Residence Permit in Austria
Non-EEA citizens and Swiss nationals are required to obtain a residence permit for Austria if they intend to stay in the country for more than six months. Austria offers various types of residence permits, and detailed information about them can be found on the provided pages.
If the intended stay is up to six months, third country nationals do not need a residence permit; instead, they require a visa. Additionally, for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, certain third country nationals may not need a visa, depending on their citizenship.
If the intended stay is up to six months, third country nationals do not need a residence permit; instead, they require a visa. Additionally, for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, certain third country nationals may not need a visa, depending on their citizenship.
Types of Austrian Residence Permit
In Austria, there are several types of residence permits available for third-country nationals based on their intended reasons for residing in the country:
Austrian Residence Permit for Employment Purposes:
Limited Leave to Remain for Employment Purposes: Various categories, including job rotation workers, self-employed persons, posted workers, workers in social nonprofit organizations, holders of a permit for self-employed artistic work, and special cases of dependent employment. Usually valid for 12 months with possible extensions, except for special cases.
Austrian Residence Permit for Study Purposes:
Austrian Residence Permit for Personal Reasons and Family Reunification:
These permits cater to various purposes, including employment, study, personal reasons, and family reunification, providing different rights and durations of stay based on individual circumstances.
Austrian Residence Permit for Employment Purposes:
- Red-White-Red Card: Allows for work and residence in Austria for up to two years based on employment.
- Red-White-Red Card Plus: An upgraded version of the Red-White-Red Card, enabling residence and work with multiple employers for two years.
- Austria EU Blue Card: Granted to skilled individuals who have completed a degree program in Austria, facilitating residence and work.
Limited Leave to Remain for Employment Purposes: Various categories, including job rotation workers, self-employed persons, posted workers, workers in social nonprofit organizations, holders of a permit for self-employed artistic work, and special cases of dependent employment. Usually valid for 12 months with possible extensions, except for special cases.
Austrian Residence Permit for Study Purposes:
- Resident Permit- Student: Issued to individuals planning to study in Austria, valid for up to a year. Employment is generally not allowed.
- Resident Permit- Researcher: Valid for nationals residing in Austria under a residence agreement with a research center, registered as a resident for research purposes.
Austrian Residence Permit for Personal Reasons and Family Reunification:
- Indefinite Leave to Remain- Excluding Employment: For individuals not seeking gainful employment in Austria, typically valid for 12 months with possible extensions up to 3 years. Financial means must be demonstrated.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain-Family Reunification: Family members of Austrian residents or citizens can apply for this permit. Allows subsequent application for a "Red-White-Red Card Plus" and may be exempt from immigration quota.
- Residence Permit-Family Members: Allows family members (spouse, registered partner, children) to stay in Austria for up to a year with the possibility of an extension. Free access to the labor market may be granted.
These permits cater to various purposes, including employment, study, personal reasons, and family reunification, providing different rights and durations of stay based on individual circumstances.
General Requirements for the Granting of Austrian Residence Permit
Residence permits will only be issued if you satisfy the criteria outlined below:
Minimum income
You must possess a stable and regular personal income that enables you to cover your living expenses without relying on welfare assistance from local authorities. At the time of your application, your monthly income should meet or exceed the equalisation supplement reference rate according to the General Social Insurance Act (Allgemeines Sozialversicherungsgesetz - ASVG). Equalisation supplement reference rates since January 1, 2023:
It's important to note that social benefits you're entitled to only after your residence permit is granted (such as welfare benefits or equalisation supplements) will not be considered.
PLEASE NOTE: Different income requirements apply when applying for a Red-White-Red Card or a Blue Card EU, based on the "Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nations." However, no proof of income is necessary according to the "Settlement and Residence Act."
- For individuals: € 1,110.26
- For couples: € 1,751.56
- Additionally, for each child: € 171.31
It's important to note that social benefits you're entitled to only after your residence permit is granted (such as welfare benefits or equalisation supplements) will not be considered.
PLEASE NOTE: Different income requirements apply when applying for a Red-White-Red Card or a Blue Card EU, based on the "Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nations." However, no proof of income is necessary according to the "Settlement and Residence Act."
Health Insurance Coverage:
During your stay in Austria, you must have health insurance that covers all risks and provides benefits within Austria. If you are already covered by the public social insurance system (e.g., through employment in Austria), this suffices.
Adequate Housing:
You need to demonstrate legal entitlement to suitable housing according to local customs, such as by providing a lease contract, appropriate for your family size. Some residence permit applications do not require proof of adequate accommodation, but the monthly accommodation costs are considered in assessing adequate financial means if applicable.
PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation provided free of charge, which can be revoked at any time without notice, does not meet this requirement, as it does not establish a legal right to accommodation. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence and accommodation can also be provided through a third party's liability declaration, where explicitly permitted.
Proof of sufficient accommodation is not mandatory for the mentioned residence permit applications. However, the monthly accommodation expenses are still considered when calculating adequate means of subsistence, particularly when they are required. The following residence permit categories fall under this rule:
PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation provided free of charge, which can be revoked at any time without notice, does not meet this requirement, as it does not establish a legal right to accommodation. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence and accommodation can also be provided through a third party's liability declaration, where explicitly permitted.
Proof of sufficient accommodation is not mandatory for the mentioned residence permit applications. However, the monthly accommodation expenses are still considered when calculating adequate means of subsistence, particularly when they are required. The following residence permit categories fall under this rule:
- Red-White-Red Card
- Blue Card
- Settlement permit for Researchers and Researcher-Mobility
- Settlement permit for extended family members of EEA nationals or Swiss nationals
- Student Residence Permit
- ICT and mobile ICT
- Volunteers
Benefits of an Austrian Residence Permit
- Free Access to the Labor Market: Depending on the type of permit, individuals may have the freedom to work and engage in gainful employment within Austria.
- Social Security: Access to Austria's social security system, providing assistance and benefits in various life situations, including healthcare, unemployment, and pension provisions.
- Health Insurance: Access to healthcare services and insurance coverage, ensuring individuals can maintain good health during their stay in Austria.
- Freedom to Own a Business: Permission to establish and operate a business or entrepreneurial venture within the Austrian territory, contributing to economic growth and development.
- Freedom of Movement to 155 Countries: Austrian residence permit holders enjoy visa-free or simplified visa access to 155 countries globally, enhancing travel opportunities and mobility.
- Ability to Bring Family Members: Depending on the specific permit, the holder may be allowed to bring immediate family members (spouse, children) to reside with them in Austria.
- Access to Free Education: Depending on the type of permit and the specific circumstances, residence permit holders may access free or subsidized education in Austria, providing educational opportunities for themselves and their families.
These benefits enhance the quality of life, provide opportunities for professional and personal growth, and contribute to the overall positive experience of residing in Austria.
Application for temporary residence permit
Determine the Requirements:
Identify the specific requirements based on the type of residence permit you are applying for. Visit your local Austrian embassy or consulate's website to get the most up-to-date information.
Prepare Necessary Documents:
Gather all required documents such as passport, completed application form, identity picture, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and travel dates.
Schedule an Appointment:
Contact the Austrian embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for submitting your application. Applications are typically processed at the local representation authority, but in some cases, you may apply directly in Austria.
Submit Your Application:
Attend the appointment and submit your completed application along with the necessary documents. The application will be forwarded to the competent office in Austria for processing.
Wait for Processing:
Wait for your application to be processed, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. The competent office will review your application and make a decision.
Apply for an Entry Visa (if required):
If your country requires an entry visa to enter Austria, apply for a national D visa. It's advisable to apply for the residence permit first and then the visa. Once you have the permit, the visa will be issued, and you can enter Austria.
Arrive in Austria and Register:
After entering Austria, register at the local registration office in your city. The visa won't be required once you have successfully registered.
Follow these steps carefully and ensure you have all the necessary documents and information to complete your Austrian residence permit application successfully.
Identify the specific requirements based on the type of residence permit you are applying for. Visit your local Austrian embassy or consulate's website to get the most up-to-date information.
Prepare Necessary Documents:
Gather all required documents such as passport, completed application form, identity picture, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and travel dates.
Schedule an Appointment:
Contact the Austrian embassy or consulate to schedule an appointment for submitting your application. Applications are typically processed at the local representation authority, but in some cases, you may apply directly in Austria.
Submit Your Application:
Attend the appointment and submit your completed application along with the necessary documents. The application will be forwarded to the competent office in Austria for processing.
Wait for Processing:
Wait for your application to be processed, which usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. The competent office will review your application and make a decision.
Apply for an Entry Visa (if required):
If your country requires an entry visa to enter Austria, apply for a national D visa. It's advisable to apply for the residence permit first and then the visa. Once you have the permit, the visa will be issued, and you can enter Austria.
Arrive in Austria and Register:
After entering Austria, register at the local registration office in your city. The visa won't be required once you have successfully registered.
Follow these steps carefully and ensure you have all the necessary documents and information to complete your Austrian residence permit application successfully.
