If you have family members living in another country, you may be able to join them through a family reunification programme.
Important: If you receive a family reunification visa, you must inform UNHCR at least one month before your departure so that UNHCR can support you with the necessary exit procedures.
Who manages family reunification?
Family reunification programmes are managed by individual countries, not by UNHCR.
Applications are submitted directly to the authorities in the country where your family member lives. That country decides who can apply for and receive family reunification.
How do I apply?
The family reunification process must be started by your family member living abroad.
Whether you can join your family depends on:
- Your relationship to the family member (for example, spouse, parent, or child)
- The legal status of your family member in that country
- The family reunification rules of that country
Your family member should contact the relevant authorities in their country of residence to find out whether you are eligible and how to apply.
Is there a cost?
Some family reunification procedures may include costs such as:
- Application fees
- Visa fees
- Medical examinations
- DNA testing
- Travel costs
Always check fees through official government or embassy websites before making any payment.
Please visit the following links for more information about specific countries:
For more information on family reunification, please visit the UNHCR ‘Help’ page for the country in which your family members reside.
All UNHCR ‘Help’ pages are accessible through the Global Help Page.