Bringing Your Thai Girlfriend’s Children to Germany
Moving to Germany with kids is probably one of the best decisions your Thai fiancée would ever make, as the country gives expats an innovative, modern, and cosmopolitan way of life. In fact, being Asian is hardly a problem as regional diversity is a very important value in German society today.
Thus, it is almost likely that the kids would find it easy to adapt to an entirely new environment. Munich is one of the best locations to live in for those who are planning to raise children of a different nationality because it has many international schools to choose from and is relatively safe, which is, however, compensated by the high standard of living in the area.
Before children can apply for a visa, they must first secure a passport. No matter how old, they must have their own. If the applicant is below 15 years old, the child must be accompanied by his or her parents or legal guardian. Although at least one parent can suffice to comply with this requirement, the absent parent should provide a notarized parent’s consent form.
For applicants above 15 years old but below 20, they need not be accompanied by their parent/s as long as they bring with them a letter of consent signed by their parents or guardian. If you and your Thai fiancée consider adopting the child or children, be sure to comply with the legal requirements set by The Hague Adoption Convention, as Thailand is a signatory to the said treaty.
This agreement imposes strict safeguards on countries in order to deter such international crimes as child trafficking and child laundering. Because it is a system of cooperation among contracting states, you can expect that Germany will likewise be strict when it comes to welcoming Thai children from abroad.The requirements in securing a German visa depend largely on one’s nationality. Aside from being difficult at times, the entire procedure can also change quite often, so if you plan to bring your Thai fiancée’s children with you, it is important to know the rules and regulations.
For most Asian countries, a German visa is required even for short stays, which pertains to a period less than ninety (90) days. Take note, however, that whatever purpose you will state in your visa may not be changed while in Germany; thus, it is important to carefully consider the reason you provide in the application form.
Visa Entry Requirements for Children
Being a German citizen who wishes to bring your Thai fiancée’s child or children to Germany, you actually have several options to choose from. But first, they must meet a certain criteria. For one, they should be under 21 years old and unmarried.
In the event that they are over 21 years of age, they may still be approved of a visa so long as the petition is filed before they celebrated their 21st birthday. For another, their parent, your Thai girlfriend that is, must first get a visa so her children become eligible for a derivative visa.
These are the following documents that will likely be required in the visa application of the children:
1. At least a three-month valid passport that continues to be so after the end of the visa period applied for and must have a blank page for the visa.
2. Application forms
3. Two (2) passport photos
4. Original and certified translations of birth certificate, school records, academic qualifications, and insurance policies. For certifications, you can visit German consular and diplomatic missions.
5. Vaccination certificates
Nevertheless, make sure to call the local consulate or embassy for confirmation of the documents needed. These requirements should be filed at least six (6) weeks prior to the intended departure date.
Note also that if you apply outside of your home country, issuance of the visa could take longer than usual as the same will still be referred to your country’s German consulate or embassy.
As German immigration offices are mostly overloaded with requests, do not feel bad or intimidated if you find officials to be less friendly as compared to their counterparts in the offices of other countries. In addition, if your situation is a bit complex legally, then it is best to hire an immigration expert or a lawyer to represent you or help walk you through the entire process.
Preparing for the Children’s Education
Once your Thai girlfriend’s kids are granted a visa and gain entry to Germany, your next concern is most likely their education. The possibility of them studying in Germany though is higher with this visa as it is valid for two years with multiple entries until they reach the age of 21. If any of the children are applying for a student visa, it is imperative that they apply as early as 120 days prior to the start of the school year or course date.
It is also during these times that your Thai fiancée’s kids should spend time researching on various institutions and programs available in Germany. It would also help if they study the application requirements and deadlines of the university where they plan to apply, especially concerning the standardized admission tests required by most colleges and universities.
Now, which school should the children choose? Their choice would depend on the state they will belong in. As you may know, Germany is a huge country that consists of five major states and some territories, most of which have an excellent education system. All that is really needed now is to apply for the appropriate visa and then meet a school’s admission requirements.
Guides on Schooling for Children in Germany
Education should start at a young age. So when we think about our children we automatically think of their future. This means ensuring they get a decent and valuable education most especially if they are migrating from Thailand to Germany. You and your Thai fiancée should see to it that although they are still young, they should have the right education and where possible, it should be of high quality.
You have to select a good school that will bring out the best in your child and one that will enable her to reach her fullest potential. Various high quality schools are available in Germany and although there is no single school that will be ideal for Thai children, it would be better if you enroll them to one that has already a Thai populace of students. It is every parent’s dream to provide the best for his or her child.
However, this is easier said than done. There are many schools claiming they can do wonders for your child even if the truth is otherwise. Thus, you have to do some research and background checks regarding the school you want to send your child in the state that you are living. Finding the appropriate school can also be a problem if you have a child who is not used to most foreign ways, the culture and the language. As you recently succeeded in bringing your child in Germany, he or she is still probably young and barely knows anything about the new country.
There are many schools available in the different states so you have a variety of choices.You may consider the following tips when choosing a school for Thai children:
• Find a school where there is an existing community of Thai children. Sending your child to a German school where other Thai children also go can help your child in adjusting to his or her new environment. This way the child will still have a connection with their past and will not feel totally cut off from what has been their wayof life. It would also mean that the school is more or less experienced in having Thais as students so they know how to deal with this kind of situation.
• Learn about the school’s curriculum Schools which offer solid English classes for foreign students can be a good choice. If you enroll your child in this kind of school, he or she will learn the English language faster and can cope better socially and academically. Also, schools which offer Thai-related subjects be it language, dance or literature can also be good for your child.
It is completely hard for a child to be in a foreign country without anything familiar to hold on to. Although you are there as parents for your children, they will still need other support systems so they can cope with their new surroundings. Note that the second most influential environment for your child next to the family and home is the school so it can greatly help your child if the school cares about him or her.
• Ask advice from parents who have been in a similar position. You do not have to do this alone. You may ask help from friends and relatives who have experienced the same problem and ask them how they dealt with it and what worked for them. Asking help can offer you a lot of possible choices and alternatives in terms of your child’s schooling and how best to help him or h
These schools can only do so much for your child. As a parent, you have to provide guidance and address his emotional and physical needs. Remember that your child’s education starts at home.
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