Eligibility Quiz
Is your sponsor (the person you are joining) an Austrian citizen or a holder of a valid Austrian residence title (e.g., RWR Card, Blue Card, Long-term resident)?
Requirements
To qualify, you must meet strict definitions of relationship, age, and financial stability.
Definition of "Family Member"
Under Austrian law, only the following are considered immediate family members:
- Spouses or Registered Partners (must be at least 21 years old at the time of application).
- Unmarried minor children, including stepchildren and adopted children (under age 18).
If you are a life partner, parent, or adult child, you are classified as a "Dependant" (Angehöriger). This status is harder to obtain, requires the sponsor to sign a Liability Declaration (Haftungserklärung) for five years, and is subject to strict annual quotas (limited to 5,616 permits nationwide for 2026).
Financial Subsistence (2026 Thresholds)
You must prove your family has enough regular monthly income to live without relying on Austrian social welfare. As of January 1, 2026, the minimum net income requirements (after taxes) are:
- Single applicants: €1,273.99
- Couples: €2,009.85
- Per child (additional): €196.57
The authorities will look at your rent and debt repayments. If your housing costs exceed a certain threshold (approx. €359), the excess is deducted from your eligible income.
Language Skills
Most applicants must prove German A1 level skills before moving to Austria. You must provide a certificate from a recognized provider (such as ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc, or ÖIF) that is no more than one year old.
- Exemptions: You do not need this if you are under 14, have a documented mental or physical disability, or if your sponsor holds a "Very Highly Qualified" Red-White-Red Card or an EU Blue Card.
Accommodation and Insurance
- Housing: You must provide a lease or ownership deed for a home that is "adequate" for your family size according to local Austrian standards.
- Health Insurance: You must have "all-risk" insurance. Usually, family members are co-insured under the sponsor’s Austrian public health insurance.
Conditions & Warnings
Spouses and partners must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.
Permits for 'Dependants' (non-immediate family) are subject to strict annual quotas which may cause year-long delays if exhausted.
Visa-free nationals applying in-country cannot stay beyond their 90-day limit while the application is pending.
Qualifications
ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, or ÖIF certificate (not older than 1 year)
Fees
€80 at application, €20 at grant, €20 for personalization