Key Takeaways:
- Eligible sponsors for the Austria Family Visa include Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card holders, and those with long-term residency.
- Family members eligible to apply include spouses, children under 18, and partners in specific circumstances.
- Required documents include a valid passport, proof of financial stability, identity pictures, and evidence of accommodation and German language skills.
Who Is Eligible for an Austria Family Reunion Visa?
Austrian citizens or residents with specific permits can help their family members join them in Austria through the Austria Family Visa. This visa is tailored for third-country nationals, meaning individuals need a visa to enter Austria.
Which Family Members Can Apply?
Eligible family members include:
– Spouse
– Same-sex registered partner
– Children under 18
– Partners in long-term relationships (in particular circumstances)
– Other relatives in specific situations
Who Can Sponsor Family Reunification?
Holders of the following permits can apply for a Family Reunion Visa for their family members:
– Red-White-Red Card (work visa holders) or EU Blue Card
– Red-White-Red Card plus
– Long-term residency title in Austria
– Settlement permit (self-employed individuals)
– Settlement permit (researchers)
– Specific settlement permit (special cases of dependent gainful occupation)
– Residence card or permanent residence card
– “Article 50 EUV” residence permit
What Are the Requirements for an Austria Family Reunion Visa?
General Criteria for Application
To qualify for an Austria Family Visa, the applicant must meet several criteria:
1. Relationship to an Austrian citizen or an individual with a residence permit
2. Valid and recent passport
3. Proof of financial stability
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
– Passport: The passport must be valid during the applicant’s stay in Austria and issued within the last 10 years.
– Previous Passport Copies: If applicable, include these copies.
– Financial Means: Proof of sufficient income to support oneself in Austria, ensuring no reliance on social welfare.
– In 2021, the standard income in Austria for singles is 1,000€.
– Identity Pictures: A recent identity picture according to the Schengen picture guidelines.
– Visa Application Form: Completed personal information form.
– Travel Insurance: Insurance conforms to Schengen Travel insurance rules. Family members of Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue card, or Austrian citizens are often covered by their host’s insurance.
– Birth Certificate: The original or legalized copy.
– Certificate of Good Standing: Typically issued by the local civil court.
– Marriage Certificate: If applicable, a legalized copy.
– Divorce Certificate: If it applies.
– Adoption Papers: For adoptive children or foster children.
– Certificate of Relationship Registration: If registered within the applicant’s local office.
– Family Certificate: Proving the familial relationship with the sponsor.
– Proof of Accommodation: Rental agreement or sponsor’s residence.
– Travel Itinerary: Including flight details and arrival information.
– Evidence of German Language Skills: Certificate proving A1 level understanding of German from an accredited institution.
Documents must be originals plus copies, and all civil documents (marriage license, divorce paper, birth certificate, etc.) must be legalized with an Apostille if required. Documents should be provided in German or English, or translated into these languages.
Documents from Sponsor in Austria
Sponsors must provide:
– Copies of their passport
– Proof of citizenship, “Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis”
– Lease contract
– Registration form, “Meldezettel”
– Income proof from the last three months
When Should You Apply for a Family Reunion Visa?
Apply after the family member has received their residence permit as evidence is needed for application. If the sponsor already has a permit or citizenship, apply at least three weeks before the planned departure.
How to Apply for an Austria Family Reunification Visa
The application involves several steps:
1. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the required personal information.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: Ensure all papers are translated, legalized, and up-to-date.
3. Set an Appointment: Schedule with the local embassy or consulate.
4. Interview: Be prepared to answer questions about the relationship and application purpose.
5. Wait for a Response: Once processed, approval or denial will be provided.
Note: Register at the local registration office within three days after entering Austria.
How Long Is the Austria Family Visa Valid?
Typically, the Austria Family Visa is valid for up to 12 months. It can be renewed before expiration, or one can apply for a residence permit. The visa’s validity period can vary based on the family member’s residency type.
Can the Austria Family Visa Be Extended?
Yes, it can be renewed before expiration. Apply for renewal at least three months prior to the expiry date.
Can Family Visa Holders Work in Austria?
Family Visa holders can work in Austria. However, work permission may depend on the sponsor’s residency type. For instance, the Red-White-Red Card Plus allows work, whereas some settlement permits might limit employment.
Holders of permits like Settlement Permit-Dependent or Settlement Permit-Gainful employment excepted usually cannot work.
Costs of the Austria Family Reunion Visa
Application Fees
- Individuals over 6 years old: €120
- Children under 6 years old: €75
Visa Fees
- Individuals over 6 years old: €20
- Children under 6 years old: €50
Additional costs may apply for extra requirements.
Can You Obtain Permanent Residence With an Austria Family Visa?
Yes, after living lawfully in Austria for five years, you can apply for long-term resident status, which is valid for ten years. Completing the integration agreement module 2 and meeting general requirements is necessary for this status.
What Is the Integration Agreement?
The integration agreement comprises two modules:
– Module 1: Prove A1 level German language proficiency. Accepted certificates from:
– Austrian Language Diploma German (ÖSD)
– Goethe-Institut e.V.
– Telc GmbH
– Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF)
- Module 2: Prove B2 level German proficiency and understanding of Austria’s legal system and society. Evaluated by the Austrian Integration Fund.
Only Module 1 may be required for some permits.
How to Obtain Austrian Citizenship Through a Family Visa?
To qualify for Austrian citizenship, one generally needs ten years of residency in Austria, with at least five years under a resident permit. Additional conditions include completing the integration agreement modules, having no criminal records, and proof of stable income.
Other Permits for Family Reunification
Besides the Austria Family Visa, other permits are available based on specific circumstances:
Settlement Permit
Granted to family members of:
– Holders of settlement permits
– Holders of settlement permit-dependent
– Holders of settlement permit-artist
– Holders of settlement permits for special cases of dependent gainful occupation
This permit is issued if general requirements are met and quota space is available.
Settlement Permit-Dependent
For dependents beyond the general family definition, such as:
– Life-partners with financial support proof
– Other financially supported family members
Settlement Permit – Gainful Employment Excepted
For family members of:
– Holders of settlement permit – gainful employment excepted
– Certain other settlement permits
For further authoritative details on the Austria Family Visa and application procedures, visit Austria’s official immigration website here.
This covers the essential information for applying and understanding the Austria Family Reunion Visa, ensuring a smooth reunification process for families in Austria.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Red-White-Red Card: A type of work visa issued by Austria for qualified third-country nationals allowing them to reside and work in Austria.
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Apostille: A form of authentication certifying the origin of a public document which is used internationally to ensure documents are recognized as legitimate.
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Settlement Permit: A residence permit granted to individuals who wish to settle in Austria. This permit allows long-term or permanent residency based on specific criteria.
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Integration Agreement: A requirement for some types of residency permits in Austria, consisting of two modules aimed at ensuring immigrants achieve a certain level of German language proficiency and understanding of Austrian society.
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Family Certificate: A document proving the familial relationship between a visa applicant and their sponsor, confirming eligibility for family reunification.
This Article In A Nutshell:
Austria Family Reunion Visa allows Austrian citizens and residents to bring family. Eligible members include spouses, children, and long-term partners. Sponsors must hold specific permits. Applicants need various documents, proof of income, and translated papers. Visa duration is up to 12 months, renewable. Acquisition of permanent residence requires integration and a citizenship journey.
— By VisaVerge.com
