How to Invite Your Family to Visit You in Germany from Pakistan: A Step-by-Step Guide

G pardesio, you’ve made the big move to Germany, you’re settled in, maybe missing a little bit of home, and now you want to invite your Ami, Abbu, or maybe your favorite khala over for a visit! Well, my friend, I’ve got you covered. Whether it’s your mom’s first trip to Europe or your cousin wanting to see what life in the “gora world” is all about, here’s everything you need to know about inviting your relatives from Pakistan to Germany.

Don’t worry—it’s easier than it sounds (kinda like learning German, right? 🤣)! Let’s break this down Desi-style, with some masala of course!

Step 1: Start with the Invitation Letter (Einladungsschreiben)

The first thing you’ll need is an official invitation letter, or in German, the mighty “Einladungsschreiben” (don’t let that long word scare you!). This is where you explain to the German authorities that you’re inviting your relative for a short, harmless visit (not to start a desi restaurant in Berlin—though that would be fab, too!).

Your letter should include:

• Your relative’s full name and passport details
• The dates they plan to visit
• Where they will be staying (spoiler: it’s probably with you! But do mention it)
• That you’ll be responsible for them during their stay (yaani ke, you’re the official tour guide and chaai maker)

Step 2: Visit the Ausländerbehörde (Immigration Office)

Ah, the Ausländerbehörde—our favorite place in Germany (said no one ever). But, it’s a must! You’ll need to submit the following:

• Your passport and residence permit (don’t forget these!)
• Proof of income: This shows you can financially support your guest while they’re here. No need to show off your hidden treasure, but do make sure your bank statements look healthy.
• Proof of accommodation: Basically, prove you have a place big enough to host your relative comfortably (you can’t make them sleep on your tiny balcony, hai na?)

You might also need a Verpflichtungserklärung, which is a fancy way of saying you’ll take responsibility for your guest if they get lost in a sea of German bread varieties. This document assures the authorities that your relative will not overstay or be a burden on the Deutsche Bank. 😉

I often get the question, about the how much money is needed and how big should the flat be?

well, the amount of income and the size of your flat can vary depending on your local Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) and the length of your relative’s stay. However, here are some general guidelines:

Income Requirements

The German authorities want to ensure that you can financially support your guest during their stay. As a rough guide:

• Income: You typically need to show a monthly net income of at least €1,500 to €2,000 (after taxes), depending on the number of dependents you already have. If you’re inviting multiple guests or already have a family to support, this amount may need to be higher.
• You’ll provide bank statements or pay slips for the past 3-6 months as proof.

Accommodation Size

There’s no official size limit set for flats, but generally, it’s important to prove that you have enough space to accommodate your guest. A rule of thumb often used by immigration offices is:

• For 1-2 guests, your flat should have at least 1 extra room available for them to stay comfortably.
• A 1-bedroom apartment might suffice for 1 guest, but larger accommodations (like a 2-bedroom flat) are preferable for longer stays or if you’re inviting multiple relatives.

Always check with your local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) for the exact requirements, as they can sometimes be flexible based on individual circumstances.

Step 3: Send the Invitation to Your Relative in Pakistan

Once your invitation is approved by the immigration office, send it off to your relative back in Pakistan. You can add a little love note with it (just saying). Your relative will need this letter to apply for their Schengen Visa.

Step 4: Visa Application in Pakistan

Now, your relative has to apply for a Schengen Visa at the German Embassy in Pakistan. They’ll need:

• Your invitation letter (the one you worked hard on!)
• A valid passport
• Recent passport-size photos (Get those professional passport photos that don’t make you look like you’ve just woken up—unlike our old ID card pictures, uff!)
• Travel insurance (to cover any medical needs)
• Flight itinerary (it doesn’t have to be a confirmed ticket, just a reservation)
• Proof of financial means: If you aren’t covering all expenses, they’ll need to show that they can pay for things like shopping spree at H&M or visiting castles!

And of course, pay the visa fee. Hey, nothing comes for free—even that dreamy Euro trip!

Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview

Your relative will need to attend a visa interview at the embassy. They should be prepared to answer simple questions like:

• “Why are you going to Germany?”
• “How long do you plan to stay?”
• “Are you really coming back to Pakistan?” (Yes, yes, they are. That’s what they’ll need to convince them. 😅)

Step 6: Waiting Game & Getting Approved

Now comes the fun part—the wait! If all goes well, they’ll get their visa within 10 to 15 days. Then, it’s time to start planning the trip!

Bonus Tips: What to Do When They Arrive

When your family arrives, be ready to:

• Take them to must-see German spots (after showing them your local Aldi or Lidl, of course).
• Get them ready for cold weather (no matter the season, we all know Pakistanis think Germany is too cold year-round!).
• Cook desi food at least once, because no one survives on bratwurst alone!

Wrapping Up

Inviting family from Pakistan to Germany is definitely possible, but it does take a bit of planning. Whether it’s your sibling, parents, or pyaaray dost, just follow these steps and soon, you’ll be showing them the best of Germany—from the efficiency of the Autobahn to the quirkiness of German supermarkets (seriously, what’s with the pickle obsession?).

And don’t forget—at the end of the day, it’s all about creating new memories, whether they’re walking through the streets of Berlin or helping you hunt for the best Pakistani grocery store in town.

Have questions? Drop them below, and I’ll be happy to help!

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