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To invite relatives to Germany via Verpflichtungserklärung, the inviter must demonstrate sufficient income to cover potential costs for the visitors. Students lacking this income cannot act as financial guarantors. Relatives should apply for standard tourist visas based on their own financial merits.

Applying for a Spanish Schengen visa and entering Germany with it might lead to issues. German Schengen visas (especially for tourism) are difficult to obtain for Russian citizens and typically require a formal invitation with financial commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung). Essential documents include a European health insurance policy and potentially a verifiable bank account in an EU country. A strategy to overcome entry difficulties is to first enter a more lenient Schengen country (e.g., Spain, France, Italy), spend more time there, and then travel to Germany, ensuring all travel documents support the initial visa's purpose. Germany does not recognize 5-year passports for entry.

For Schengen visa applications during the summer season, it is recommended to submit documents at least 30 days before the planned travel date.

For obtaining a German language visa, intensive language courses are often required. Sprachschule Aktiv in Cologne offers a six-month intensive course priced at approximately €3,000.

Holders of a UK-issued 'Travel document convention of 28 July 1951' (refugee travel document) are permitted to travel to Germany visa-free. The standard Schengen rule of 90 days stay within any 180-day period still applies.

A pension payment statement from Gosuslugi may not be sufficient as proof of return for a Schengen visa application. Other guarantees such as property ownership, family ties (children, elderly parents), or other documents listed by VisaMetric might be required.

To track the status of a German visa D application submitted through Visametric in Moscow, you can check the official Visametric website under the 'Application Status' section using your contract ID number. Alternatively, you may contact the consulate or embassy directly. Be aware that the Visametric status updates are limited to 'Documents received by Consulate, process initiated,' 'Documents returned to Visametric,' and 'Documents being prepared for dispatch.'

Visa D applications for family reunification (processing via VisaMetric and German consulates) can take approximately 25 days, though individual timelines vary based on document completeness and communication access.

Family reunion with a non-German EU citizen in Germany is regulated by FreizügG/EU. Permanent residence (Niederlassungserlaubnis) is possible after 5 years of residency under FreizügG/EU § 4a, which notably does not require German language certification or the 'Life in Germany' exam. Independent residence rights are achievable after 3 years of marriage (with at least 1 year in Germany).

It is generally not possible to obtain a German language visa with an A0 language level. Authorities expect applicants to study up to A1-B2 level in their home country. To increase visa approval chances, aim for at least an A1 level before applying.

When flying from Germany to St. Petersburg via Ankara with both Turkmen (TM) and Russian (RF) passports, consider the following: Option 1: Purchase separate tickets, flying from Dusseldorf to Ankara on the TM passport, and then entering Turkey, exiting, and re-entering with the RF passport for the flight to St. Petersburg. Option 2: Book a single ticket from Dusseldorf to St. Petersburg using the TM passport. It is crucial to clarify immigration and transit procedures for dual citizens in Turkey to ensure a smooth journey.

Explain that entry into a Schengen country (e.g., Germany) via Poland with a Polish Visa D might be permitted if the traveler is accompanied by their German spouse. However, note that there have been instances where entry was denied even under these circumstances.

If a non-EU citizen (e.g., Russian citizen) who previously held a residence permit under Paragraph 24 (humanitarian protection) in Germany leaves the country for more than six months, their Paragraph 24 status is likely automatically annulled under § 51 (1) No. 7 AufenthG. Voluntary return to the country of citizenship (if that country is not deemed unsafe, e.g., Russia) can also be interpreted as abandoning the basis for protection (§ 51 (1) No. 6 AufenthG). Family reunification with a spouse and/or minor child who remain in Germany on Paragraph 24 status is the primary path to re-entry and legal residence. Options for re-entry: 1. Obtain a Schengen visa from another EU country, enter Germany, and apply for family reunification at the local Ausländerbehörde. 2. Apply for a family reunification visa at the German Embassy (generally a more complex and lengthy process). If the spouse is also on Paragraph 24, reunification based on spouse may be difficult if they cannot demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Reunification through a minor child (also on Paragraph 24) might be a more viable option as parental care obligations are prioritized. It's advisable to prepare a plausible explanation for the extended absence when dealing with German immigration authorities. Consult the German Embassy for specific guidance.

For German visa applications, when traveling with a valid multi-entry visa and an invitation letter, a copy or scan of the invitation may suffice instead of the original. While some officials may request originals, digital or copied versions are often accepted. It is advisable to confirm the specific requirements with the relevant authorities beforehand to avoid complications.

When inquiring about the status of a submitted national visa (Type D) application (e.g., for family reunion) via email (e.g., visa.bund.de), applicants need to provide their full name, date of birth, passport number, the name of the embassy (German Embassy in their country of application), and the application/case number. The application/case number is typically found in the subject line of previous correspondence from the embassy. Inquiries should only be made after the documents have been officially submitted.