Family Reunion Visa Through VFS: How to Book and What to Expect

Joining a spouse, parent, or child living in Europe? The family reunion visa is one of the most important visa categories — and one of the most complex to navigate through VFS Global.

Types of Family Reunion Visas

• Short-stay (Type C) — Visiting family for up to 90 days. Processed like a tourist visa but with family invitation.
• Long-stay (Type D) — Permanently joining family in Europe. Longer processing, different requirements per country.

VFS Appointment for Family Reunion

Family reunion appointments go through the same VFS booking system as tourist visas. However, some consulates have dedicated slots for family reunion applicants. Check whether your country's consulate offers this.

Booking Tips

• Some consulates prioritise family reunion over tourism — ask at the VFS centre
• Long-stay family visas may require a direct embassy appointment instead of VFS
• Book early — family reunion processing takes longer than tourist visas

Required Documents

For Short-Stay Family Visit

• All standard Schengen visa documents
• Invitation letter from family member in Europe
• Proof of family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate)
• Family member's European residence permit or passport copy
• Family member's proof of accommodation (showing space for you)
• Family member's bank statements or sponsorship letter

For Long-Stay Family Reunion

• All documents above, plus:
• Apostilled and translated marriage/birth certificates
• Proof that family member meets income threshold for sponsorship
• Health insurance valid in the destination country
• Language certificate (some countries, like Germany and Netherlands, require basic language)

Processing Times

• Short-stay family visit: 10-20 working days
• Long-stay family reunion: 4-12 weeks (varies significantly by country)
• Germany: typically 4-8 weeks for family reunion
• France: 4-8 weeks
• Netherlands: 2-6 months for MVV (entry visa)

Tips for Success

1. Apostille all documents — Many consulates require apostilled certificates
2. Get professional translations — Certified translations in the destination country's language
3. Show the family member's financial stability — This is often the key factor
4. Apply as early as possible — Family reunion processing is unpredictable

QuickVisa can help book your family reunion VFS appointment. Contact us — we understand the urgency of reuniting with family.