The Austrian Interior Ministry has launched a consultation on the number of family-reunification permits that will be available to relatives of people granted refugee status or subsidiary protection.
For 2026 and 2027, the government has proposed an annual quota of 314 places for this group. It comes after Austria suspended all family reunification for refugees in 2025, citing concerns about the load on public services.
The proposals apply to family members of recognised refugees and people granted subsidiary protection, not to all foreign residents applying for family reunification.
Here's a look at the general rules on family reunification, and whether limits apply to foreign residents across the board.
What to know about family reunification in Austria
Many people who come to Austria to work or study from outside of the EU are keen to bring their partner or children. As you'd imagine, there are strict rules regarding family reunification – but it is possible.
The key thing to be aware of is that family members of third-country nationals who want to live in Austria for more than six months require a residence permit. For those coming for up to six months, a visa may be needed.
The rules on reunification are governed by Austria's Settlement and Residence Act.
The type of residence permit your spouse or other family member gets depends on your residence title. When applying, different requirements have to be met (more on that below).
One of the most common permits for family members is the Red-White-Red Card plus. This is given to family members of:
- Red-White-Red Card and EU Blue Card holders
- Third-country nationals with a long-term residence title in Austria
- People with a Red-White-Red Card plus card
- Residents with other settlement permits, for example for the self-employed and researchers, will also likely get this card, along with holders of the Brexit residence permit (Article 50 TEU)
- People with refugee status
Other types of permits that family members might be allocated include: Family Member, which is given to people related to Austrian nationals and the Settlement Permit – Gainful Employment Excepted (often known as the permit for retirees).
Other family members who are financially dependent on Austrian nationals may also get the Settlement Permit – Dependant.
READ ALSO: How easy is it to retire in Austria?
What counts as a family member?
When it comes to the Settlement and Residence Act, family members are classed as:
- Spouses
- Registered partners
- Unmarried minors including adopted and step children
Under the rules, spouses and registered partners must be at least 21 when applying, and children have to be under 18 at the time of application.
Those receiving a Settlement Permit – Dependant via an Austrian national can be relatives (also of spouses or registered partners if they receive maintenance support) or life partners who show evidence of a long-term relationship and who are receiving maintenance support.
Parents and grandparents are not generally eligible for family reunification under the standard rules for third-country nationals, although exceptions can apply, particularly when joining an Austrian or EU citizen.
Are there quotas on family reunification for foreign residents in Austria?
According to official immigration advice from the Interior Ministry, there is no quota requirement on residence permits issued to family members of Red-White-Red Card holders, EU Blue Card holders or family members of Austrian citizens and researchers.
However, the number of other residence titles issued to family members arriving from abroad is limited.
The Austrian government has proposed limiting quota-restricted family reunification residence permits to 5,266 per year in 2026 and 2027.
This includes the controversial 314 places annually for family members of refugees and people with subsidiary protection.
The remaining places cover other quota-restricted family-reunification categories, which include certain settlement permits and family members of Red-White-Red Card Plus holders. The quotas are divided between Austria's nine federal states.
Keep in mind that the proposals are currently part of a consultation, which runs until November 27th.
READ ALSO: Is it best to aim for permanent residency or citizenship in Austria?
What requirements are needed for family reunification?
Family members who wish to come to Austria on a residence permit have to pass certain hurdles. For instance, the family in question generally needs to show that they will not rely on the state.
To that end, they need to show proof of a steady financial income. In 2026, the standard monthly income rates are €1,308.39 for a single person, €2,064.12 for a married couple and an additional €201.88 for each child.
Family members must also have health insurance coverage. This can often be covered by co-insurance from their sponsor.
If applying for family reunification, you also need to show that you have adequate and legal accommodation.
Are there German language requirements?
Spouses and other close family members applying for permits may also have to show evidence of German language skills at A1 level. Proof can be in the form of a recognised language certificate.
However, a separate language test is not always necessary. Applicants who have already completed Module 1 or 2 of Austria's Integration Agreement can also meet the requirement. Other exemptions apply, including for family members of people with refugee status or subsidiary protection.
Earlier this year, The Local asked the Interior Ministry to clarify the conditions on German language requirements.
"Certain residence permits under the Settlement and Residence Act require proof of a basic knowledge of German, which can be demonstrated in various ways (see Section 21a of the Settlement and Residence Act), including by completing Module 1 or 2 of the Integration Agreement," a spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that Module 1 is also considered fulfilled if someone holds a foreign school-leaving qualification "that is at least equivalent to a qualification from a secondary vocational school in Austria, or holds a foreign higher education qualification".
But it remains unclear exactly which foreign school qualifications are considered equivalent, and whether applicants need to have their qualifications formally recognised by Austrian authorities.
What about the costs?
The application fee in 2026 is €218 but you may also have to pay to get some documents translated into German. Check with your local authority or consult an immigration lawyer if you have questions about your specific case.
Please note that our article is intended as a general guide and you should seek professional advice if you have questions about your situation.
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