In many ways, Austria is a traditional country with a strong focus on marriage and raising a family.
But for committed couples that don’t want to get married, there is the alternative option of a civil partnership referred to as a "registered partnership" in Austria.
Here’s what you need to know about entering into a registered partnership in Austria and what it means for immigration.
What is a registered partnership?
A registered partnership is a legally recognised union between two people.
It represents a permanent partnership with similar rights to marriage, including the obligation to live together, a duty to financially support each other and inheritance laws.
The only difference between the two types of relationship is a registered partnership can be dissolved after three years, whereas a marriage can only be dissolved after six years.
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In Austria, registered partnerships (sometimes referred to as civil partnerships) were first introduced in 2010 for same-sex couples.
Then, in 2019, both same-sex and opposite-sex couples were granted the right to choose between marriage or a registered partnership.
Couples must notify a registry office in advance of their intention to enter into a registered partnership in Austria.
What does this mean for people wanting to join a partner in Austria?
Both registered partners and spouses of Austrian or EU citizens are considered as family members by Austrian immigration law and have the right to join a partner in Austria.
This applies to both EU and third-country nationals.
The main difference between the two groups is that third-country nationals have to go through immigration to obtain residency as a family member, which includes a commitment to learn German up to Level A2 within two years.
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EU citizens do not have to apply through immigration due to freedom of movement laws within the bloc and so German language skills are not a requirement of residency (although they are recommended).
However, both EU citizens and third-country nationals have to submit a residence registration form (Meldezettel) within three days of moving into their new home. This is a legal requirement for everyone living in Austria as part of the 1991 Registration Act.
Then, after five years of continuous residence in Austria, both EU citizens and third-country nationals can apply for permanent residence.
Is a civil partnership in Austria recognised in other EU countries?
In most EU countries, registered partnerships or civil unions are recognised, which means immigration to another EU country is possible as a couple.
The only places in the EU that don’t recognise registered partnerships are Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.
However, within these countries a registered partnership is then considered as a “duly attested long-term relationship”, which means residence as a couple is still possible.
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