Residence card as a spouse or partner · einfach.wien
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  • Understand a letterTake a photo or paste the text. You learn who is writing, what they want and by when.
  • Fill in a formExplained field by field, for example the registration form or the housing allowance application.
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  • Find an officeWho is responsible for what? With address, opening hours and map.
  • Remember deadlinesAdd a date and get a reminder by e-mail or in your calendar.
  • Words explained simplyOfficial German like “Bescheid” or “Frist” in everyday words.
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Immigration & residence

Residence card as a spouse or partner

Official name: Prepare a spouse or partner residence card

This is about a residence card in Vienna. It is for you if you are married or in a registered partnership with someone from the EEA or Switzerland. You prepare papers, photo and appointment.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
7 key steps, up to 16 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
MA 35
Costs
Current Vienna adult fee is 91 euros when applying.
Online
possible for 5 of 16 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Check if the Aufenthaltskarte is right for youThe Aufenthaltskarte shows that you may live here as family. This route is for your first card as an adult.Key step
    Why?
    Other cases need a different route. Marriage alone does not prove a right to stay.
    What you do
    Check with the MA 35 or an advice service if this route fits you. The MA 35 is Vienna's immigration office.
    Where?
    MA 35 / qualified adviceDirectly with the named service
    Related plansBring your family to ViennaApply for a registration certificate
    In detail

    Confirm the correct family documentation route

    This plan organises only the confirmed ordinary adult first case. Marriage alone proves no EU residence right. Austrian returnees, other relatives, national family permits, permanent cards and lost cards need their own clarified route.

    SourceAufenthaltskarte für Angehörige
    Aufenthaltskarte für Angehörige

    BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Watch the four-month time limitThere is a deadline of four months to apply. It starts when you enter the country. Vienna also names marriage or partnership as the start.Key step
    Why?
    Applying too late can cause problems. So sort this out quickly.
    What you do
    Ask the MA 35 right away when your deadline starts. A booked appointment is not yet an application.
    Where?
    MA 35Directly with the named service
    In detail

    Promptly clarify the individual application trigger

    Federal guidance and NAG specify four months from entry; Vienna also refers to marriage or partnership. Promptly confirm the actual trigger and deadline directly. A booked appointment replaces no application; no date or residence right is calculated here.

    SourceNAG § 54: Aufenthaltskarten
    NAG § 54: Aufenthaltskarten

    RIS · Bundesrecht · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Register your home and find your officeFirst you register your home address. Then you find your EEA unit. A Referat is a department in the office.Key step
    Why?
    Vienna has units 5.0 and 5.1. Which one is yours depends on your district.
    What you do
    Look up your unit on the city website. Book the appointment online. Without internet, call +43 1 4000 3535.
    Where?
    MA 35 · EWR-ReferatDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Clarify residence and the responsible EEA unit

    Register residence before the appointment. MA 35 assigns districts to EEA unit 5.0 or 5.1; verify the actual unit in the official service. Arrange the appointment yourself online or, without internet, by telephone +43 1 4000 3535.

    SourceAufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren
    Aufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren

    Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Have passport and family certificates readyYou need your passport and your marriage or partnership certificate. You also need your partner's certificate.Key step
    Why?
    They show who you are and that you are a family. Vienna wants to see the originals.
    What you do
    Get the originals ready for the appointment. Original means the real paper, not a copy. If something is missing, talk to the MA 35 directly.
    Where?
    MA 35Directly with the named service

    What you need

    • Your valid passport
      Document explained

      Original at the confirmed Vienna appointment.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren
      Aufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Marriage certificate
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Only for the confirmed marriage route.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren
      Aufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Registered partnership certificate
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Only for the confirmed partnership route.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren
      Aufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Sponsor registration or permanent residence certificate
      Document explained

      Clarify the actual appropriate evidence or missing record with MA 35.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren
      Aufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Prepare passport, family certificate and sponsor evidence

    Vienna requires the actually required records in original at the appointment. Prepare passport, appropriate marriage or partnership certificate and sponsor registration or permanent residence certificate; agree handling of missing records directly.

    SourceAufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren
    Aufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren

    Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Choose the right card on the formOn the form you choose exactly the Aufenthaltskarte. Not the Daueraufenthaltskarte, which is a different card.Key step
    Why?
    Only then do you get the right card. The office must also be able to read your documents.
    What you do
    Documents in German or English are fine without translation. Other languages need a sworn German translation. Ask the MA 35 if you need an Apostille.
    Where?
    MA 35Directly with the named service
    In detail

    Agree the current card application and actual evidence form

    Select residence card in the BMI documentation form, not permanent residence card. Agree signature through the personal official route. Vienna accepts German, English or international multilingual records without further translation; other languages need sworn German translation, with apostille or certification checked by country and document.

    SourceErklärung: Dokumentationsanträge und Daueraufenthalt
    Erklärung: Dokumentationsanträge und Daueraufenthalt

    BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Apply at your appointmentNow you go to your appointment and apply.Key step
    Why?
    Only then does the office check your case. Being prepared does not mean you may stay or work yet.
    What you do
    Bring the originals, photo and form. Sign yourself at the office.
    Where?
    MA 35Directly with the named service
    In detail

    Organisationally prepare your confirmed card application

    Attend the confirmed personal appointment with agreed originals, photo and actual form. Apply and sign personally through the official route; this organisational stage confirms no residence, work or travel permission.

    SourceAufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren
    Aufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren

    Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source
  7. 7Pick up your card and check itYour card is ready. You pick it up in person.Key step
    Why?
    You must check that everything is correct. The card is often valid for five years or less.
    What you do
    Follow the pick-up instructions. Check your details and the expiry date. The Daueraufenthaltskarte is a different route.
    Where?
    MA 35Directly with the named service
    In detail

    Review personal collection and actual card validity

    Review collection instructions, details and actual validity: federal guidance specifies five years or a shorter intended duration. A permanent residence card is a separate route. No automatic five-year promise by the app.

    SourceAufenthaltskarte für Angehörige
    Aufenthaltskarte für Angehörige

    BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Check how far along you are
  • Get special family cases checked
  • Check if you need more proof
  • Check your passport photo
  • Check the fee and how to pay
  • Use your appointment in person
  • Keep an eye on your application
  • Send missing papers in time
  • Sort out changes with MA 35 right away
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along are you with your Aufenthaltskarte?

What is meant? How far along are you? For example: appointment booked, application made or card received.

Which actual procedural stage are you organising?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

5 of 16 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

Costs or fees are stated for 1 step according to the source; details are listed with the step.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceAufenthaltskarte für Angehörige
Aufenthaltskarte für Angehörige

BMI · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceAufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren
Aufenthaltskarte: Wiener Verfahren

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceNAG § 54: Aufenthaltskarten
NAG § 54: Aufenthaltskarten

RIS · Bundesrecht · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceDokumentationsantrag: EWR/Schweizer Personen
Dokumentationsantrag: EWR/Schweizer Personen

BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source
SourceErklärung: Dokumentationsanträge und Daueraufenthalt
Erklärung: Dokumentationsanträge und Daueraufenthalt

BMI · retrieved on 10/10/2026

Open original source

Similar plans

Bring your family to ViennaApply for a registration certificateNew in ViennaRenew a residence permitConfirm permanent residence as an EU citizenApply for a residence permit to study
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