Bringing Parents To Austria: What You Need To Know

If you are an Austrian citizen or a holder of a specific residence permit, you can bring your parents to Austria if they are third-country nationals. Third-country nationals are those who need a visa to enter Austria. To bring your parents to Austria, you will need to apply for an Austrian Family Reunion Visa. The application process can be complex, and you will need to meet certain general criteria. Firstly, your parents will need to be holders of a residence permit or have Austrian citizenship. Secondly, you will need to prepare some documents for the application process, including a valid passport, financial means, identity pictures, a visa application form, travel insurance, and a birth certificate.

What are the requirements for a family reunification visa?

The requirements for a family reunification visa in Austria depend on several factors, including whether the family member seeking reunification is a third-country national or a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland. Here is a detailed overview of the requirements:

Third-Country Nationals:

Third-country nationals are individuals who are neither EEA nor Swiss citizens. If the family member seeking reunification is a third-country national, they must meet the following general requirements for a residence permit:

• Adequate means of subsistence: The applicant must demonstrate a fixed and regular income that meets or exceeds the standard income rate. In 2024, this rate was €1,217.46 for singles, €1,921.96 for married couples, and an additional €187.93 for each child.
• Health insurance coverage: The applicant must have health insurance that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks.
• Adequate accommodation: The applicant must provide evidence of a legal title to accommodation that is considered adequate for their family size according to local standards, such as a lease contract.
• German language skills: Family members must provide evidence of German language skills at the A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. However, this requirement is waived for applicants under 14 years of age or those with a physical or mental health condition that prevents them from fulfilling this requirement.
• Valid travel documents: A valid passport or equivalent document is required.
• Evidence of family relationship: Documents such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or certificate of registered partnership may be needed.
• Application fee: There is a fee of €100, which includes €80 upon application and an additional €20 when the residence permit is granted.

EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens:

If one or more family members are citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, special rules apply to the entire family. These citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the European Economic Area. Relatives of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who are third-country nationals are entitled to stay in Austria for more than three months if they are:

• Spouses or registered partners of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
• Direct descendants (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren) under 21 years of age or older if their maintenance is provided by the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
• Direct ancestors (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents) if their maintenance is provided by the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

These relatives can obtain a "residence card" upon request, which grants them free access to the Austrian employment market. After five years of lawful and continuous residence in Austria, they can apply for a "permanent residence card."

What documents do I need to apply for a family reunification visa?

To apply for a family reunification visa in Austria, you will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• Copies of your previous passport (if applicable).
• Proof of financial means.
• Identity pictures.
• A completed visa application form.
• Travel insurance.
• Birth certificate.
• Certificate of good standing.
• Marriage certificate.
• Divorce certificate (if applicable).
• Adoption papers (if applicable).
• Certificate of relationship registration.
• Family certificate.
• Proof of accommodation.
• Travel itinerary.
• Evidence of German language skills.

Please note that all documents need to be either in German or English. If your documents are in another language, they must be translated. Additionally, all documents need to be originals plus copies, and civil documents must be legalized with an Apostille.

From your sponsor in Austria, you will need to provide copies of the following:

• Their citizenship certificate ("Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis").
• Registration form ("Meldezettel").
• Proof of income from the last three months.

It is important to note that the application process for a family reunification visa in Austria can be complex, and you should allow sufficient time for your application to be processed. You may also be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.

What is the application process for a family reunification visa?

The application process for a family reunification visa in Austria can be complex and depends on several factors. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Firstly, it is important to determine if you and your family members are eligible for the visa. Austrian citizens or individuals with a residence permit can apply for family reunification for their family members who are third-country nationals. Third-country nationals are individuals who are neither EEA nor Swiss citizens and require a visa to enter Austria. Eligible family members include spouses or registered partners, children under the age of 18 or 21 (depending on the circumstance), and other relatives under specific circumstances.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

The application process requires several documents to be submitted. These documents include:

• A valid passport.
• Copies of previous passports (if applicable).
• Financial means or proof of income to support yourself in Austria without relying on social welfare.
• Identity pictures following the Schengen picture guide.
• A completed visa application form.
• Travel insurance that conforms to the Schengen Travel insurance rules.
• Birth certificate.
• Certificate of good standing issued by the local civil court.
• Marriage certificate.
• Divorce certificate (if applicable).
• Adoption papers (if applicable).
• Certificate of relationship registration.
• Family certificate proving the familial relationship with the sponsor.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a rental agreement or sponsor's place of residence.
• Travel itinerary, including flight details and arrival dates.
• Evidence of German language skills at the A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
• All documents must be either in German or English, and civil documents must be legalized with an Apostille.

