Was ist der Unterschied zwischen Asyl und subsidiärem Schutz?

Asyl erhält, wer persönlich verfolgt wird, etwa wegen Religion oder politischer Überzeugung. Subsidiären Schutz erhält, wer keine persönliche Verfolgung nachweisen kann, bei einer Rückkehr aber ernsthaft gefährdet wäre. Subsidiär Schutzberechtigte haben weniger Rechte, etwa beim Familiennachzug.

Wie lange gilt der Aufenthaltstitel bei subsidiärem Schutz?

Zunächst ein Jahr, nach der ersten Verlängerung drei Jahre, danach jeweils fünf Jahre (§ 8 Abs 4 AsylG). Den Verlängerungsantrag stellen Sie vor Ablauf, frühestens drei Monate davor.

Welche Regeln gelten für meinen Antrag?

Für Anträge seit 12. Juni 2026 gilt das neue Recht nach dem EU-Asyl- und Migrationspakt. Für früher gestellte Anträge gibt es Übergangsbestimmungen. Das prüfen wir als Erstes.

Asylum in Austria.

From your application to the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) to an appeal at the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG): we support you at every stage of the procedure. New European rules have applied since June 2026.

Book an initial consultation

Quick guide

Where are you now?

Quick check

Where are you in your proceedings?

Choose what you received most recently.

A decision (Bescheid) from an authorityFor example from the BFA, MA 35 or a district authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft).

A court ruling (Erkenntnis)From the Federal Administrative Court or a regional administrative court. It decides on the merits.

A court order (Beschluss)The court rejected the case, discontinued it or decided on a procedural question.

I am not sureOr nothing has arrived yet.

For guidance only. This is not legal advice.

In short

You receive asylum if you are personally persecuted in your country of origin.
You receive subsidiary protection (subsidiärer Schutz) if you would face a serious risk on return, for example because of war.
Since 12 June 2026, the rules of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum apply; transitional provisions apply to older applications.
The interview at the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) is the most important appointment. Prepare for it.

Asylum procedure

What is at stake

The asylum procedure is about your safety, your opportunity to work and a stable life in Austria. Many decisions are made early on: in the interview (Einvernahme) at the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) and in the appeal (Beschwerde) against a negative notice (Bescheid). That is why it pays to be well prepared from the start.

Two forms of protection

Asylum and subsidiary protection

Asylum

If you are persecuted in your country of origin because of your religion, nationality, political opinion, ethnicity or membership of a particular social group, you receive asylum under the Geneva Refugee Convention. In many areas, persons granted asylum have the same rights as Austrian citizens.

Subsidiary protection

If you cannot prove personal persecution but would face a serious risk on return, for example because of a war, you receive subsidiary protection (subsidiärer Schutz). The residence permit that comes with it is temporary and must be renewed. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have fewer rights, for example regarding family reunification.

New since 12 June 2026

The new Common European Asylum System (GEAS)

Under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, new rules have applied since 12 June 2026 to the asylum procedure, to which member state is responsible and to the right to stay and work during the procedure. Transitional provisions apply to applications made before that date. The first thing we check is which rules apply in your case.

Questions we get asked

Asylum: short answers

What is the difference between asylum and subsidiary protection?

You receive asylum if you are personally persecuted, for example because of your religion or political opinion. You receive subsidiary protection if you cannot prove personal persecution but would face a serious risk on return. Beneficiaries of subsidiary protection have fewer rights, for example regarding family reunification.

How long is the residence permit valid with subsidiary protection?

First one year, after the first renewal three years, and after that five years each time (§ 8 Abs 4 AsylG). You file the renewal application before expiry, at the earliest three months before.

Which rules apply to my application?

Applications made on or after 12 June 2026 are governed by the new law under the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. There are transitional provisions for applications made earlier. This is the first thing we check.

How much time do I have to appeal against a notice from the BFA?

That depends on the procedure. Usually it is four weeks, in some procedures much less, for example in Dublin decisions. What counts is the information on legal remedies (Rechtsmittelbelehrung) in your notice. Come to us with the notice immediately.

Topics in asylum law

Next step

Initial consultation at a flat fee

We prepare you for the interview, review every notice and file appeals on time.

Book an initial consultation →

After the Federal Administrative Court

If the court also rejects your case

If the Federal Administrative Court (BVwG) dismisses your appeal, you have six weeks from service of the decision to file a revision (Revision) with the Supreme Administrative Court (VwGH) or a complaint (Beschwerde) with the Constitutional Court (VfGH). Both must be filed by a lawyer. Options after a negative decision →

A revision or a complaint to the Constitutional Court does not automatically stop a deportation or transfer. Suspensive effect (aufschiebende Wirkung) must be applied for separately. Tell us immediately once a date has been set.