For family reunification to Germany, the decisive factor is whether a child is still legally a minor (under 18 years of age) or has already reached adulthood.

An MRI age assessment of the wrist can help to estimate biological age. Medical age assessment is only considered in exceptional cases if there are reasonable doubts about the accuracy of the information provided in the visa application and the documents submitted/requested do not provide convincing proof of age.

The Consulate General decides when an age assessment must be carried out and commissions a suitable institute on behalf of the applicant or their legal guardian to produce the MRI images and medical report.

A short questionnaire must be completed in advance and consent must be confirmed by the signature of a legal guardian. It is expressly pointed out that the costs incurred in connection with the preparation of the report are to be paid by the applicant himself. The total costs currently amount to approximately EUR 640.00 (information subject to change) and must be paid in advance in Naira at the current exchange rate of the Consulate General.

What is an MRI of the wrist?

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):

• Works with magnetic fields and radio waves,
• Does not use X-rays,
• Produces highly detailed images of the bones and growth plates in the hand and wrist,
• The left hand is usually examined. Bone maturation in this area has been well researched and can be compared across different age groups.

Procedure of the MRI examination

At the appointment, the applicant and a legal guardian (e.g., mother, father, or legal guardian) must be present. A staff member of the Consulate General will also be present to supervise the procedure.

Preparation phase

• The medical staff on site explains the purpose, procedure, and possible consequences.
• Jewelry, watches, and other metal objects must be removed.

Image acquisition

• The person lies down on the examination table.
• The left arm is extended, and the hand is placed in a special holder to keep it still.
• The table moves into the opening of the MRI machine.
• During the scan, the MRI machine produces loud knocking and humming noises.
• The scan time for the hand usually takes only a few minutes; including preparation, the entire appointment lasts about 60 minutes.

After the examination

• The person can stand up immediately.
• The images are saved and later evaluated by medical specialists.
• Upon request, the images can be handed over to the applicant by the Consulate General after the medical report has been completed.

How is an age estimate determined from the images?

In children and adolescents, the growth plates of the bones are still open. These plates gradually close and are fully ossified in adults.

Radiologists assess the MRI images to determine:

• Whether the growth plates in the hand and wrist are still open or already closed
• How far the ossification centers have developed
• Whether the pattern corresponds more closely to an adolescent or an adult skeleton.

The images are then compared with medical reference data. From this comparison, a skeletal age (bone age) is derived.

Which age ranges can be assessed?

MRI-based age assessment of the hand is particularly helpful:

• In the age group of approximately 14 to 21 years,
• When the key question is whether a person is close to the 18-year.