Overview of Family Reunification Rights
As a Red-White-Red card holder working in Austria, you have the right to bring your immediate family members — spouse/registered partner and minor children (under 18). The process is called Familienzusammenführung and is governed by the Austrian Settlement and Residence Act (Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz).
Family members receive a 'Family Member' residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger) that allows them to live in Austria. Spouses also receive work authorization after 12 months.
Income & Housing Requirements
You must demonstrate sufficient income to support your family without relying on social welfare. The current thresholds (2026) are: €1,217/month for a single person + spouse, plus €187 per child. Your net income must meet these minimums after rent deduction.
You also need to prove adequate housing — the apartment must have a minimum of ~10 square meters per person and meet basic habitability standards. A rental contract or accommodation confirmation is required.
Required Documents for Family Members
For your spouse: valid passport, marriage certificate with apostille and German translation, German language certificate (minimum A1 before entry — with some exceptions), passport-sized photos, criminal record check. For children: valid passport, birth certificate with apostille and German translation, school enrollment confirmation (if school-age).
All documents must be recent (criminal record check not older than 3 months) and translated by certified court translators.
The Application Process
Step 1: Family members apply at the Austrian embassy/consulate in their home country. Step 2: You (the sponsor in Austria) may need to visit your local MA35 (in Vienna) or Bezirkshauptmannschaft to submit supporting documents. Step 3: Processing takes approximately 3-6 months. Step 4: Once approved, family members receive a visa to enter Austria. Step 5: They register their residence (Meldezettel) and the residence permit is issued.
Important: Applications should be submitted as early as possible, as processing times can be lengthy. Some Austrian employers help coordinate the family reunification process.
Integration Requirements for Family Members
Spouses must fulfill the Integration Agreement (Integrationsvereinbarung): German language level A2 within 2 years, and B1 within 5 years. Free integration courses are available through the ÖIF (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds).
Children are enrolled in Austrian schools, where they receive German as a Second Language support (DaZ/DaF) — Austrian schools have extensive experience integrating international students. This is a huge benefit for families, as Austrian education is free and of high quality.