The asylum procedure in Austria 

This page shows you what happens in the asylum process in Austria.

You can learn:

  • what happens step by step,
  • what you must do,
  • and how to prepare for each step.

See the steps below to understand your process.

Overview of the asylum procedure

The asylum procedure follows European and Austrian law. Most people go through the same main steps, but each case can be different. Click on a step below to see what happens and what you need to do. 

arrival

Arrival in Europe

Start of your procedure
1
Making
Making the application

You ask for asylum in Austria
2
Registering
Registering

Your personal data is recorded
3
Lodging
Lodging

You formally submit your application

Examination of your application
4
Interview
Counselling

You are invited to a personal interview
5
Review
information stored in Eurodac

A BFA officer carefully checks your case
6
Notification
informed about decision

You are informed about the decision

Decision and next steps
Positive decision
positive decision

You can stay in Austria and receive protection
Negative decision
negative decision

You need to return to your country
Appeal
appeal

You can ask a court to review your case

 

Basic information about asylum in Austria

Here you can find answers to common questions about the asylum process in Austria. Read the questions to learn what happens, what you must do, and what you need to know.

An illustration of a girl remembering the time she ran away from a building on fire with people with guns posed in front of it. There is a boy next to her remembering the time he was handcuffed on the floor. On the floor next to him is a picket sign and in the background is his face behind bars. Next to the girl and boy is an asylum official behind a computer. He is gesturing to them kindly.

You may need international protection if you cannot go back to your country because you fear persecution or face a real risk of serious harm. This means, for example, that your life or freedom would be in danger and the authorities of your country won’t protect you from the danger you face. The risk of persecution or serious harm includes threats to life, freedom or physical integrity.

In Europe, international protection can take different forms: refugee status or subsidiary protection. International protection is also called asylum.

family

Everybody has the right to apply for international protection (asylum).

In Austria, an asylum application can only be made in person and only on Austrian territory.

tell the truth

During the asylum procedure, the authorities will assess if you need international protection and, if so, which type of protection is relevant to you.

In the procedure, you will have the opportunity to state all the reasons why you left your home and your country of origin. Inform the officers truthfully of all the reasons why you left your country.

Once you have asked for international protection, you are considered an applicant for international protection.

Any information you share with the authorities will stay confidential.

This information will never be shared with those from whom you are seeking protection.

All employees who process your case are bound by the obligation of secrecy. This means that they are not allowed to talk to outsiders about anything they hear in their work.

Employees at reception centres, interpreters and your legal counsellor are also obliged to maintain secrecy.

The administrative procedure will take up to 6 months from the day of the lodging.

Sometimes, the examination can take longer but it should not take more than 21 months.

Please note: This information is for the regular procedure only. If your case follows a different type of procedure, you can find the relevant information here.

Do you need more information?