age
Publication date: 05 January 2024
This ad hoc query provides comparative information on the waiting period that applicants must prove before applying for family reunification in the EMN Member and Observer Countries. It also examines legal time limits for processing an application for family reunification and it clarifies whether such processing time is included in the above-mentioned waiting period.
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Main theme: Family reunification
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: application for family reunification, Family Reunification Directive, waiting period, processing time, family reunification right
Publication date: 25 September 2023
This ad hoc query collects information on the submission, processing and examination of applications for family reunification with beneficiaries of international protection. It also focuses on documentary requirements which apply in this context. Finally, it touches upon family reunification with and for children, including children coming of age.
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Main theme: International Protection, Family reunification
Publication Type: Ad Hoc Queries
Keywords: Family Reunification Directive, application for family reunification, evidence, family tie, children
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Myria, the Federal Migration Centre, warns that the measures announced by the federal government in its "Easter Agreement" violate the right to family life. The institution announced in a press release published on Tuesday that it had shared its observations with the government and expressed hope for a constructive dialogue.
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In a judgement released today, the Court of Justice of the European Union held that an unaccompanied minor refugee, who reached majority during the procedure relating to the application for family reunification with his or her parents, has a right to such reunification.
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According to the Court of Justice of the EU, European Union law precludes national legislation which requires, without exception, that an application for family reunification be submitted in person at a competent diplomatic post.