Settlement Permit for Family Members

The Settlement Permit for Family Members is a category of residence titles designed to allow the relatives of people already living in Austria to join them. Because the Austrian immigration system is highly specific, the exact permit you receive—and the rights it grants you—depends entirely on the legal status of your "sponsor" (the person already in Austria) and your specific relationship to them.

This pathway is distinct from a standard tourist visa; it is a long-term residence title intended for those moving to Austria permanently. It is also separate from the "Red-White-Red Card" for workers, though family members of those workers often use this pathway to gain their own status.

Your rights depend on which specific card you are issued:

• Red-White-Red Card Plus: This is the most flexible title. It grants you unrestricted access to the labor market, meaning you can work for any employer or be self-employed without needing a separate work permit.
• Residence Permit - "Family Member": Issued to relatives of Austrian citizens. This also grants unrestricted labor market access.
• Settlement Permit - Dependant: This is more restrictive. It allows for self-employment only. If you wish to work for an employer, you must apply for a separate work permit.
• Travel Rights: All these permits allow you to travel through the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
• Path to Permanent Residency: After five years of continuous legal residence and reaching German B1 level (Module 2 of the Integration Agreement), you can apply for "Long-term Resident – EU" status.
• Path to Citizenship: Generally, you can apply for Austrian citizenship after 10 years of continuous residence, though this can be shortened to 6 years in specific cases (e.g., marriage to an Austrian or high-level German proficiency).