Family

Family reunification in Austria

Spouses and minor children can join, subject to conditions such as sufficient income, accommodation, health insurance and German skills before entry.

Last updated: 6 October 2026 · Draft – not yet editorially reviewed.

Family reunification in Austria for third-country nationals depends on the relationship to the person in Austria and on the residence title that will be issued. In many cases, the first application is filed abroad at an Austrian representation, but some applications can also be filed in Austria after lawful entry and during lawful stay. 2 3

Who needs this

Third-country nationals who want to join family members in Austria for longer than six months need a residence title such as an Aufenthaltsbewilligung or Niederlassungsbewilligung. For stays of up to six months, visa-required third-country nationals need a visa instead of a residence title. 2
For family reunification under the Austrian rules, family members are spouses, registered partners, and unmarried minor children, including adopted and stepchildren. Spouses and registered partners must be 21 years old at the time of application; children must be under 18 at that time. 2 3
In some cases, family members can apply for the title Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus, and in some cases for the title Familienangehöriger or Niederlassungsbewilligung, depending on the status of the person in Austria. 2 3 4
A German language proof at A1 level is required for the first application for several titles, including Familienangehöriger and Niederlassungsbewilligung in the family reunification context. 1 2 3 4

Step by step

Check which residence title matches your situation and whether the application can be filed abroad or in Austria. First applications are generally filed at the Austrian representation abroad; in some cases, application in Austria is possible after lawful entry and during lawful stay. 2 3
Prepare the required documents, including proof of the family relationship, the sponsor’s residence title, German language proof, housing, insurance, and livelihood. 2 3 4
Submit the application in person where required. The representation abroad checks completeness and forwards the application to the competent Austrian authority. 2 3 4
If the application is approved and a visa is needed, apply for the entry visa within three months after notification of the positive decision, and then collect the residence title within the following three months. 3
If the procedure finishes while you are still lawfully in Austria, the title is issued in Austria; if the lawful stay ends before completion, you must leave Austria and wait for the procedure abroad. 3

Documents

Valid travel document, such as a passport. 3 4
Recent biometric photo; in Vienna it must be no more than six months old. 3 4
Proof of the family relationship, such as marriage certificate, partnership certificate, birth certificate, or adoption certificate. 3 4
Proof of the sponsor’s relevant residence title. 2
Proof of German knowledge at A1 level, usually by a recognized language diploma from ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc, or ÖIF; proof through Integrationsvereinbarung module 1 or 2 is also accepted in the situations named by the sources. 1 2 4
Proof of adequate housing, usually through a rental contract, purchase contract, or housing right agreement. 2 3 4
Proof of sufficient means of subsistence. 2 3 4
Proof of health insurance valid in Austria and covering all risks. 2 3 4
If requested, further documents may be required; some authorities ask for a criminal record extract from the country of origin or previous residence, and translations or certification may be required. 2 3 4

Cost and time

The application fee is €218. 2 3
In Vienna, the Niederlassungsbewilligung fee is €218 per permit, and the fee must be paid at application; the permit is issued only after payment. 4
The authority must decide on applications no later than six months after receipt. 2
For language proof, the diploma must not be older than one year when submitted. 1 2

Deadlines

The first application for Familienangehöriger has no fixed deadline. 3
For a renewal application, you must apply personally before the current title expires, and at the earliest three months before expiry. 3 4
For the entry visa after a positive decision, the application must be made within three months of the notification. 3
If German proof is required, the language diploma must be no older than one year at the time of submission. 1 2

City by city

Vienna: The competent authority depends on the family situation. For family members of a person with Niederlassungsbewilligung Angehöriger, MA 35 Referat 1.1 is competent; for family members of a person with Niederlassungsbewilligung, Niederlassungsbewilligung Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit, or Niederlassungsbewilligung Künstler, the MA 35 Business Immigration Office is competent. 4
Vienna: The fee is paid using the payment slip from MA 35 or at one of the city cash desks. 4
Graz: The Amt der Steiermärkischen Landesregierung is competent. 2 3
In Statutarstädten, the magistrate is competent; in the other federal states, the district authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) is competent. 2 3