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My journey
TopicsSee all 154 plans
  • Arriving & residence
  • Housing
  • Family & children
  • Work & your own business
  • Money & pension
  • Health & care
  • IDs & documents
  • Getting around & daily life
  • School, study & German
ToolsNo sign-up, free of charge
  • 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.
  • What am I entitled to?A few questions, then you see which support may apply to you.
  • 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.
New in Vienna: your first 30 daysHelpMy journeyAccount (optional)
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Immigration & residence

Bring your family to Vienna

This is about bringing your family to Vienna. They come from a country outside the EU. You see which permit fits, which papers you need and what matters after arrival.

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 · Einwanderung
Costs
none named in the sources
Online
possible for 2 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. 1Show home, insurance and incomeYou need a suitable home, health insurance and enough income.Key step
    Why?
    This shows the office: your family has a home, is insured when ill and can live well.
    What you do
    Get the rental contract, insurance proof and payslips ready. The authority calculates how much income is enough.
    Where?
    MA 35 · EinwanderungDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Proof of accommodation
      Document explained

      For example a rental contract, proof of ownership or a housing-rights agreement. A place to stay that can end at any time without notice is not enough.

      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.
      SourceAllgemeine Voraussetzungen für Aufenthaltstitel
      Allgemeine Voraussetzungen für Aufenthaltstitel

      oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Proof of health insurance
      Document explained

      The insurance must pay in Austria and cover all risks.

      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.
      SourceNAG § 11: Allgemeine Voraussetzungen für einen Aufenthaltstitel
      NAG § 11: Allgemeine Voraussetzungen für einen Aufenthaltstitel

      RIS · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Proof of income
      Document explained

      For example payslips, employment contract or pension confirmation.

      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.
      SourceFamilienzusammenführung
      Familienzusammenführung

      Bundesministerium für Inneres · migration.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Show housing, insurance and income

    For the permit you need three kinds of proof. A home that suits your family size, e.g. a rental contract. Health insurance that pays in Austria and covers everything; travel insurance is not enough. And enough regular income without social assistance. The authority calculates how much is enough. The City of Vienna explains the calculation online.

    SourceAllgemeine Voraussetzungen für Aufenthaltstitel
    Allgemeine Voraussetzungen für Aufenthaltstitel

    oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Get an A1 German certificateWhoever joins you usually needs basic German at level A1. This is called “German before immigration”.Key step
    Why?
    The proof is part of the first application. Without it, something important is missing.
    What you do
    Take an exam with ÖIF, ÖSD, Goethe-Institut or telc. The certificate may be at most one year old. Children under 14 do not need it.
    Where?
    ÖIF / ÖSD / Goethe-Institut / telcDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Proof of an exception
      Document explained

      Only if an exception applies, e.g. an official medical report. You can only ask for a waiver until the decision is made.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      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.
      SourceNAG § 21a: Nachweis von Deutschkenntnissen
      NAG § 21a: Nachweis von Deutschkenntnissen

      RIS · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Get an A1 German certificate

    For the first application, the person joining must show basic German at level A1. This is called “German before immigration”. Diplomas from ÖIF, ÖSD, Goethe-Institut or telc count. The diploma may be at most one year old when you hand it in. There are exceptions, e.g. for children under 14, for serious illness with a medical report and for families of EU Blue Card holders. Ask the MA 35 whether an exception applies to you.

    SourceDeutschkenntnisse vor Zuwanderung
    Deutschkenntnisse vor Zuwanderung

    oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Collect the documents for the applicationYou need the form, passport, photo, family certificates and proof about the person in Vienna.Key step
    Why?
    With complete documents it goes faster. If something is missing, you wait longer.
    What you do
    Get everything ready as originals. You need a copy of every page of the passport.
    Where?
    MA 35 · EinwanderungDirectly with the named service

    What you need

    • Completed application form
      Document explained

      Fill in and sign in German or English.

      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.
      SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus beantragen
      Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus beantragen

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Valid passport and a copy of every page
      Document explained

      You only need the copy for the first application.

      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.
      SourceAufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen
      Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Biometric passport photo
      Document explained

      At most 6 months old.

      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
      At most 6 months old
      SourceAufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen
      Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Marriage, partnership, birth or adoption certificate
      Document explained

      Shows that you are a family.

      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.
      SourceAufenthaltstitel „Familienangehöriger“ – Antrag
      Aufenthaltstitel „Familienangehöriger“ – Antrag

      oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Proof of Austrian citizenship of the person in Vienna
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      For example a valid passport.

      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.
      SourceAufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen
      Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Residence permit of the person in Vienna
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      Shows which permit the person in Vienna holds.

      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.
      SourceNAG § 46: Familienangehörige von Drittstaatsangehörigen
      NAG § 46: Familienangehörige von Drittstaatsangehörigen

      RIS · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Current self-disclosure from a creditor protection association
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      For the person in Vienna, e.g. from KSV 1870. Vienna asks for it for the “Familienangehöriger” permit from age 18.

      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.
      SourceAufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen
      Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Criminal record certificate from the home country
      Document explained

      From age 14, at most 3 months old. If the person lived longer in another country, also from there.

      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
      At most 3 months old
      SourceAufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen
      Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • A1 German certificate
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      From ÖIF, ÖSD, Goethe-Institut or telc, at most one year old.

