Intro (Hook)

You’ve worked hard to build your career in Austria. Now it’s time to bring your loved one to join you.

If you’re an Indian citizen holding an Austrian Red-White-Red (RWR) Card, you have the right to bring your spouse and children under Austria’s Family Reunification (Familiennachzug) program.

But how exactly does it work — and what do you need to prepare?

Let’s break it down, clearly and practically.

1. Check If You’re Eligible

If you have an RWR or RWR+ card, you can apply to bring:

• Your spouse (legally married)
• Minor children under 18

The family member will receive a Residence Permit – Family Member once in Austria.

2. The Application Pathway

Step 1: Apply for Visa D (Family Reunification)

Your spouse applies for a Visa D at the Austrian Embassy in New Delhi or Consulate in Mumbai.

This visa allows her to enter Austria for up to 6 months.

Step 2: Residence Permit Application (in Austria)

After arrival, she applies for the Residence Permit – Family Member at the local authority (MA35 in Vienna or Bezirkshauptmannschaft elsewhere).

3. Documents You’ll Need

From Your Wife (India):

• Valid passport
• Marriage certificate (apostilled + translated into German)
• Birth certificate (apostilled + translation)
• Police clearance certificate
• A1 German certificate (Goethe/ÖSD/telc – unless exempt)
• Health insurance proof (yours or joint)
• Passport photos (per Schengen spec)

From You (in Austria):

• Copy of RWR/RWR+ card
• Employment proof (contract, salary slips)
• Accommodation proof (rental agreement)
• Meldezettel (residence registration)
• Income proof (to show financial stability)

💡 Tip: All documents from India must be apostilled and translated by a certified translator.

4. Key Requirements to Know

Language (A1 German)

Your wife must usually show basic German skills (A1) before applying.

Exemptions:

• If you’re a highly qualified RWR holder
• If language skills are unreasonable due to circumstances

Financial Proof

You must prove that you can support your spouse without welfare.

Approximate 2025 figures:

• Couple: €1,800–€2,000 net/month
• Add rent & insurance on top

Accommodation

Your housing must be adequate — typically a private room/apartment large enough for both.

5. Where & How to Apply

📍 Embassy of Austria, New Delhi

https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/oeb-new-delhi/

Steps:

1. Book a family reunification visa appointment online.
2. Bring all original + copies of documents.
3. Embassy forwards to Austrian authorities for decision.
4. Processing takes 3–6 months.

Once approved, she gets Visa D → travels to Austria → applies for Residence Permit – Family Member.

6. After Arrival in Austria

Within the first few days:

• Register residence (Meldezettel)
• Apply for the residence permit at local office
• Attend fingerprint/biometric appointment
• Wait for card issuance (few weeks)

Once approved → she gets her residence card and may work or study (depending on permit type).

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting non-apostilled certificates
• Missing A1 certificate (unless exempt)
• Forgetting income proof
• Not booking appointment early (can take months)

Conclusion:

Family reunification is 100% possible — just plan early and prepare the paperwork carefully.

Once approved, your spouse can join you in Austria and start a new life together. ❤️

👉 Watch more on the Ingenious Tamilan YouTube Channel  for detailed Austria visa guides.