Nurses who move to Austria often want to bring their family along or reunite with them soon after. This guide explains who can join you, which requirements usually apply, which documents you need and what the process broadly looks like — with the clear reminder that the binding rules sit with the official authorities.
Key takeaways
- As the holder of a Red-White-Red Card, you can usually bring your spouse or registered partner and minor children via the "Red-White-Red Card plus".
- EU/EEA citizens and their families benefit from free movement and generally have easier access.
- You typically need to prove secure income, adequate housing and health insurance.
- The rules are strict and change — the official bodies (migration.gv.at, the competent authority) are always binding.
Who can bring family over?
As a nurse you usually work in Austria on a Red-White-Red Card. As its holder you can generally bring your core family: a spouse or registered partner and minor, unmarried children. The matching residence permit for family members is usually the "Red-White-Red Card plus".
EU/EEA vs. non-EU
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, free movement usually applies to you and your family, which normally makes access easier. For relatives from non-EU countries, family reunification runs through a dedicated residence permit.
Which requirements usually apply?
For family reunification the authorities usually check whether the family can live without relying on social benefits. This is shown qualitatively through three building blocks — the exact amounts and conditions are set by the authority.
- Secure, regular family income
- Accommodation that is large enough for the number of people and locally customary
- Valid Austrian health insurance for everyone joining you
- Depending on the case, German language skills of the joining relatives (proof or exceptions in individual cases)
Requirements change
Specific income thresholds, deadlines and fees are deliberately not stated here because they change regularly. For binding figures, always rely on official sources such as migration.gv.at or the authority responsible for you.
Which documents do you need?
- Passports of all joining family members
- Marriage certificate or proof of registered partnership
- Children’s birth certificates (and proof of custody where relevant)
- Proof of income, housing and health insurance
- Certified German translations
- Certification of the documents (often with an apostille or diplomatic legalisation)
Tip
Clarify early whether your documents need an apostille, and use court-certified translators. Obtaining and legalising documents from your home country is often what takes the longest.
The process and timing
- 1
Check the requirements
Work out which residence permit fits your relatives and which proofs are required.
- 2
Gather documents
Obtain, translate and legalise certificates from your home country.
- 3
Submit the application
File the application — depending on the case at the Austrian representation abroad or the competent domestic authority.
- 4
Assessment by the authority
The authority reviews income, housing, insurance and the family relationship.
- 5
Residence permit & entry
After a positive outcome the family receives the residence permit and can enter or register.
How long family reunification takes depends heavily on your country of origin, how complete your documents are and the authority’s workload. Realistically plan for several months and start gathering documents early. Ask the competent body directly for exact processing times.
Settling in as a family
Once the family has arrived, the focus shifts to settling in well. Children are subject to compulsory schooling in Austria; for younger children there is childcare and kindergarten. German courses help your partner and children find their feet, and many municipalities offer counselling and integration services.
- Ask early about a school or kindergarten place in your municipality
- Plan German courses for your partner and children
- Sort out registration (Meldezettel) and health insurance for every family member
- Use counselling centres and local integration offers
Good to know
Raise family reunification with your employer or agency early — a secure job and suitable housing make proving income and accommodation considerably easier.
Frequently asked questions
Who can I bring to Austria as a nurse?
Usually your core family: a spouse or registered partner and minor, unmarried children. Stricter conditions apply to other relatives. Who may join in an individual case is decided by the competent authority.
Which requirements do I have to meet for family reunification?
You usually need to prove secure income, adequate housing and health insurance for the family. The exact figures are set by the official bodies and can change.
Can my partner and children work or go to school in Austria?
Children are subject to compulsory schooling, so attending school is possible and expected. Whether and to what extent your partner may work depends on the residence permit granted — clarify this with the competent authority.
How long does family reunification take?
There is no flat answer. The duration depends on your country of origin, how complete your documents are and the authority; realistically plan for several months. The competent body gives you binding timelines.
