Eligibility quiz
Are you married to, or in a registered partnership with, an Austrian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Austria
Your status lets you live in Austria.
If you qualify under EU free-movement rules, your residence card is also ID and lasts five years or your shorter planned stay.
After five years of continuous lawful residence under those rules, you gain permanent residence, with a renewable ten-year card.
Work in Austria
If you have a residence card under EU free-movement rules, you have free access to work in Austria.
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 apply through an honorary consulate or an outside provider.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Austrian embassy or consulate handles Family Member residence permit applications for people living in your city?”
Download the application form
Download the residence-title application form for third-country nationals and its explanation. The form is not compulsory, but using it helps the office process your application.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in the residence-title application form for your Family Member permit.
Find form guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Austria Family Member residence permit application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Book an appointment with your Austrian embassy or consulate if it requires one.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Family Member residence permit appointment at the Austrian embassy or consulate serving your city?”
Hand in your application
Bring your application and documents in person to the Austrian embassy or consulate. It will send your application to the office in Austria that makes the decision.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I hand in an Austria Family Member residence permit application at the Austrian embassy or consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait outside Austria for the decision and respond if the office asks for more information or documents.
See how longSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does an Austria Family Member residence permit application at a consulate take?”
Apply for an entry visa
If you need a visa to enter Austria, apply to the Austrian consulate for a visa D within three months after you are told your permit is approved. This lets you enter Austria to collect your permit.
Find visa detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for an Austria visa D to collect an approved Family Member residence permit?”
Travel to Austria
Enter Austria after your permit is approved, using your entry visa if you need one.
Find entry detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Austria to collect an approved Family Member residence permit?”
Once in AustriaOnce in Austria
Collect your permit
Collect your residence permit as instructed by the office responsible for your intended home in Austria. It lets you settle temporarily and work without restrictions.
Find collection detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect an approved Austria Family Member residence permit?”
Register your address
Register your home address in Austria after you arrive.
Find registration detailsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register my address in Austria after receiving a Family Member residence permit?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage or partnership certificate
Bring your marriage certificate or registered partnership certificate, with a copy. If relevant, also bring birth, adoption, divorce, partnership dissolution or death records that explain your family relationship or an earlier relationship.
Spouse's residence record *
Bring your Austrian spouse's or registered partner's registration certificate or certificate of permanent residence, with a copy.
* Only if you apply for a residence card under EU free-movement rules.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Card and change reporting
If you have a residence card under EU free-movement rules, promptly tell the authority if your partner dies or leaves, or you divorce or end your registered partnership.
A permanent residence card must be renewed every ten years.
Residence can be lost
An EU-based residence right can end if its conditions are no longer met, or after fraud, a sham relationship or removal.
A partner’s death or departure, divorce or the end of a registered partnership does not always end that right.
Permanent residence may be lost after a long absence or for serious public safety or security reasons.
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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