Frequently Asked Questions

Is family reunification currently available?

A new family reunification law has been in effect since 7 August 2026. Family reunification is available, but under new rules.

What changes does the new law introduce?

There are several changes. The most important one is that family members joining you in future will receive a Red-White-Red Card Plus, and there will be a waiting list determining how many families can enter the country each year. This waiting list is called a ‘quota’.

Does my family need to submit a new application under the new law?

No, if your family has already submitted an application, it will be processed under the new rules.

What is the Red-White-Red Card Plus?

It is a residence permit for Austria. It is valid for one year. You can also apply for an extension.

With this card, you are allowed to work in Austria. However, you are not eligible for social benefits.

Can my family no longer apply for asylum in Austria?

Yes, it will still be possible to apply for asylum upon arrival. In most cases, your family will receive the same protection status as you.

Once in Austria, your family will need to decide whether to apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus or to file an asylum application. Your Red Cross counsellor can help you make this decision.

Why are people saying that fewer families will come to Austria in future?

Only a certain number of family members will be allowed to come to Austria each year because of the “quota”. Once this quota has been filled, it means that there are no more spots available on the waiting list and the family will have to wait until the following year to see if they will get a spot then. It is only at this point that the family reunification application will be processed.

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

Yes. If your family submitted the application three years ago, they cannot be placed on the waiting list. Instead, they must be given a place, and their application has to be processed.

An exception may be made in particularly difficult cases. For example, this would be possible if your children were alone somewhere and no one could take care of them.

Who processes my application?

The BFA will process the application and make a decision on it.

How long will it take for my family to join me? Will they be able to come immediately once the new law takes effect?

There is no experience with the new law yet. We believe it will take some time before the authorities can work effectively with the new rules.

Even cases in which a positive decision has already been made will be reviewed.

The Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) may request additional documents in all cases, as it must make a decision in accordance with the new law, which could prolong the process.

The new law will include a waiting list detailing how many families can enter the country each year. It is not yet known how many places will be available each year.

This will also determine how long it will take for your family to arrive.

Have the required documents changed?

For new applications, documents from abroad must be certified and then certified again. They must also be translated into German.

I’ve been waiting a long time for a response. Should I have my documents notarised or translated now?

No, please wait until the embassy or the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) instructs you to do so. We don’t want you to spend money unnecessarily.

What would happen if I turned 18 during the family reunification process?

Turning 18 does not result in a negative decision.

If you have subsidiary protection: It is important that you were under 18 when your family filed the application for family reunification.

If you have asylum, it is important that you were under 18 when you applied for it.

What happens if my child turns 18 while the family reunification proceedings are ongoing?

It doesn’t matter if your child turns 18 during the family reunification process.

If you have subsidiary protection: It is important that your child was under 18 when you filed the application for family reunification.

If you have been granted asylum, it is important that your child was under 18 years of age when you applied for asylum.

Do I have to have work and have a place to live for my family to be able to join me?

In general, you must have an income and a place to live for your family to be able to join you in Austria. However, there are a few exceptions:

If you have been granted asylum and your family submits the application within three months of your decision being made, you do not have to work.

• If you are under 18 and want to bring your parents and siblings to Austria, you do not have to work.

Can I bring my family to Austria with an employment contract instead?

No, you cannot choose which law to use to bring your family to Austria.

You will only be able to bring your family to Austria with an employment contract once you have permanent residence in the EU. However, all family members over the age of 14 will then require an A1 German language certificate.

Are there any improvements under the new law?

Yes. In future, families of individuals with subsidiary protection will only have to wait two years before submitting an application.

Would it be faster with a lawyer?

Ultimately, it is up to you whether you want to go through the family reunification process with a lawyer, the Red Cross or independently.

We don’t know which method is the fastest.

Where can I find further information for my family?

It is best to send an email to the Red Cross at fzf@roteskreuz.at.