Settlement Permit – Family Member
Austria
Last updated: December 19, 2025
2-3 years (renewable)
€212
3-9 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets your family members live with you in Austria if you're not an EU citizen and you already have a residence permit there. Your spouse (age 21+), children under 18, or dependent relatives can join you. They'll have the same rights you do—they can work, study, and live freely in Austria. The government limits how many family reunification visas it issues each year (around 4,850 in 2025). You apply through the Austrian embassy in your home country, not inside Austria. Family reunification for refugees is currently suspended until July 2026. But if you're a regular third-country national with a residence permit, this visa is still available.
Key Benefits
- Work without restrictions
- Free education
- Healthcare included
- Travel freely in 26 European countries
- Bring children
- Own extended family
- Path to citizenship
- Social benefits
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- You must already have a residence permit in Austria
- Your spouse must be at least 21 years old
- Your children must be under 18 and unmarried
- You must have stable income
- You must have health insurance
- You must not have serious criminal convictions
- Your family members must pass a background check
- They must speak basic German (A1 level) - children under 14 exempt
- You must have a real place to live registered with local authorities
Financial Requirement
Must earn enough to support your family. In 2025, Austria requires: €1,274/month for you alone, €2,010/month for you + spouse, €197/month for each child. This is after you subtract regular costs like rent. Must also show you have health insurance that covers everything.
Documents
- Valid passportCurrent and valid travel document
- Birth certificate or marriage certificateFor kids or spouse
- Rental agreement or property proofProof you own or rent a home
- Recent payslipsLast 2-3 months of income
- Employment contract or letterFrom your employer
- Bank statementsLast 3-6 months
- Health insurance proofMust cover everything
- Criminal record certificateLess than 3 months old
- German A1 language certificateNot older than 1 year
- Certified translationsFor all non-English/German documents
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.