Immigration to Austria for Ukrainians

Can Ukrainians obtain an Austrian visa for family reunification?

Austrian citizens or persons with a residence permit can apply for a family reunification visa for their family members who are third-country nationals. Eligible family members include:

• Spouse.
  
• Registered same-sex partner.
  
• Children under the age of 18.
  
• Partners in long-term relationships (under certain circumstances).
  
• Other relatives (in certain circumstances).
  

Family visas are issued to family members who have special permits:

• Holders of the Red-White-Red Card (work visa holders) or the EU Blue Card.
  
• Holders of the Red-White-Red Card Plus.
  
• Holders of a long-term residence permit in Austria.
  
• Holders of a settlement permit (for self-employed persons).
  
• Holders of a residence permit (for researchers).
  
• Holders of a special settlement permit (for special cases of independent paid activity).
  
• Holders of a residence permit or a permanent residence permit.
  
• Holders of a residence permit pursuant to Article 50 EUV.
  

Requirements for family reunification in Austria for Ukrainians

To obtain an Austrian family reunification visa, you must meet some general criteria. Firstly, your family member must have a residence permit (see above) or have Austrian citizenship. Secondly, you must prepare some documents for the application:

• Passport. You must have a valid passport, i.e. your document must be valid during your stay in Austria and it must have been issued within the last 10 years.
  
• Copies of your previous passport (if available).
  
• Financial means. You must provide evidence that you can financially support yourself as an Austrian resident and that you will not be dependent on social security. Your income must be equivalent to (or higher than) the standard income in Austria.
  
• Photo. You must provide one recent photo of yourself.
  
• Visa application form. You need to print the form and fill it with your personal data.
  
• Travel insurance. You must have insurance in accordance with the Schengen travel insurance rules.
  

*Please note that family members of those who hold a Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card or whose relatives are Austrian citizens are usually covered by a relative's insurance.

• Birth certificate. You must also provide a birth certificate.
  
• Certificate of no criminal record.
  
• Marriage certificate. A marriage certificate confirming your relationship with an Austrian resident.
  
• Divorce certificate (if applicable).
  
• Adoption documents. If you have adoptive parents, these documents must be attached to the application. Foster children also.
  
• Certificate of relationship registration. If your relationship is registered in your country of residence, you must also attach a copy of the certificate to the rest of the documents.
  
• Family certificate. You must also provide a family certificate confirming your relationship with the sponsor.
  
• Proof of residence. You must provide proof that you have accommodation in Austria. This can be a rental agreement with a landlord or at your sponsor's place of residence.
  
• Travel itinerary. You must also provide a detailed flight departure program, arrival date, flight number, etc.
  
• Proof of German language proficiency. You need to provide a certificate from an accredited institution stating that you have a basic A1 level of German.
  

*Please note that all of your documents must be originals and copies, and civil documents such as marriage certificate, divorce certificate, birth certificate, etc. must be legalized with an apostille.

All your documents must be in German or English, if not, they must be translated.

You need to provide copies from your sponsor (relative) in Austria:

• Their passport.
  
• Their citizenship certificate “Staatsbürgerschaftsnachweis”.
  
• The rental agreement.
  
• Registration form “Meldezettel”.
  
• Income statement for the last three months.

💡 Advice from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians traveling abroad

Planning a long trip or relocation to Sweden can be challenging. Where to start? What is the first step to getting a visa or residence permit? It is easy to get confused at first - especially if you have never done anything like this before.

That's why we recommend using Visit World's immigration guides - detailed step-by-step travel guides that provide basic advice on how to apply for a visa, permanent or temporary residence permit, and much more. Choose the right guide for you by following the link!

When should I apply for a family reunification visa?

You should apply after your family member has been granted a residence permit, as you will need to provide proof of your sponsor's residence status when applying.

If your sponsor already has a permit or citizenship, you can apply when you are ready. But make sure you do it at least 3 weeks before you leave.

How can Ukrainians apply for a family reunification visa in Austria?

When it comes time to apply for a family reunification visa in Austria, make sure that you:

1. Printed out and filled in the application form. This is one of the most important documents you need to apply for a visa, so make sure you finish it first.
   
2. Gathered all the documents. Make sure that all your documents are translated (if necessary), legalized, and up to date.
   
3. Make an appointment. You should make an appointment at your local embassy/consulate to submit your application documents.
   
4. Prepare for the interview. You will probably be asked to sit for an interview and answer questions about the nature of your application. If you are planning to reunite with your spouse, you will most likely be asked questions about how you met, your favorite things, the names of their family members, etc.
   
5. Wait for the answer. As soon as your application is processed, you will receive an answer and then you can travel to Austria.
   

* Please note that after entering Austria, you have 3 days to register at the local registration office.

How long is the family visa valid for?

Generally, an Austrian family visa is valid for up to 12 months. You can extend your visa before its expiration date or apply for a residence permit. However, the validity of your visa may differ depending on the type of residence of your family member.

Can citizens from Ukraine extend their Austrian family visa?

Yes, you can extend your visa before the expiration date. Remember to apply for an extension at least three months in advance.

Can family visa holders work in Austria?

You can work with a family visa. You can also work if you have a Red-White-Red Card Plus. However, you may sometimes be restricted from working depending on the type of residence permit your sponsor has.

Keep in mind that if you have applied for a settlement permit that restricts your access to the labor market, you will not be able to work. Such permits include:

Depends on the settlement permit.

Settlement permit - except for paid work.

How much does an Austrian family reunification visa cost?

The cost of an Austrian family reunification visa is:

Upon application:

• For persons over 6 years of age: 120 euros.
  
