Family Reunification Visa (Visa D + Residence Permit)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 3 to 16 months or longer
- Fee
- EUR 150 (Visa D) + EUR 120 (Residence Permit application)
- Validity
- 12 months, renewable annually
- Entry
- Single entry
Family reunification allows spouses, registered partners, and minor unmarried children (under 18) to join a third-country national legally residing in Austria. The sponsor must hold a valid residence permit (RWR Card, RWR Card Plus, or permanent residence). Processing times are long, averaging 16+ months. Austria has frozen family reunification for recognized refugees and subsidiary protection holders until July 2026, with exceptions for minor children and humanitarian cases. Annual quotas may apply.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals who are spouses, registered partners, or minor unmarried children (under 18, including adopted/step children) of a person legally residing in Austria with a valid residence permit.
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Financial
Sponsor must demonstrate stable income: EUR 1,273.99/month (single), EUR 2,009.85/month (couple), plus EUR 196.57/child.
Minimum funds: EUR 1,273.99-2,009.85/month + EUR 196.57/child
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Criminal record
Must have no criminal record.
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Health
Must have adequate health insurance.
Documents you need
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, debit/credit card, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 150 (Visa D) + EUR 120 (Residence Permit)
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, marriage/birth certificates (apostilled and translated), sponsor's residence permit copy, financial proof, accommodation proof, health insurance, German language certificate (A1), and police clearance.
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Online application
Complete the residence permit application form for family reunification.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
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Fee payment
Pay Visa D fee and residence permit application fee.
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Document submission
Submit all documents at the embassy or consulate. The application is forwarded to the Austrian immigration authority for processing.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data at the embassy or consulate.
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Interview
May be invited for an interview at the embassy to verify the genuineness of the family relationship.
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Processing wait
Processing can take 3-16+ months. The Austrian immigration authority reviews the application, including quota availability checks.
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Visa collection
Upon approval, receive Visa D to enter Austria. Collect the residence permit from the immigration authority upon arrival. Register at Meldeamt within 3 working days.