Frequently Asked Questions

Is family reunification currently possible?

At the moment, there is no law governing family reunification. The new law will probably not enter into force until August 2026. After that, family reunification will be possible again, but under new rules.

In some cases, the Red Cross is nevertheless submitting applications already now. We do this, for example, if one of your children would otherwise turn 18.

What will change under the new law?

There will be several changes. The most important change is that, in future, family members are expected to receive a Red-White-Red Card plus. There will also be a waiting list that determines how many family members may enter Austria each year.

Will my family have to submit a new application under the new law?

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

What is the Red-White-Red Card plus?

The Red-White-Red Card plus is a residence permit in Austria. It is valid for one year. An application for an extension can also be submitted.

The card allows a person to work in Austria. However, they cannot receive social benefits.

Why does everyone say that fewer family members will be allowed to come to Austria in future?

In future, only a certain number of family members will be allowed to come to Austria each year. If there are no places left on the waiting list, the family will have to wait until the following year and hope that they receive a place then. Only after that will the family reunification application be processed.

Are there any exceptions to this rule?

Yes. If your family submitted the application three years ago, they may no longer be placed on the waiting list. They must be given a place, and the application must be processed.

An exception may also be made in particularly difficult cases. This may be possible, for example, if your children are alone somewhere and there is no one who can care for them.

Who processes my application?

Your family must submit the application to the Austrian embassy. The embassy sends the documents to the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum, known as the BFA. The BFA processes the application and makes the decision.

Can I choose which embassy to use?

No. Your family must go to the embassy that is responsible for them. This is usually the embassy in the country where your family lives. If you have questions about which embassy is responsible, please contact the Red Cross.

Will the required documents change?

For new applications, documents issued abroad must be authenticated and additionally certified. They must also be translated into German.

My documents have already been authenticated. Why do they have to be authenticated again?

The additional certification by the Austrian embassy confirms that the document is genuine. Under the new law, this additional certification will be required in addition to the authentication carried out in Syria.

However, you should only start this process when the embassy tells you to do so.

I have already been waiting a long time for an answer. Should I have my documents additionally certified or translated now?

No. Please wait until the embassy or the BFA tells you to do so. We do not want you to spend money unnecessarily.

What happens if proceedings to revoke my asylum status are ongoing, or if my asylum procedure has been reopened?

In future, your family’s application may no longer be rejected for this reason. Instead, your family’s application will be suspended until a decision has been made on whether you may retain your protection status.

I received subsidiary protection after proceedings to revoke my asylum status, and I have been in Austria for three years. Do I have to wait two years and submit a new application?

This is a very specific question, and the answer is different for each person. Please contact the Red Cross so that we can provide an answer that applies specifically to your family.

What happens if I turn 18 during the family reunification procedure?

Turning 18 is not a reason for a negative decision.

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

If you have asylum status: It is important that you were under 18 when you submitted your asylum application.

What happens if my child turns 18 during the procedure?

It does not matter if your child turns 18 during the family reunification procedure.

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

If you have asylum status: It is important that your child was under 18 when you submitted your asylum application.

Do I have to work and have accommodation before my family can come to Austria?

As a general rule, you must have sufficient income and suitable accommodation before your family can come to Austria. However, there are some exceptions:

• If you received a positive asylum decision and your family submits the application within three months of that decision, you do not have to be employed.
• If you are under 18 and would like your parents and siblings to join you, you do not have to be employed.

Can I bring my family to Austria on the basis of an employment contract instead?

No. You cannot choose which law is used to bring your family to Austria.

Only once you have acquired EU long-term resident status may it be possible to bring your family to Austria “on the basis of an employment contract”. In that case, however, all family members over the age of 14 must provide an A1 German-language certificate.

Are there also any improvements under the new law?

Yes. In future, family members of persons with subsidiary protection will only have to wait two years before they can submit an application.

Is it possible to take a DNA test?

Yes. The BFA may request a DNA test. You must pay for the test yourself. The costs will not be reimbursed.

Will my family no longer be able to submit an asylum application in Austria?

They will still be able to submit an asylum application after arriving in Austria. In most cases, your family will receive the same protection status as you.

In Austria, your family will have to decide whether to collect the Red-White-Red Card plus or submit an asylum application. Your adviser at the Red Cross can help you make this decision.

How long will it take before my family can come to Austria? Can they come immediately once the new law enters into force?

There is not yet any practical experience with the new law. We believe that it may take some time before the authorities are able to work effectively with the new rules.

Cases in which a positive decision has already been issued will also be reviewed again.

In all cases, the BFA may request additional documents because it has to decide the case under the new law. This may make the procedure take longer.

The new law will introduce a waiting list that determines how many family members may enter Austria each year. We do not yet know how many places will be available each year.

The length of time it takes before your family can come to Austria will also depend on this.

Will the procedure be faster if I use a lawyer?

You may decide for yourself whether you would like to complete the family reunification procedure with a lawyer, with the Red Cross or on your own.

We do not know which option will be 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.