You might be eligible for a
Settlement Permit – Dependant ("Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger")
If you are in a relationship with an Austrian but are neither married nor in a civil partnership, you are eligible for the so-called Settlement Permit – Dependant (“Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger”).
Your family member might be eligible for a
Settlement Permit – Dependant ("Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger")
If your family member is in a relationship with an Austrian but are neither married nor in a civil partnership, your family member is eligible for the so-called Settlement Permit – Dependant (“Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger”).
The Settlement Permit – Dependant...
- does not allow any kind of work in Austria.
- is valid for one year and can be extended afterwards.
- may require a German language certificate.
- requires proof of the relationship in any case.
Can one work with a Settlement Permit – Dependant?
No, the Settlement Permit – Dependant does not allow to work in Austria at all. One cannot work as a self-employed person nor pursue gainful employment as a salaried employee.
Where does one apply for a Settlement Permit – Dependant?
Depending on factors such as citizenship and current country of residence, the application for the Settlement Permit – Dependant must either be submitted to the Austrian Embassy/Consulate in the country of residence or can be submitted to the correct branch of the Austrian Immigration and Residence Authority in Austria, the location of which depends on the (future) Austrian place of residence.
How long is the Settlement Permit – Dependant valid and how can it be extended?
As a rule, the first Settlement Permit – Dependant is valid for a period of one year and can then be extended again for one year.
Life partners (girlfriend/boyfriend, unmarried) of European Union, Swiss or European Economic Area nationals can apply for a residence permit called Settlement Permit (“Niederlassungsbewilligung”), which allows them to work in Austria only on a self-emloyed basis. Austrians are considered to be EU nationals when they have made use of their right of residence under EU law. This means, e.g., that they have verifiably lived and worked for more than three months in another EU or EEA member state or Switzerland.
Note: The Settlement Permit ("Niederlassungsbewilligung) is not the same as the Settlement Permit – Dependant ("Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger")!
We are happy to support you!
Are you uncertain about when exactly you can start working in Austria? Do you have questions about other options? We are happy to provide you with guidance about which residence permit you are eligible for! Our experts offer support before, during and after residence permit process. We are happy to support you every step of the way. As we have an official mandate by the Austrian Government, our services are free of charge.