MIGRATION & CERTIFICATES
Family reunification to Germany from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan: A1 certificate and apostille guide 2026
Complete guide for spouse reunification from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan: Goethe/ÖSD/telc A1 requirements, apostille chain, and visa preparation.
VON GERMANIUM
Editorial desk — sourced to German Embassy Astana, Almaty and Tashkent visa leaflets
Spouse reunification to Germany from Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) is one of the highest-volume visa routes at German missions. The core requirements for the spouse visa (Ehegattennachzug, §30 AufenthG) are A1 German language proof from an ALTE provider and an apostilled document chain.
Accepted A1 certificates at German missions
The German Embassy in Astana, Consulate General in Almaty, and Embassy in Tashkent enforce strict language criteria. Only certificates from ALTE-accredited institutions (Association of Language Testers in Europe) are accepted:
| Certificate | Accepted by embassy? | Validity period for visa |
|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat A1 (Start Deutsch 1) | Yes (primary standard) | Issued within 12 months prior to visa filing |
| ÖSD Zertifikat A1 (Grundstufe Deutsch 1) | Yes | Issued within 12 months |
| telc Deutsch A1 | Yes | Issued within 12 months |
| Unaccredited private language school certificates | NO (automatic rejection) | Invalid for visa processing |
Document chain and apostille
All civil status documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates) must be stamped with an apostille by the Ministry of Justice in Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan prior to certified translation into German.
Is an A1 certificate required if the spouse in Germany holds a Blue Card?
No. If your spouse holds an EU Blue Card (§18g), research visa (§18b), or another privileged skilled-worker permit, the A1 requirement for the joining spouse is waived by statutory exemption (§30 Abs. 1 AufenthG).
Where can I take the Goethe A1 exam in Kazakhstan?
Goethe-Zertifikat A1 exams are held regularly at the Goethe-Institut in Almaty and partner language testing centers in Astana, Karaganda, and Kostanay.