🇦🇹 Austria

Family Reunification

Build Your Future in Austria Together

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Austria provides family reunification pathways for eligible family members of Austrian citizens and qualifying foreign residents.

Depending on the residence status of the person already living in Austria, eligible spouses, registered partners and children may obtain residence rights and, in certain cases, unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.

CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists families in assessing their eligibility and coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.

Who Can Qualify as a Family Member?

  • Spouses
  • Registered Partners
  • Unmarried Minor Children
  • Adopted Children
  • Stepchildren, where applicable

The exact definition of eligible family members depends on the residence title and immigration status of the sponsor.

Residence Titles for Family Members

Family Members of Red-White-Red Card Holders

Red-White-Red Card Plus

  • Residence in Austria
  • Unrestricted Access to the Austrian Labour Market
  • The Right to Work for Different Employers
  • The Possibility of Self-Employment subject to applicable requirements

Family Members of EU Blue Card Holders

Red-White-Red Card Plus

This provides residence together with unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.

Other Family Reunification Pathways

The appropriate residence title depends on the sponsor's status in Austria. Possible residence titles can include:

  • Red-White-Red Card Plus
  • Settlement Permit
  • Settlement Permit – Dependant
  • Family Member Residence Titles
  • Residence Cards for Certain Family Members of EU/EEA Citizens

General Requirements

Adequate Means of Subsistence

For 2026, the official standard income reference amounts include:

  • Single person: €1,308.39 per month
  • Married couple: €2,064.12 per month
  • Each child: additional €201.88 per month

Health Insurance

Applicants generally need health insurance coverage that provides benefits in Austria and covers the relevant risks.

Adequate Accommodation

Applicants may need to demonstrate a legal right to accommodation appropriate for a family of comparable size.

  • Rental Agreement
  • Preliminary Rental Agreement
  • Property Ownership Documentation
  • Other Accepted Housing Evidence

German Language Requirement

Depending on the residence title and individual circumstances, some family members may need to demonstrate basic German language skills before immigration.

Austrian law provides exemptions for certain categories, for example family members of qualifying highly qualified Red-White-Red Card holders, EU Blue Card holders and researchers.

Who May Benefit From Family Reunification?

  • Red-White-Red Card Holders
  • EU Blue Card Holders
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Skilled Professionals
  • Highly Qualified Workers
  • Researchers
  • Long-Term Residents
  • Austrian Citizens
  • Other Qualifying Residents

Required Documents

  • Valid Passport
  • Recent Passport Photograph
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Registered Partnership Certificate
  • Birth Certificates
  • Adoption Documents
  • Evidence of Family Relationship
  • Sponsor's Austrian Residence Permit
  • Evidence of Accommodation
  • Evidence of Adequate Income
  • Health Insurance
  • German Language Certificate where required
  • Additional Documents Requested by the Authorities

Foreign documents may require certified translation, apostille or legalization depending on the country of issue and applicable rules.

Application Process

  1. 01

    Family Assessment

    We review the sponsor's residence status and the family relationship.

  2. 02

    Residence Title Assessment

    The appropriate family residence pathway is identified.

  3. 03

    Eligibility Review

    Income, accommodation, insurance, language and other applicable requirements are reviewed.

  4. 04

    Documentation

    The required family and residence documents are prepared and coordinated.

  5. 05

    Application

    The application is submitted through the competent Austrian authority according to the applicable procedure.

  6. 06

    Approval & Relocation

    Following successful approval, we assist with the next stages of the family's relocation where required.

Red-White-Red Card Plus

Residence & Unrestricted Employment

  • Temporary Settlement in Austria
  • Unrestricted Labour Market Access
  • Employment with Different Employers
  • Self-Employment subject to applicable rules

The initial validity depends on the circumstances and residence history.

Long-Term Future in Austria

Family members who remain lawfully settled in Austria may eventually qualify for longer-term residence rights when the relevant residence periods and integration requirements are satisfied.

One possible future status is Long-Term Resident – EU. This is subject to separate legal requirements and residence periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my spouse join me in Austria?

Potentially yes. The appropriate residence title depends on your own Austrian residence status and your spouse's circumstances.

Can my spouse work in Austria?

Family members who qualify for a Red-White-Red Card Plus generally receive unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.

Can my children come with me?

Eligible unmarried minor children may generally be included under Austrian family reunification rules, subject to the applicable requirements.

Do we need to prove income?

In many cases, yes. Applicants generally need adequate and regular financial resources. For 2026, Austria publishes specific standard income reference amounts.

Do we need accommodation?

In many cases, applicants must demonstrate an entitlement to accommodation considered appropriate for a comparable family.

Does my spouse need German before moving?

This depends on the residence title and whether an exemption applies. Some family members are exempt from the pre-entry German requirement.

Can family members later obtain permanent residence?

Potentially yes. Long-term residence may become available after satisfying the applicable residence and integration requirements.

Relocate Your Family to Austria

Build Your New Life Together

Whether you are moving to Austria for employment, business or long-term residence, CETO can help you understand the immigration options available for your family.

Our team coordinates the process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.