Permanent Residence in Austria

Written by Luis Minvielle Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Luis Minvielle

Luis is a writer with over 5 years of experience in B2B software. Even though he has always worked in tech, a sector he regularly publishes about, his initial incursions into writing were, curiously enough, music essays discussing scenes from different parts of the world—most likely to deal with his unfulfilled ambition of becoming a neo-soul crooner.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

After you have legally been in Austria for five continuous years with a temporary residence permit (Red-White-Red Card), you can apply for a long-term residence–EU permit, which grants you permanent right of residence. In German, this is called Aufenthaltstitel "Daueraufenthalt EU." This quick guide will explain everything you need to know about the permanent residence permit in Austria.

What is an Austrian permanent residence permit?

The long-term residence–EU permit allows you to settle permanently in Austria with free access to the job market. While your right to live in Austria is unlimited as long as you maintain your settlement, the permit card itself is valid for five years, so you’ll need to apply for a new one after that period. Conversely, if you stay outside the EEA for more than 12 consecutive months, your "long-term resident–EU" status will automatically become null and void.

What are the benefits of an Austrian permanent residence permit?

Getting a long-term residence–EU permit is not the only way to work in Austria. For example, the temporary, Red-White-Red Card, combines a residence permit with a work permit. If you’ve secured a job in Austria, you can apply for this card, which allows you to live and work in the country for up to two years. This is similar to how the Netherlands handles residence, because in the Netherlands you also start stacking up legal years with other permits until you reach the permanent residency threshold.

With several other work visas, you are also granted access to Austrian social services like healthcare (although almost everybody, including tourists, can access Austria’s world-class healthcare. Still, if you are thinking long term, you might consider the unique benefits a permanent residence entitles you to.

Exclusive benefits of Austrian permanent residence:

This residence permit provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market, allowing you to work both as an employee and as a self-employed individual, without being tied to a specific employer. As a permanent resident, you are free to move within the Schengen Area.

Besides, and maybe most importantly, permanent residence is the only way to get on the path towards becoming an Austrian citizen.

When can you apply for an Austrian permanent residence permit?

The "long-term resident–EU" permit can be issued to foreign nationals if they

• Meet the general conditions for granting the residence permit
• Lived five years legally and continuously in Austria
• Have fulfilled Module 2 of the Integration Agreement (unless exempt)

One of the most effective ways to streamline your path to permanent residency in Austria is by securing a job early on. With a job offer, you can apply for the Red-White-Red card or other visas. This not only grants you legal access to the job market but also lays the groundwork for permanent residency after five years. Some employers provide language support, relocation packages, and integration assistance, all of which can speed up your integration and residency process.

What is the integration agreement?

The helps third-country nationals who are legally living in Austria to become part of the country’s social, economic, and cultural life. When you receive your residence permit, you’ll be encouraged to learn German and understand the democratic and social values of Austria within two years (24 months) in two modules. While attending courses is not mandatory, it's highly recommended. Many institutes offer shorter courses at different difficulty levels.

The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) oversees the Integration Agreement, focusing on:

• Ensuring quality (through course observation and exam evaluation)
• Providing and administering integration tests at A2 (Module 1) and B1 (Module 2) levels
• Managing the blue federal voucher (partial refunds for those qualified)

Find more details and practice materials at www.sprachportal.at.

What documents are required to apply for an Austrian permanent residence permit?

The documents needed include:

• Valid travel document (i.e. your original passport)
• Application for a residence permit, Antrag auf Erteilung einer Aufenthaltsbewilligung (in German)
• Current passport photo (It must meet the criteria)

• Proof of locally customary accommodation

  ◦ It can be provided by tenancy or sub-tenancy agreements, preliminary contracts or proof of ownership.

• Completion of Module of Integration Agreement proof
• Proof of Health insurance

• Proof of income (sustenance)

  As of September 2024, the minimum is:

  ◦ For singles: €1,217.46

  ◦ For couples: €1,921.96

  ◦ For each child, an additional €187.93

If applicable, you’ll have to present the following documentation as well (hold your breath): Birth certificate; Marriage certificate; Certificate of divorce; Certificate of adoption; Proof or document of the family relationship.

Remember to submit both the original and a copy of your documents. If your certificates or documents aren't in German, you might need to provide a German translation if requested by the relevant authority. Apparently, some authorities seem to accept documents in English as well, but this is more of online hearsay than an official Austrian statement.

How to apply for permanent residency in Austria?

To apply for Austrian permanent residence, you’ll need to make an appointment at your local provincial government authority. Processing times vary, but once approved, you'll receive a residence permit valid for five years. Use the authority query on österreich.gv.at to find the relevant office in your area. Applications should be processed within six months.

Can your family members get permanent residency?

If your family members from non-EU countries plan to live in Austria for more than six months, they'll need a residence permit matching their purpose of stay. Eligible family members include spouses, registered partners, and unmarried minors (including adoptive and stepchildren). Spouses and registered partners must be at least 21 years old when applying. If they meet the general requirements, they can apply for the "Red-White-Red Card plus." If you hold a Red-White-Red Card yourself (a 24-month temporary residence permit), your family members can also apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus.

What are Austrian permanent residence fees?

As of September 2024, the fee for a long-term resident–EU permit is:

• €210 for persons over the age of 6
• €195 for children under the age of 6

What if your application is rejected?

If your application is denied, first check the rejection letter to see why. It will guide you on how to appeal with the Regional Administrative Court, including deadlines and required documents. If the appeal doesn’t work out or if you’d rather, you can reapply. Just make sure to resolve any issues from the first application, get a consultant, and double-check that everything is in order.

Renewing your permanent residence in Austria

The Austrian permanent residence card is valid for five years: You'll need to renew it before it expires. The renewal process starts three months before the card’s expiration date. Just reach out to your provincial government authority, and as long as everything is in order, your renewal should go smoothly.

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