Family Reunion Visa for Austria

Last updated: March 2026

As of March 2026, Austria allows spouses (both must be 21+), minor children under 18, and in some cases parents of Austrian citizens to reunify through the family reunion process. Processing takes 3–6 months on average. The joining family member must pass a German A1 exam before entry, and the sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income based on annual reference rates set by the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior. Permits for family of third-country nationals are subject to an annual quota that typically opens in January.

Who Is Eligible for Family Reunion in Austria?

Not all family members qualify for family reunification. The eligible categories are defined by Austrian immigration law (Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz, or NAG):

Spouse or registered partner: The marriage or partnership must be legally recognised. Both partners must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
Minor children: Unmarried children under 18 years of age. This includes biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren.
Parents of Austrian citizens: Under certain conditions, parents of minor Austrian citizens may apply for family reunification.

Age Requirement for Spouses

Both the sponsor and the joining spouse must be at least 21 years old. This is a specific Austrian requirement designed to prevent forced marriages. There are very limited exceptions to this rule.

What Types of Family Reunion Permits Does Austria Offer?

The type of residence permit issued to the joining family member depends on the sponsor's immigration status:

Family Members of Austrian Citizens

Spouses and minor children of Austrian citizens receive a Niederlassungsbewilligung (settlement permit) that grants immediate access to the labour market. This permit is not subject to the annual quota system, meaning applications are processed without waiting for quota availability.

Family Members of RWR Card or Settlement Permit Holders

If the sponsor holds a Red-White-Red Card, RWR Card Plus, EU Blue Card, or a settlement permit, the family member can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus (Familienangehoeriger). This permit also grants unrestricted labour market access. However, these applications are subject to the annual quota and may involve waiting times.

Family Members of EU/EEA Citizens

Third-country family members of EU/EEA citizens exercising their right to free movement in Austria can apply for a residence card (Aufenthaltskarte). This process is generally faster and has fewer financial requirements, as it falls under EU freedom of movement rules rather than Austrian national immigration law.

What Are the Requirements for Family Reunion in Austria?

The general requirements for family reunification include:

Valid passport: For the joining family member, valid for the duration of the stay.
Proof of relationship: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or partnership registration. Documents must be apostilled and translated into German.
German language skills: The joining family member must demonstrate German at A1 level before entry. This typically means passing a recognised German exam such as the OeIF (Oesterreichischer Integrationsfonds) or Goethe-Institut A1 exam.
Adequate accommodation: The sponsor must prove that the housing is sufficient for the family size, meeting local standards for minimum living space.
Financial means: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient regular income to support the family without relying on social welfare. The required amount depends on family size and is based on the reference rates set annually.
Health insurance: Coverage for the joining family member, typically through the sponsor's insurance as a co-insured dependent.
Criminal record certificate: For the joining family member, from their country of residence.

German A1 Before Entry

The A1 German language requirement must be fulfilled before the visa is issued, not after arrival. Plan ahead and register for a language exam early, as exam slots can fill up and results take time. Exemptions exist for family members of Austrian citizens and in cases of documented health or education barriers.

How Does Austria's Family Reunion Quota System Work?

Austria operates an annual quota system for certain types of family reunification permits. Each year, the federal government sets a limited number of permits available for each province. Once the quota is exhausted, applicants must wait until the next year's quota is released (typically in January).

Family members of Austrian citizens are exempt from the quota. Family members of EU/EEA citizens are also exempt. The quota primarily affects family members of third-country nationals holding settlement permits or RWR Cards.

Apply Early in the Year

Quota places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If your application is subject to the quota, submit it as early as possible in January when the new annual quota opens. In popular provinces like Vienna, quota places can be exhausted within months.

How Do You Apply for Family Reunion in Austria?

Pass the German A1 exam. The joining family member must pass a recognised A1 German exam before applying.
Gather all documents. Collect relationship proof, financial documents, accommodation proof, and all other required materials.
Apply at the Austrian embassy. The joining family member submits the application in person at the Austrian embassy in their country of residence.
Wait for processing. Processing times vary significantly. Expect 3 to 6 months on average, but it can take longer if quota-related delays apply.
Receive Visum D and travel to Austria. Once approved, the family member receives a Visum D to enter Austria.
Register and collect the residence permit. Upon arrival,register your address (Meldezettel) and collect the biometric residence permit card from the local immigration authority.

What Is Austria's Integration Agreement for Family Members?

Family members who join through reunification must fulfil the Integration Agreement (Integrationsvereinbarung). Module 1 requires reaching German A2 level and completing a values and orientation course within two years of receiving the residence permit. Module 2, required for permanent settlement, requires German B1 level. Courses are offered by the OeIF (Austrian Integration Fund) and other approved providers. Partial reimbursement of course costs may be available.

Free Integration Courses

The Austrian Integration Fund (OeIF) offers subsidised and sometimes free German language and integration courses. Register as soon as you arrive in Austria, as there may be waiting lists. Completing the integration modules on time is essential for permit renewal.