Frequently asked questions about the asylum procedure
This section answers common questions about the asylum procedure in Austria. It provides simple and clear information about the main steps, your rights and duties, and what to expect during the process.
You can apply for asylum by telling an authority (such as the police or the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum) that you need protection. You do not need a specific form or special words. You must be in Austria to apply.
Learn more about this here.
After you express your wish to apply, you are considered an applicant for international protection. Your application will then be registered, and later you will need to formally lodge it.
Learn more about registration and lodging.
Yes. In most cases, you have the right to stay in Austria while your application is being examined, as long as you follow the rules of the procedure.
Learn more about your rights here.
Yes. You have the right to a free interpreter during important steps such as registration and the personal interview. The interpreter must be neutral and keep your information confidential.
Learn more about your rights here.
Yes. You can contact a legal adviser at any time at your own expense. You also have the right to request free legal counselling, which can help you understand your rights, duties, and the procedure.
Learn more about your rights here.
You must cooperate with the authorities, attend all appointments, provide correct information, submit documents if available, and keep your contact details up to date. You must also stay in Austria during the procedure.
Learn more about your duties here.
If you do not cooperate, miss appointments, or provide false information, your application may be rejected or considered withdrawn. You may also lose your rights as an applicant.
Learn more about the consequences here.
Your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) are used to confirm your identity and check if another European country is responsible for your application. This information is stored in a system called Eurodac.
Learn more about this here.
The personal interview is a key step where you explain in detail why you need protection. The authorities use this information to decide your case, so it is important to attend and tell the truth.
Learn more about this here.
If the decision is positive, you can stay in Austria and receive protection. If it is negative, you have to leave the country, but you have the right to appeal the decision before a court.
Learn more about this here.