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Settlement Permit for Family of Settlement Permit Holder

AustriaFamily

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Explore pathways in Austria Read the five questions ↓

Which family relationships qualify?

Family members are spouses, registered partners and unmarried minors, including adoptive and step children. Spouses and registered partners must be 21 years of age or older when applying; children must be under 18 years of age only at the time of application. Family members of holders of a 'settlement permit', a 'settlement permit – dependant', a 'settlement permit – artist' or, in certain cases, a 'settlement permit – special cases of dependent gainful occupation' obtain a settlement permit if quota space is available and the general requirements are fulfilled.

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Who may sponsor or bring the family member, and what immigration/citizenship status must that person hold?

The sponsor must hold a 'settlement permit', a 'settlement permit – dependant', a 'settlement permit – artist' or, in certain cases, a 'settlement permit – special cases of dependent gainful occupation'. The family member obtains a settlement permit if quota space is available and the general requirements are fulfilled. Evidence that the sponsor holds the required residence title must be submitted.

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What is important for proving marriage, partnership, parentage, custody, dependency or another qualifying relationship?

The required documents include, where applicable, a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, certificate of registered partnership, certificate of dissolution of a registered partnership, adoption papers, evidence or a certificate concerning the family relationship and a death certificate; a birth certificate or similar document is required for children only with first applications.

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What important financial, accommodation, insurance or maintenance responsibilities apply?

The general granting requirements apply: a fixed and regular income enabling the applicant to meet his or her livelihood without resorting to welfare aid from local authorities, equal to or above the standard income rate, which in 2026 amounted to € 1,308.39 for singles, € 2,064.12 for married couples and an additional € 201.88 for each child; health insurance coverage providing benefits in Austria and covering all risks; and evidence of a legal title to accommodation considered adequate for the family size according to local standards. Evidence of social benefits which are only due when the residence title is granted, including welfare aid and differential allowances, is not accepted.

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How does the application work at a high level, what rights does the family member receive, how long does the status last, and how can it become independent or longer-term where officially stated?

First applications are in principle filed with the competent Austrian consular representation abroad, which checks the application for completeness and correctness and forwards it to the competent authority in Austria; the authority decides without undue delay, but not later than six months after receipt. Evidence of German language skills at A1 level is required when first applying for a 'Settlement Permit'. Exemptions include persons not yet 14 years of age at the time of application, persons who cannot reasonably be expected to provide such evidence on grounds of their physical or mental health condition, and persons who declare in writing that their stay will not be longer than 24 months within three years. The application fee is € 218. Family members of settlement permit holders obtain a settlement permit only if quota space is available and the general requirements are fulfilled. The permit allows time-limited settlement and entitles the holder to self-employment. As a matter of principle, residence titles are granted for twelve months. After five years of lawful settlement without interruption, a 'Long-term resident – EU' title may be applied for if the general requirements have been met and Module 2 of the Integration Agreement has been completed.

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These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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