Asylum in Austria: How to Apply and Required Documents
Asylum in Austria is one of the options sought by many individuals fleeing persecution, war, or serious threats in their home countries. In this guide, we explain how to apply for asylum in Austria, the required documents, the questions asked during the asylum process, and the procedures applied to asylum seekers after submitting their application.
How to Apply for Asylum in Austria
First Method: Applying for Asylum at Austrian Airports
One of the main ways to apply for asylum in Austria is by submitting a request upon arrival at an Austrian airport. Once the asylum seeker arrives, they must present themselves to airport authorities and clearly state their intention to seek asylum.
The competent authorities will then initiate an investigation to understand:
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Why the applicant came to Austria
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The reasons for requesting asylum
During this stage, the asylum seeker is issued a personal investigation card, and their passport is temporarily confiscated. The authorities provide an official receipt confirming that the passport has been handed over.
Important Note:
The investigation card issued at the airport is not an asylum residence card and does not mean the asylum request has been approved.
Second Method: Applying for Asylum After Entering Austria
If a person enters Austria first, they can still apply for asylum after arrival. This can be done by:
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Going to any police station in Austria and declaring the intention to seek asylum
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Visiting an official asylum seekers’ reception center (camp)
In both cases, the applicant will receive a personal investigation card and their asylum process will officially begin.
Required Information, Questions, and Documents for Asylum in Austria
When submitting an asylum application in Austria, the applicant must provide detailed personal information and supporting documents. These typically include:
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Full name (first, middle, last name, and family name)
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Mother’s full name (usually triple name)
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Valid passport
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Birth certificate (and children’s birth certificates if applicable)
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Native language
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Religion
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Personal and family details, including ages
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Information about any previous criminal convictions
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Military service history (if applicable)
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Hobbies or sports interests
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Presence of relatives or acquaintances in Austria
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Route and method used to reach Austria
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Reasons for choosing Austria specifically for asylum
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Information about individuals or groups threatening the applicant
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Amount of money carried upon arrival
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Whether asylum was previously requested in another EU country
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Work permit or employment card from the home country
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Ability to return to the home country and reasons if not
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Educational certificates
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Threat letters from organizations, militias, or political groups
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Death certificates or medical reports proving harm or death of family members
Providing accurate and consistent information is essential, as inconsistencies may negatively affect the asylum decision.
Procedures Applied to Asylum Seekers in Austria
After being transferred to an asylum camp, Austrian authorities apply several standard procedures:
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A complete medical examination is conducted, and necessary vaccinations or medications are administered
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Medical treatment is provided to those who need it
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Basic living supplies are distributed, such as toothbrushes, bedding, and hygiene items
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The asylum seeker is photographed and issued an ID card with a personal number used for meals and camp entry/exit
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An interview appointment is scheduled with the case investigator
During the interview, applicants must answer questions and submit all supporting documents.
Advice: Keep your answers consistent, as the same questions may be asked multiple times in different ways.
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If the investigator finds the case credible, the applicant may receive a white identity card, which provides more freedom of movement.
Initially, asylum seekers receive a green card, which does not indicate asylum approval.
Financial Assistance for Asylum Seekers in Austria
Austria provides financial assistance to asylum seekers during the review process and additional support after asylum approval. The amount and type of assistance depend on:
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Legal status
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Accommodation type
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Family size
Support may include housing, food allowances, healthcare, and basic living expenses.
Processing Time for Asylum Applications in Austria
The asylum decision process in Austria usually takes:
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From one month up to eight months, and sometimes longer
Each case is evaluated individually, and delays may occur depending on the complexity of the file and workload of authorities.
How Asylum Decisions Are Communicated in Austria
Asylum decisions in Austria are generally sent by postal mail, which is common across most European countries.
The decision letter is usually written in:
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German
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The asylum seeker’s native language
Applicants are advised to regularly check their mail to avoid missing important deadlines.