• For children under 6 years old: 75 euros.
  
• Upon receipt of a visa:
  
• For persons over 6 years of age: 20 euros.
  
• For children under 6 years old: 50 euros.
  

You may also be asked to pay fees for additional requirements.

Can Ukrainians obtain permanent residence on a family visa to Austria?

After living legally in Austria for five years, you can apply for a long-term EU resident permit, which is valid for about 10 years.

You need to complete module 2 of the integration agreement and meet the general requirements to be granted the status of “long-term EU resident”.

What is an integration agreement?

The integration agreement consists of two modules that third-country nationals must complete in order to obtain a residence permit, right of residence or citizenship.

Module 1 is considered completed if you can prove that you have acquired basic knowledge of the German language. A1 level according to the Common European Framework. You can provide a certificate confirming your knowledge from an accredited school:

1. Austrian Language Diploma in German (Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch).
   
2. Goethe-Institut eV.
   
3. Telc GmbH.
   
4. Austrian Integration Fund (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds).
   

Module 2 is considered completed if you can prove your German language skills at B2 level and basic knowledge of the Austrian legal system and social rules. The Austrian Integration Fund will check whether you have completed Module 2 or not.

*Depending on your residence permit or rank, you may be asked to complete only Module 1.

Can I obtain Austrian citizenship on a family visa?

Yes. In general, in order to apply for Austrian citizenship, you must have at least 10 years of residence in Austria, 5 of which must be with a residence permit.

However, you also need to fulfill other conditions; proof of completion of modules 1 and 2 of the integration agreement, proof of no criminal record and a certificate of stable income.

How can citizens from Ukraine obtain Austrian citizenship?

There are several ways to obtain Austrian citizenship:

1. By descent.

Children automatically become Austrian citizens regardless of their place of birth if their mother is an Austrian citizen. The same applies if the parents are married and only the father is an Austrian citizen.

2. By virtue of marriage to an Austrian citizen.

Austrian citizenship by marriage can be obtained by living together in an official marriage for at least 5 years.

3. On the basis of an investment.

Austrian citizenship by investment is possible with a deposit of 10 million euros or more and a significant contribution to the development of the country (creation of innovative technologies and new jobs).

4. Through naturalization.

Austrian citizenship by naturalization is possible after a minimum of 6 years of legal residence in Austria and with proof of integration into society.

Obtaining Austrian citizenship by naturalization

Naturalization is a legal process of obtaining Austrian citizenship on the basis of the applicant's voluntary wish.

Where to go for help?

💡 Use the services of a migration lawyer for Ukrainians from Visit Ukraine! Our specialists will help you at every stage: from preparing documents to obtaining citizenship. We provide advice on requirements, terms of residence, proof of financial solvency and all legal nuances. Achieve your goal with the support of an experienced specialist!

What is the procedure for obtaining Austrian citizenship for Ukrainians?

In order to obtain an Austrian passport on the basis of naturalization, a foreigner must go through several stages.

1. The first stage is obtaining a residence permit in Austria on the basis of business, employment, family reunification or under a program for financially independent foreigners without the right to work.
   
2. The second stage: after 5 years of residence with a residence permit, obtaining an Austrian permanent resident card.
   
3. The third stage: after at least 6 years of residence in Austria, if special conditions are met, you can apply for an Austrian passport and citizenship.
   

Conditions for obtaining Austrian citizenship by naturalization

In order to obtain Austrian citizenship by naturalization, an applicant must meet the following conditions:

• The applicant must reside in Austria and have a center of interest there (family ties, employment, real estate or business, etc.). At the same time, the applicant cannot stay outside Austria for more than 183 days a year.
  
• Confirm the existence of a stable and sustainable source of income for yourself and each member of your family.
  
• Successfully pass a test of knowledge of the language, history and culture of Austria.
  
• Confirm the absence of criminal records both in Austria and abroad.
  
• Provide certificates of no tax arrears in Austria.
  

Required period of residence in Austria for Ukrainians to obtain citizenship

6 years of residence in Austria, provided that the applicant has a B2 level of German and is highly integrated into Austrian society. Spouses of Austrian citizens are also eligible to apply for Austrian citizenship after 6 years of residence, provided that they have been legally married for at least 5 years.

10 years of residence and at least 5 years of permanent residence. German language skills at B1 level and basic knowledge of Austrian culture and history are required.

15 years of residence in Austria and proof of good integration into Austrian society.

After 30 years of residence in Austria, there is no requirement to pass a test of knowledge of the language, history and culture of the country.

Austrian citizenship by investment

Please note that under the terms of the program, the applicant and his/her family are NOT immediately issued an Austrian passport. The investor receives a residence permit on special grounds, and after 2 years is eligible for Austrian citizenship.

To obtain Austrian citizenship through investment, an applicant must invest at least 10 million euros in the country's economy (direct investment only), create jobs and receive approval from the Austrian government.

Passive investments are not eligible for the program. Also, Austrian citizenship cannot be obtained by purchasing real estate.

To obtain an Austrian passport on the basis of an investment, there are no language test requirements and no permanent residence requirements.

Dual citizenship in Austria

Austria does not allow dual citizenship. According to the Citizenship Act, you must renounce your previous citizenship in order to obtain an Austrian passport.

However, there are exceptions under which an Austrian passport can be obtained as a second citizenship:

• when obtaining citizenship for investment, the applicant may retain his/her current citizenship;
  
• when Austrian citizenship is granted on the basis of special conditions and merit (for outstanding achievements in sports, culture or science);
  

if a child of Austrian citizens was born outside Austria, he or she has the right to retain 2 citizenships.