Eligibility quiz
Are you married to or in a registered partnership with someone who lives in Austria?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Austria
You can live and make a home in Austria while your permission is valid.
It is usually issued for up to 12 months, but can be issued for up to three years after two years of qualifying lawful settlement and completion of the required German and integration course.
Its length can also depend on the permission held by the family member you joined.
Study in Austria
You can study while living lawfully in Austria if you meet the school’s or institution’s admission rules.
Work in Austria
You can work for any employer or work for yourself anywhere in Austria, without being tied to an occupation.
Visit Schengen countries
With a valid passport or travel document, you can visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
How to apply
From outside AustriaFrom outside Austria
Find your consulate
Find the Austrian embassy or consulate that handles applications for the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Austrian embassy or consulate handles Red-White-Red Card plus applications for residents of your city?”
Download the application form
Download the residence permit application form for the Red-White-Red Card plus.
Download the formFill in the application
Fill in and sign the application form yourself.
Find form helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Austrian Red-White-Red Card plus application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Follow your consulate’s instructions to book an appointment if one is required.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment for an Austrian Red-White-Red Card plus application at the consulate serving your city?”
Hand in your application
Go to the consulate yourself and hand in your completed application and documents. Pay the €218 application fee as instructed by the consulate or authority.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit an Austrian Red-White-Red Card plus application at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the consulate to tell you the decision, and send any extra documents the authority asks for.
See what happensSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply for an Austrian Red-White-Red Card plus at a consulate?”
Get an entry visa
If you need a visa to enter Austria, obtain it from the consulate after your application is approved.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get an entry visa after approval for an Austrian Red-White-Red Card plus at the consulate serving your city?”
Enter Austria
After approval, enter Austria lawfully to collect your card.
Find entry instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Austria after approval for a Red-White-Red Card plus?”
Once in AustriaOnce in Austria
Collect your card
Collect your residence card yourself from the settlement authority in Austria. The card lets you live and work in Austria.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my Austrian Red-White-Red Card plus from the settlement authority in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership certificate
Provide the certificate of your marriage or registered partnership. The office may accept another record proving your family relationship.
Partner's residence permit
Provide proof that your spouse or registered partner holds the appropriate Austrian residence permit. The office may ask for a copy.
Birth certificates *
Provide your birth certificate or a similar record. If an adoption is relevant to the family relationship, provide the adoption record.
* Only if the office asks for proof of your identity or family relationship.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
German and integration
First-time holders generally must complete German and integration requirements within two years.
These cover German at A2 level and basic knowledge of Austria’s laws and society.
Exceptions include people still under 14 at the deadline and those for whom completion is medically unreasonable.
Passport and insurance
You must keep a valid passport or travel document and health insurance covering all risks.
Insurance through employment, voluntary public insurance or equivalent private cover may meet the insurance requirement.
Renewal before expiry
To keep living in Austria, apply for renewal in person before your permission expires, but no earlier than three months before expiry.
Applying on time lets you stay while the decision is made; a late application generally does not preserve your uninterrupted stay.
Status can be lost
Your permission expires unless renewed, and it can be taken away if its conditions or underlying basis no longer exist.
Fraud or serious public-order or security grounds can also lead to loss, subject to safeguards for your private and family life.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in Austria interested in Austrian visas
Request to joinAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in Austria interested in Austrian visas
Join on FacebookRelocation to Austria - Work Study Business Residence Permits
English Facebook group for people living in Austria interested in Austrian visas
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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