What is refugee family reunification?
Family reunification brings together family members living in different countries. Refugee family reunification is where a family was separated and at least one member of the family was recognised as a refugee, or complementary protection holder, by the country he/she lives in. This refugee can then apply for his/her family to join them in that country.
Can I apply for family reunification?
Once you receive refugee or complementary protection status in your country of asylum, you can then apply for eligible family members to join you. You will then have the status of a “sponsor” or “petitioner” of your family members.
The family members eligible for family reunification depends on the country where you live. Most national laws allow for spouses, parents of minor children and dependent children to reunify with you. In some countries other dependent family members can also apply. Eligible family members are often referred to as “applicants”.
Upon acceptance and issuance of relevant visas, your family may travel to be reunited with you. On arrival they will be granted a residence permit (the type of permit differs between countries).
Be mindful that specific deadlines and procedures apply, depending on the country where you reside.
Which countries have family reunification programmes for refugees?
Dedicated refugee family reunification procedures exist in most countries. These programmes differ from the family sponsorship routes for other migrants (non-refugees) and are often more favourable.
Where can I find further information on family reunification and details of how to apply?
You can find links to information about some family reunification programs below. If you are looking for information about family reunification in a country that is not listed here, please visit the government website of the country where your family is living, and search for “family reunification.”
🇦🇺 Australia 🇦🇺
If you have family members in Australia, there may be family reunification or sponsored visa options available to you. Please visit our Help Australia page for more information.
🇦🇹 Austria 🇦🇹
If you were separated from your family members who are now in Austria, you may be able to join them in Austria under particular conditions that you can find here.
🇧🇪 Belgium 🇧🇪
If you were separated from your family members who are now in Belgium, you may be able to join them in Belgium under particular conditions. You can find more information and other requirements like having a visa here.
🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina 🇧🇦
For more information on family reunification to Bosnia and Herzegovina, please visit our Bosnia and Herzegovina Help page.
🇨🇦 Canada 🇨🇦
🇭🇷 Croatia 🇭🇷
According to Croatian legislation, if your family member has been granted international protection (asylum or subsidiary protection) you have the right to come to Croatia and continue living there. For more information on who is eligible, please visit our Help Croatia webpage.
🇩🇪 Germany 🇩🇪
You may be able to join your family in Germany depending on the type of legal status they have and your relationship to them. You can find information on who is eligible to apply for family reunification in Germany, how to apply and who can help you here.
🇮🇪 Ireland 🇮🇪
If you were separated from your family members who are now in Ireland, you may be able to join them in Ireland under particular conditions. You can find out who is eligible and how to apply here.
🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇳🇱
If you were separated from your family members who are now in the Netherlands, you may be able to join them in the Netherlands under particular conditions. You can find more information here and be directed to information from the Dutch Council for Refugees who can inform you about the process.
🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇳🇿
If you have family members in New Zealand, there may be family reunification or sponsored visa options available to you. Please visit our Help New Zealand page for more information.
🇨🇭 Switzerland 🇨🇭
If your core family is in Switzerland, you may join them under certain conditions. Whether you can join your family will ultimately depend on their legal status in Switzerland. For information on who is eligible and more details, please visit our Help Switzerland webpage.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇬🇧
You may be able to join your family in the UK depending on the type of legal status they have and your relationship to them. You can find information on who is eligible to apply for family reunification in the UK, how to apply and who can help you here.
🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸
If your relative has entered the United States as a resettled refugee or been granted asylum in the United States, they may be eligible to petition for you to join them in the United States. For more information on the available family reunification processes, please visit our Help USA page.