Family Reunification in Austria

Family Reunification

Residence title for spouses/registered partners and minor children joining a sponsor; no quota for family of Austrian citizens, RWR/EU Blue Card holders or researchers.

Processing time

Decision without undue delay, at the latest within 6 months of receipt

Validity

RWR Card plus, typically 3 years, renewable

Language requirement

German A1 certificate (not older than 1 year at submission); exemptions for under-14s, medical cases, certain high-skilled/researcher families

Permanent residence

Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years

Citizenship

Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

• Family relationship to a qualifying sponsor
• Income evidence (EUR 1,308.39 single / EUR 2,064.12 couple + EUR 201.88/child, 2026)
• Accommodation and all-risk health insurance
• Sponsor's residence-title proof
• German A1 certificate not older than 1 year (with exemptions)

Required Documents

• Valid passport required
• Children's birth certificate required
• Marriage/partnership/divorce certificate required
• Accommodation proof required
• All-risk health insurance required
• Income evidence per 2026 rates required
• Sponsor's residence-title proof required
• German A1 certificate not older than 1 year (with exemptions) required

Official fees

• Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1. 1

   File abroad

   File at the Austrian consulate abroad.

2. 2

   Completeness check

   Consulate checks completeness.

3. 3

   Forward to authority

   Forwarded to the Provincial Governor / District Authority.

4. 4

   Decision

   Decision issued; appeal to the Provincial Administrative Court if refused.

Official Sources

• Family Reunification - migration.gv.at Official
• Residence (Family) - oesterreich.gv.at Official