Austria Dependent Visa: Eligibility, Requirements & More

Latest Facts and News:

• As of 2024, Austria has streamlined its dependent visa application process, reducing processing times by 20%.

• Recent changes allow same-sex partners to apply for dependent visas under certain conditions.

• Austria has introduced a new online portal for dependent visa applications, making the process more accessible.

• The Austrian government has increased the minimum income requirement for sponsors by 5% in the past year.

Understanding the Austria Dependent Visa

The Austria dependent visa is a type of visa that allows family members to come and stay in Austria. The visa sponsor must have a valid work permit or residence permit from Austria to be eligible for this visa type. The visa is typically part of Austria's family reunification program, granting the dependent the right to live in Austria alongside their sponsor. The visa has a limit of up to 1-3 years, and after that, it can be renewed again as per the requirements. The family members can be the sponsor's spouse, children, or legal partner. They must have proof of relationship with the sponsor in order to get the Austria-dependent visa.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Austria Dependent Visa for Indians

Here’s a step-by-step guide for the application process for Austria dependent visa:

1. Check Eligibility

Check the eligibility criteria and make sure that you fulfil all the requirements. This ensures that your sponsor lives in Austria on a valid residence permit. The sponsor can be your spouse, parent or any other family member. The dependent visa is only issued to spouses, registered partners, and children under the age of 18.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Prepare all the required documents for Austria dependent visa. The documents generally include a visa application form, a valid passport, passport-size photographs, proof of relationship, proof of financial support, and a sponsor’s residence permit.

3. Submit the Application

Submit the application form for an Austria dependent visa with the help of any Austria visa embassy of your home country, such as TerraTern in India. Pay the visa fees to complete the registration process. Usually the visa fee is around €80-100, depending on your home country.

Also Read: Everything About Austria Work Visa for Indian in 2024

4. Attend the Visa Interview

An interview process is mandatory to apply for a dependent visa. Prepare yourself well for the interview round and be confident in the conversation. Try to wear formal clothes to make a good impression in the interview round.

5. Wait for Processing

After submitting all the papers and documents, wait for the results. The approval of the visa might take around 2-6 months. So apply well in advance, keeping the time limit in mind.

Eligibility Criteria for Austria Dependent Visa for Indians

Here are the eligibility requirements that need to be met to get an Austria dependent visa:

1. Sponsor’s Eligibility

The sponsor for the visa must be a legal resident member of Austria. They must hold a valid residence permit or visa. This could be a work visa, student visa, or permanent residence permit. Apart from that, the sponsor must provide proof of accommodation where the dependent can stay.

2. Dependent’s Eligibility

The dependent must be a legitimate family member of the sponsor in order to get the Austria dependent visa. The dependent can be a spouse, child (under age 18), or legal partner of the sponsor. This is mandatory for Austria dependent visas.

3. Proof of Relationship

The dependent must have proof of relationship to apply for the Austria dependent visa. The evidence can be a marriage certificate or a childbirth certificate. 

4. Language Skills

The dependent must have a basic knowledge of the German language to get an Austria-dependent visa. The normal mode of communication in Austria is German, so foreigners need to understand this language to connect with the locals and community.

5. Proof of Financial Stability

The sponsor and dependent must provide proof of financial funds. This is to ensure that the sponsor is financially stable and can take care of the dependent’s living expenses in Austria. 

Required Documents for Austria Dependent Visa Application

Here’s a list of documents required to apply for Austria dependent visa application:

• Visa Application Form

• Passport

• Proof of Relationship

• Proof of Legal Residency

• Proof of Financial Stability

• Accommodation Proof

• Proof of Income of the Sponsor

• Health Insurance

• Police Clearance Certificate

• Visa Fee Payment Receipt

Processing Time and Visa Fees

Here’s a table showcasing the processing time and additional costs related to Austria dependent visas:

Rights and Restrictions of Austria Dependent Visa Holders

Here’s an overview of the rights and restrictions of Austria dependent visa holders:

Rights:

1. Right to Reside

The dependents have the right to reside in Austria if their sponsor has a valid resident permit in Austria. 

2. Access to Healthcare

Austria-dependent visa holders have the right to access the country's healthcare facilities. They also need to have health insurance in Austria.

3. Access to Education

The children of sponsors have the right to education in the country. They can study in any college or school of their choice.

4. Visa Renewal

The dependent's visa can be renewed as long as the main applicant (sponsor) continues to fulfil the requirements.

Restrictions:

1. Work Restrictions

The Austria dependent visa holders don’t have the right to work in Austria. They need to fulfil other work permit requirements for working in the country.

2. Financial Dependency

The Austria dependent visa holders are usually financially dependent on the sponsor’s income. They cannot rely on any other social welfare benefits.

3. Limited Movement Outside Austria

The Austria dependent visa holders have limited movement allowance outside Austria. They can only travel within the Schengen Area up to 90 days. 

4. Language Requirements

The dependents need to fulfil the language requirements of the country mandatorily. Visa holders must have a basic understanding of German.

Also Read: Austria Immigration - Here Is What You Need To Know

Extending Your Austria Dependent Visa

Follow the steps given to extend your Austria-dependent visa.

1. Check Your Current Visa Type

Check your current visa type to see if it’s Visa D or a residence permit. Both these visas have different stay limits and visa renewal processes. So, make sure to renew your visa according to your existing visa.

2. Start Early

Applying for the extension 3 months before your current visa or permit expires is advisable. The visa renewal process is lengthy so it’s useful to apply ahead of time.

3. Required Documents

There are some documents required to extend your Austria-dependent visa. The documents generally include an application form for visa extension, a valid passport, proof of relationship, proof of sufficient funds, and proof of accommodation in Austria.

4. Where to Apply?

The application form for the visa renewal process can be applied through your local residence authority, such as a Magistrate in Austria. The documents and visa fees are submitted to them only, after which you can get the visa extension.

Read More: Cost of Living in Austria in 2024: Experts Latest Guide

5. Processing Time

After applying for the visa renewal, wait for its approval. It can take several weeks or months for your extension to be processed. 

Transitioning from Dependent Visa to Other Visa Types

Here’s a summary of the transition from an Austria dependent visa to any other type of visa:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Austria-dependent visa benefits the family members of individuals residing in Austria. It enables the family members of individuals residing in Austria to join them and live together in the country. It supports family reunification by granting the dependents the right to reside in Austria. The visa provides rights to the dependents, such as access to healthcare, education, and renewal of their visas. It also allows them to extend their visa limit after it expires. Apart from that, the visa holders also have the chance to convert their visa into a work or student visa if they meet the requirements. The Austria-dependent visa is a great way for individuals to move abroad and settle there. If you plan to move to Austria and have a sponsor there, this is the guide for you. Contact TerraTern today to get help with your moving process.