New rules regarding asylum and residency law are in effect in Austria. The changes affect, among other things, residence permits, residence cards, and family reunification. Here you will find an overview of the most important information.
Residence permits are issued for a limited period.
Refugees will receive their residence permit for three years in the future. Those with subsidiary protection will receive their residence permit for one year. The residence permit can then be extended by submitting an application. Initially, an extension of three years is possible, followed by extensions of five years at a time. Important: Refugees who received their residence permit before June 12, 2026, will retain their permanent residence permit.
New maps for the stay
The existing asylum cards are being replaced by new residence permit cards. Asylum cards already issued remain valid. Therefore, people with an existing asylum card do not need to apply for a new one immediately. Switching to the new residence permit card is possible upon request.
New rules for family reunification
Family members of refugees will no longer automatically receive the same protection status as the person already living in Austria. Instead, they will receive a "Red-White-Red Card Plus." This card allows them to work in Austria immediately. They are not required to present a German language certificate at level A1 before entering the country. Family members of those granted subsidiary protection are generally subject to a three-year waiting period before they can join their family in Austria. Certain conditions must also be met for family reunification. These generally include suitable accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient income to cover living expenses. Exceptions apply to certain family members.
Quotas for family reunification
In the future, there will be quotas for family reunification. This means that the federal government will determine each year how many places are available for family reunification. If no place is currently available, the application will not be rejected. The process will be postponed. This can delay the process by up to three years.
What applies to ongoing proceedings?
For individuals who already hold a residence permit or have already submitted an application, transitional rules apply. Refugees who received their residence permit before June 12, 2026, retain their permanent residence permit. For individuals with subsidiary protection, the new rules apply upon their next renewal. Applications for renewal already submitted will be processed according to the new rules. Transitional provisions also apply to pending family reunification proceedings. These proceedings will continue under the new legal framework.