New statistics released by Austria’s Interior Ministry reveal that 10,632 family-reunification applications were approved between January and October 2025, despite political pledges to tighten migration. Nearly three-quarters of beneficiaries were Syrian citizens, followed by Afghans and Somalis.
Since 2015, a total of 46,900 people have entered Austria under family-reunification rules, highlighting the programme’s long-term impact on population growth and social-service demand. The disclosure reignites debate within the coalition, which earlier this year imposed an “administrative pause” on new reunification cases but left a backlog of applications still to be processed.
![Interior Ministry Data Show 10,600 Family-Reunification Visas Approved So Far in 2025]()
For employers, the figures matter because family-reunification status grants full labour-market access once residence permits are issued. Industries facing acute shortages—health care, hospitality and construction—are likely to tap this talent pool. However, municipal authorities warn of pressure on school places and integration courses, urging companies to co-fund language training for dependent spouses.
Immigration lawyers note that processing times averaged 4.7 months in 2025, down from 8 months in 2024, thanks to digital case-management tools. Still, the Interior Ministry signals that stricter income-sufficiency checks will apply from January 2026, potentially raising the bar for sponsors.
Since 2015, a total of 46,900 people have entered Austria under family-reunification rules, highlighting the programme’s long-term impact on population growth and social-service demand. The disclosure reignites debate within the coalition, which earlier this year imposed an “administrative pause” on new reunification cases but left a backlog of applications still to be processed.
For employers, the figures matter because family-reunification status grants full labour-market access once residence permits are issued. Industries facing acute shortages—health care, hospitality and construction—are likely to tap this talent pool. However, municipal authorities warn of pressure on school places and integration courses, urging companies to co-fund language training for dependent spouses.
Immigration lawyers note that processing times averaged 4.7 months in 2025, down from 8 months in 2024, thanks to digital case-management tools. Still, the Interior Ministry signals that stricter income-sufficiency checks will apply from January 2026, potentially raising the bar for sponsors.
