With Austria becoming the EuropeanimmigrantsAustria is one of the most popular countries and more and more immigrants want to bring their families to Austria for reunification. The Austrian government offers a "Family Residence Permit" (Familienaufenthaltstitel) for family reunification.The authorization to emigrate to Austria is granted to spouses, children and some specific family members. This article will explain in detailFamily reunification migration to Austria in 2025(used form a nominal expression)The latest application requirements, process and precautions to help you successfully realize family reunion.
I. Overview of family reunification migration in Austria
Austria's family reunification immigration policy is aimed atForeigners with legal residence permitsThe applicant's family members can apply for a residence permit to legally reside, study and work in Austria. Applicants must fulfill the following requirementsFinancial ability, housing conditions, language requirementsand other standards.
II. Application requirements for family reunification migration to Austria in 2025
1. Eligibility requirements for applicants (sponsors)
The sponsor (i.e. a family member already in Austria) must fulfill the following conditions:
✅ Holding a long-term residence permit, for example:
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Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)
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European Union Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU)
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Permanent residence permit (Daueraufenthalt - EU)
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Refugee status or protected status
✅ Have a stable income::
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Single applicants: minimum monthly income of approximately €1,200.
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Husband and wife: minimum monthly income of approximately €1,800.
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For each additional child, an additional increase of approximately €200 - €300 is required.
✅ Having suitable housing::
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Proof of renting or purchasing a home that meets basic living standards (e.g., size of home, sanitary conditions, etc.).
✅ Have medical insurance::
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Applicants must have health insurance covering the whole of Austria.
✅ clean bill of health::
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Applicants and their family members are required to provide proof of a clean criminal record.
2. Applicable family members
📌 mate(proof of marriage required)
📌 Children under 18 years of age
📌 Parents (in special cases, e.g., dependence on a sponsor)
📌 Unmarried partner (proof of long-term cohabitation required)
Application Process for Family Reunification Migration to Austria
Step 1: Preparation of materials
✅ Photocopies of passports(Guarantor and applicant)
✅ Marriage certificate/birth certificate(official certification + German translation required)
✅ Guarantor's Income Certificate(payroll, bank deposits, tax documents)
✅ housing certificate(Rental contracts/purchase contracts)
✅ Medical insurance certificate
✅ Certificate of no criminal record(translation to be notarized)
Step 2: Submission of application
Applicants can submit their applications in one of two ways:
📌 Applicant outside Austria: inAustrian Embassies and Consulates abroadSubmit an application.
📌 Applicant's presence in Austria: Go toImmigration Office (MA 35) or local government officeSubmit an application.
⏳ processing time: usually requires3-6 monthsComplications may be longer.
Step 3: Authorization and entry
🔹 Upon approval of the applicationThe applicant is required to collect the visa at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate abroad and toReceive your residence card at the immigration office upon arrivalThe
🔹 If the application is rejected, an appeal or additional material may be submitted within four weeks.
IV. Precautions for Family Reunification Migrants from Austria
✅ German Language Requirements for Austria
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Spouses are required to provideCertificate in German at A1 level(e.g. ÖSD, Goethe certificates).
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Within 2 years of application, you must achieveA2 level of German language proficiencyOtherwise, the renewal of the residence permit may be affected.
✅ Educational arrangements for children
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Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 15 years and can be enrolled in public schools (free of charge) or international schools (higher fees).
✅ Employment rights of spouses
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Spouses holding a "family reunification residence permit" are free to work.The work permit is not required to be applied for additionally.
✅ Conversion to permanent residence
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After five years of residence for family reunification, you can apply for aLong-term residence in Austria (Daueraufenthalt - EU), enjoying benefits similar to those of citizens.
V. Family reunification migration from Austria vs. other European countries
States | Family reunification application conditions | Type of Residence Permit | processing time |
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Austrian | Income, housing, and medical requirements need to be met | Family residence permit (convertible to permanent residence) | 3-6 months |
German | A1 German language proficiency is required and the sponsor must have a stable job. | Family Reunification Visa (Work Permitted) | 3-12 months |
French | No German language requirement, proof of housing and income required | Residence card "for family reunification" | 6-12 months |
Portugal | Purchase a home or have income to apply | Golden Visa Family Reunification | 2-4 months |
👉 Conclusion:

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Austria's family reunification policy is relatively friendly, provided that the applicant meets the financial ability and language requirements.
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Faster applications in Austria compared to Germany, but with more stringent German language requirements.
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If fast reunification is a consideration, Portugal's Golden Visa is more suitableinvestment immigrationhouseholdThe
VI.Summary: Is it worth applying for family reunification immigration to Austria in 2025?
✅ Suitable for people::
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Persons planning to settle permanently in Austria and wishing to be reunited with their families
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People who are already working and studying in Austria and want to provide good living conditions for their families
⚠ challenge point::
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Longer application cycle (3-6 months)
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Language requirements (basic A1 German, with future upgrading to A2)
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Higher financial requirements, stable income and housing required
📢 Overall.Immigration to AustriaIt is a relatively stable and secure route for families wishing to settle in Europe for the long term. If you are consideringImmigration to Austriaand reunite your family, now is the perfect time to prepare your materials and plan for the future!