Austria•EuropeSettlement Permit - Relative (Niederlassungsbewilligung Angehöriger)
At a Glance
3–6 months
EUR €218
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Settlement permit for extended family members of Austrian/EU citizens, issued for 12 months and renewable with pathway to indefinite Long-term Resident status after 5 years.
The Settlement Permit – Relative enables extended family members of Austrian or EU citizens to reside in Austria for caregiving or dependency. It requires an Austrian or EU citizen sponsor, A1 German proficiency, and proof of secure livelihood without need for social assistance.
Issued for 12 months initially and renewable, the permit allows applicants to transition to Long-term Resident – EU status (unlimited) after 5 years of continuous lawful settlement. The EUR 218 application fee covers processing within 3–6 months. Work authorization is restricted and requires approval; dependents may reside with limited spouse work rights.
This visa is ideal for extended family members seeking to reunify with EU citizens for caregiving while establishing a pathway to permanent settlement.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Extended family member of Austrian/EU citizen
Proof of secure livelihood
Health insurance
A1 German language proficiency
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
24,769 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Proof of dependency/care needs
Sponsorship declaration
A1 German certificate
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Initial 12-month permit is renewable, enabling ongoing family reunification without annual reapplication
- Pathway to Long-term Resident – EU status after 5 years of continuous lawful settlement
- Dual intent permitted; family members can maintain home country ties while residing in Austria
- Secure livelihood requirement (EUR 24,769 annually) is modest compared to skilled work permits
- Depends only on family relationship and sponsorship, not employment or skills requirements
- Health insurance and accommodation requirements ensure family members receive full social coverage
- Settlement permit tier provides stability for extended family (elderly parents, adult siblings, etc.)
- Family reunification recognized as core right under EU directive framework
Worth Knowing
- Requires documented proof of relationship and dependency on Austrian/EU citizen sponsor
- A1 German language proficiency is mandatory before application; no exemptions available
- Renewable status requires annual verification of sponsor's secure livelihood and housing stability
- Processing takes 3-6 months; plan applications well in advance of desired arrival date
- Sponsor must lack other legal options or established PR; lacks clear definition of qualifying 'extended' relationships
- Work authorization is restricted/requires separate approval; cannot work freely without additional permit
- No dependent visas available; further family members of the permit holder cannot sponsor relatives
Application Process
Submit application with sponsor
Prove dependency
Submit language certificate
Application Forms
| Oesterreich.gv.at Portal | Fill online |
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