Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is an Austrian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Austria
With a settlement permit, you can live in Austria temporarily, for the period shown on your card.
If your family member has a qualifying free-movement right in Austria, you can live there for over three months.
Your free-movement residence card is also proof of identity and normally lasts five years, or for a shorter planned stay.
Work in Austria
A residence card as the family member of someone with a qualifying free-movement right gives you free access to work in Austria.
Live permanently in Austria
If you have a qualifying free-movement residence right, you gain permanent residence after five years of continuous lawful residence in Austria and can get a card valid for ten years.
How to apply
From outside AustriaFrom outside Austria
Find your consulate
Find the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for the place where you live. You cannot submit this application at an honorary consulate or an outside service provider.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Austrian embassy or consulate covers your city for a Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger application?”
Download the application form
Download the residence permit application form and select Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger. Do not use a Schengen visa form for this application.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and personally sign the residence permit application form.
See how to completeSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I complete the Austrian Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Book a residence permit appointment with your embassy or consulate if it requires one.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger appointment at the Austrian embassy or consulate covering your city?”
Hand in your application
Go to the embassy or consulate in person with your signed form and your documents, including originals and copies. Pay the required residence permit fee as the embassy or consulate directs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger application and pay the fee at the Austrian embassy or consulate covering your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait abroad while the Austrian settlement authority decides your application, and respond if the embassy, consulate or authority asks for more information or documents.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I ask about the status of my Austrian Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger application at the embassy or consulate covering your city?”
Apply for entry visa
If you need a visa to enter Austria, apply for it at the Austrian embassy or consulate within three months after you are told your residence permit has been approved.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for an Austrian entry visa after approval of a Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger at the embassy or consulate covering your city?”
Travel to Austria
Enter Austria with your entry visa, or travel visa-free if you do not need a visa.
Find entry informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Austria after approval of my Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger?”
Once in AustriaOnce in Austria
Collect your residence permit
Collect your residence permit in person from the Austrian settlement authority within the further three-month period. You can then live temporarily in Austria, but this permit does not give you access to the labour market.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger from the Austrian settlement authority in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Bring your birth certificate and your Austrian child’s birth certificate showing you as their parent. If your child was adopted, add the adoption decision.
Child’s citizenship records
Bring proof of your Austrian child’s citizenship and identity, such as their Austrian passport or citizenship certificate. A citizenship certificate should be accompanied by proof of their identity.
Child’s residence record
Bring a record showing that your Austrian child lives in Austria. Ask the office that keeps their residence record for a copy.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Permit conditions and renewal
With a settlement permit, you must keep comprehensive health insurance, adequate housing and enough money to support yourself.
You must meet the other permit conditions and renew before it expires.
You need separate permission to work.
Residence can be lost
Your settlement permit can end or not be renewed if its conditions cease or other legal grounds apply.
Your free-movement residence right can end if your family member's right or your relationship ends, though exceptions apply.
Serious public-order or security concerns, fraud or abuse, or a legally specified period away after permanent residence can also cause loss.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in Austria interested in Austrian visas
Request to joinr/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditForeigners and Expats in Vienna and Austria
English Facebook group for people living in Austria interested in Austrian local life
Request to joinConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated