Do I need A1 German for a spouse visa to Germany?
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Short answer
In most cases, yes. If you are joining your husband or wife in Germany from Pakistan, the German Embassy asks for an A1 German certificate from the Goethe-Institut, ÖSD, telc or TestDaF, no older than one year when you apply. Some spouses are exempt, for example spouses of EU Blue Card holders and spouses of non-German EU citizens.
Who needs A1
The A1 rule applies to most people applying for a family reunion visa to join a spouse in Germany. That includes joining a German husband or wife.
Who does not need A1
According to the German Embassy in Islamabad, these groups do not need to show A1:
- Spouses of EU Blue Card holders, ICT Card holders and holders of certain other residence permits
- Spouses of non-German EU citizens
- Spouses of recognised refugees, if the marriage took place before the partner left Pakistan
- Parents joining their minor German child
Exemptions depend on your partner's exact residence permit. Check the embassy's family reunion page for your case before you decide to skip the exam.
The one-year rule
The certificate must be no older than one year on the day you apply for the visa. Goethe certificates themselves have no expiry date, but for the visa, the one-year rule applies.
So time your exam around your visa appointment. If your appointment is more than a year away, start learning now but plan the exam date so the certificate is still recent enough when you apply.
What A1 means
A1 is the first level of the European framework (CEFR). At A1 you can:
- Introduce yourself and say where you live and what you do
- Ask and answer simple questions about personal details
- Understand and use everyday expressions and very simple sentences
- Talk with someone who speaks slowly and clearly and is willing to help
Common questions
Do I need A1 if my husband or wife is German?
Usually yes. Joining a German spouse normally requires A1. The exemptions on the embassy's list are mainly for spouses of EU Blue Card holders and similar permit holders, spouses of non-German EU citizens, and some spouses of recognised refugees.
Does the Goethe A1 certificate expire?
The certificate has no expiry date, but for the spouse visa from Pakistan it must be no older than one year on the day you apply.
Which A1 certificates are accepted?
The German Embassy in Islamabad accepts A1 certificates from the Goethe-Institut, ÖSD, telc and TestDaF.