Step 3: Submit Application

The application can be submitted to the local Austrian embassy or consulate. It is recommended to set up an appointment beforehand. During the application process, an interview may be conducted to ask about the nature of the application.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After submitting the application, wait for it to be processed and approved. Once approved, you can proceed with your travel plans to Austria.

Step 5: Register in Austria

Upon entering Austria, remember to register at the local registration office within three days.

It is important to note that the validity of the family visa depends on the type of residency of the sponsor and is typically valid for up to 12 months. The visa can be renewed before its expiration, and after living lawfully in Austria for five years, you can apply for a long-term resident status.

Can I work in Austria with a family reunification visa?

If you are a third-country national (someone who is neither an EEA nor a Swiss citizen) and you are seeking to reside in Austria with your family for more than six months, you will need to apply for a residence title (permission to stay for more than six months). For stays of up to six months, a visa must be applied for if necessary.

The type of residence permit you will need depends on several factors, including whether there is a close connection to the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, the type of residence permit held by the skilled employee in the family, how long this person has been in Austria, and when the family will immigrate to Austria.

If you are a third-country national and are married to or in a civil partnership with an Austrian national, you will need to apply for the Residence Permit – Family Member (“Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger”). This permit grants unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market, meaning you can work as an employee and/or be self-employed, and are not bound to one employer.

If you are in a relationship with an Austrian but are neither married nor in a civil partnership, you may be eligible for the Settlement Permit – Dependant (“Niederlassungsbewilligung - Angehöriger”). However, this permit does not allow you to work in Austria.

In addition to the above, there are other residence permits available depending on your specific circumstances, such as the Red-White-Red – Card Plus, Settlement Permit, and Residence Permit – Family Reunification.

To apply for a residence permit, you will typically need to submit the following documents:

• Passport photo fulfilling EU criteria (not older than six months)
• Personal documents: birth certificate (only for children), police clearance certificate (“Strafregisterbescheinigung”), not older than three months, marriage certificate, or a certificate affirming civil partnership
• Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., pay slips, bank account statements)
• Proof of health insurance coverage in Austria
• A1 German Certificate (not older than one year) showing your German language skills
• Proof of long-term accommodation in Austria (e.g., rental agreement, land registry excerpt)
• One or more police clearance certificates depending on the country in which you live
• Visa application form

The application process for an Austrian family reunification visa can be complex, and you may need to attend an interview as part of the process. It is recommended to allow at least three weeks for your application to be processed before your departure.

Can I get permanent residence with a family reunification visa?

If you are an Austrian citizen or a holder of a specific residence permit, you can bring your family members to Austria if they are third-country nationals. Third-country nationals are individuals who are neither EEA nor Swiss citizens and require a visa to enter Austria.

Family members who are third-country nationals and wish to reside in Austria for more than six months require a residence title. For stays of up to six months, a visa must be obtained if necessary.

The type of residence permit granted to family members depends on several factors, including the type of permit held by the skilled employee in the family, how long they have been in Austria, and the timing of the family's immigration to Austria.

If you are a third-country national married to or in a civil partnership with an Austrian citizen, you are eligible for the Residence Permit – Family Member ("Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger"). This permit provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market, allowing you to work as an employee and/or self-employed individual.

Now, to answer your question directly: Yes, you can obtain permanent residence with a family reunification visa in Austria. After living lawfully in Austria for five years, you can apply for a long-term resident – EU, which is typically valid for about ten years. To qualify for this status, you need to complete Module 2 of the integration agreement and meet the general requirements.

The integration agreement consists of two modules that third-country nationals must complete to be eligible for a residency permit, residency title, or citizenship. Module 1 is considered complete if you can demonstrate basic knowledge of the German language (A1 level) through a certificate from an accredited institution. Module 2 is completed when you can prove B2-level German language proficiency and basic knowledge of Austria's legal system and societal norms.

Frequently asked questions