      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.
      SourcePrüfungsformate des ÖIF
      Prüfungsformate des ÖIF

      Österreichischer Integrationsfonds · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Collect the documents for the application

    Bring all documents as originals. For the first application you also need a copy of every page of the passport. The authority may ask for more documents. Do not enter passport or ID numbers here.

    SourceAufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen
    Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen

    Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4File the application at the embassyThe person joining you files the application in person at the Austrian embassy in their country.Key step
    Why?
    The embassy checks the papers and sends them to the MA 35 in Vienna.
    What you do
    Ask the embassy whether you need an appointment. The application costs 218 euros. The person waits abroad for the decision.
    Where?
    Österreichische VertretungsbehördeIn person at the Austrian embassy or consulate general in the country of residence
    In detail

    File the application at the Austrian embassy

    The person joining files the first application in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate general in their country of residence. Some missions require an appointment first. For children under 18, a person with custody files the application; the child must come in person at least once. Fingerprints are taken from age 6. The embassy checks the documents and sends them to the MA 35. The person waits abroad for the decision. The application costs 218 euros.

    SourceAufenthaltstitel „Familienangehöriger“ – Antrag
    Aufenthaltstitel „Familienangehöriger“ – Antrag

    oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Keep an eye on your applicationThe authority decides at the latest six months after receiving the application.Key step
    Why?
    If the office asks for something, answer quickly. Otherwise it takes longer.
    What you do
    Send missing papers by post or email to the MA 35. Do not file a second application.
    Where?
    MA 35 · EinwanderungDirectly with the named service
    In detail

    Follow the processing and answer questions

    The authority decides at the latest six months after receiving the application. How long it takes also depends on whether all documents are there. If something is missing, send it by post or email to the responsible MA 35 office. Use supported file formats, no download links. Do not file a second application.

    SourceFamilienzusammenführung
    Familienzusammenführung

    Bundesministerium für Inneres · migration.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Travel in and collect the cardOnce the application is approved, the embassy lets you know. Anyone who needs a visa then applies for it.Key step
    Why?
    Only with the card may the person work in Austria.
    What you do
    Apply for any visa needed within 3 months. Collect the card in person at the MA 35 within 6 months in total.
    Where?
    Österreichische Vertretungsbehörde / MA 35Directly with the named service
    In detail

    Enter with a visa and collect the card

    Once the application is approved, the embassy lets you know. Anyone who needs a visa applies for it within three months. The card must be collected within six months in total. After entering, the person contacts the MA 35 as soon as possible for a collection appointment. Collection is only in person, also for children from 14. The person may only start work once they have the card.

    SourceAufenthaltstitel „Familienangehöriger“ – Antrag
    Aufenthaltstitel „Familienangehöriger“ – Antrag

    oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  7. 7Register the address in ViennaAfter moving in, each person registers their address. For this there is the Meldezettel.Key step
    Why?
    This is required. You also need the registration for many other steps.
    What you do
    Go to the registration service at the district office within 3 days. Take the Meldezettel and passport. It costs nothing.
    Where?
    Bezirksamt · MeldeserviceDirectly with the named service
    Related plansNew in Vienna
    In detail

    Register the address in Vienna

    After moving in, each person registers their address within three days. In Vienna this is done at the registration service of the district office. You need a registration form (Meldezettel) for each person, signed by the accommodation provider, and the passport. Registration is free.

    SourceAnmeldung eines neuen Hauptwohnsitzes
    Anmeldung eines neuen Hauptwohnsitzes

    oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • Find the permit for families of Austrians
  • Find the right permit for your family
  • Use the route for EU families
  • Get advice on the family procedure
  • Clarify the route for parents and other relatives
  • Wait until you are both 21
  • Have foreign certificates checked and translated
  • Apply in Vienna only if it is allowed
  • Learn German up to level A2
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?

What is meant? Where are you now? For example: you are finding out, the application is filed or the family is already here.

How far along are you?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

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

What does it cost?

No costs are recorded for these steps in the linked sources. Fees may still apply.

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.

SourceAufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen
Aufenthaltstitel Familienangehöriger beantragen

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceFamilienzusammenführung: Überblick
Familienzusammenführung: Überblick

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceIntegration: Beratung
Integration: Beratung

Stadt Wien · MA 17 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceNAG § 47: Familienangehörige von Österreichern
NAG § 47: Familienangehörige von Österreichern

RIS · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceNAG § 2: Begriffsbestimmungen (Familienangehöriger)
NAG § 2: Begriffsbestimmungen (Familienangehöriger)

RIS · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceAllgemeine Voraussetzungen für Aufenthaltstitel
Allgemeine Voraussetzungen für Aufenthaltstitel

oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceDeutschkenntnisse vor Zuwanderung
Deutschkenntnisse vor Zuwanderung

oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus beantragen
Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus beantragen

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceAufenthaltstitel „Familienangehöriger“ – Antrag
Aufenthaltstitel „Familienangehöriger“ – Antrag

oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceFamilienzusammenführung
Familienzusammenführung

Bundesministerium für Inneres · migration.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceAnmeldung eines neuen Hauptwohnsitzes
Anmeldung eines neuen Hauptwohnsitzes

oesterreich.gv.at · BMI · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceDeutschnachweise und Integrationsvereinbarung
Deutschnachweise und Integrationsvereinbarung

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source

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