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 recognized 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.

Once your family member in the third country receives refugee or complementary protection status, they can then apply for eligible family members to join them. They will then have the status of a “sponsor” or “petitioner” for you if you are an eligible family member.

The family members eligible for family reunification depends on the country where the sponsor lives. Most national laws allow for spouses, parents of minor children and dependent children to reunify with the sponsor.  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, families may travel to be reunited with their sponsor.  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 the sponsor resides.

UNHCR cannot apply for family reunification on your behalf. You must initiate any application yourself. UNHCR may be able to assist with challenges you are unable to resolve yourself once you have submitted your application.

Dedicated refugee family reunification procedures exist in most countries.

For more information on country-specific criteria and how to apply, please go to the Family Reunification sections of the UNHCR help website for the country in which your family members reside. If you are seeking information about a family reunification program in a country that is not listed on the UNHCR’s help website, please search for “family reunification” on the government website of the related country.

UNHCR cannot tell you if you are eligible to apply. You need to access the information available through UNHCR’s ‘Help’ pages and determine this yourself.

Although applying for family reunification is free, you may be required to contribute financially to part of the process. This could include passport renewal fees, medical tests, and transport.

UNHCR cannot provide financial support to cover these costs, but if you are unable to proceed with your application due to financial constraints inform UNHCR as there may be alternatives to reduce or remove these financial barriers.

No, UNHCR cannot directly assist with obtaining documentation from your home country. You need to make sure you have all required documents ready before applying.

If you are unable to produce a required document and this is preventing you from moving ahead with family reunification, inform UNHCR. There may be alternatives that can be used instead.

Yes, if you have been asked to travel for an appointment in an embassy in a neighboring country, but you are unable to do so legally, please inform UNHCR. This is something we can assist with.