Austria Your Guide to Austria Residence Permits and the Red-White-Red Card

EU Schengen

Capital: Vienna
Currency: EUR
Languages: German
Official fee: 195 – 1,611 EUR

Austria is an EU and Schengen member state with a structured, points-based labour-migration system centered on the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card, alongside the EU Blue Card, study, family, research, settlement, permanent-residence (Daueraufenthalt-EU) and naturalisation pathways. There is no investment-for-residence or citizenship-by-investment programme and no dedicated digital-nomad visa. Most first residence titles must be applied for in person at an Austrian consulate abroad; the standard application fee is EUR 218 and the statutory decision period is generally up to 6 months. Citizenship generally requires 10 years residence (6 with strong integration/B2) and renunciation of prior nationality, with notable exceptions including descent (ius sanguinis) and the fee-free StbG section 58c route for victims of Nazi persecution and their direct descendants.

Start your application Save Compare with similar

Immigration Pathways

(21) Last updated: Jun 19, 2026 2 months ago

18 of 21 pathways lead to long-term settlement — 18 to permanent residence, 18 to citizenship.

21 of 21 pathways are backed by official government sources.

Sort: Recommended Lowest official fee

Work / Employment High confidence

Red-White-Red Card - Very Highly Qualified Workers (with Jobseeker Visa option)

Points-based RWR Card for very highly qualified third-country nationals; eligible candidates may first enter on a 6-month Jobseeker Visa to find a matching job.

Processing time: Jobseeker Visa decided by embassy; RWR decision after AMS points check, within 6-month ceiling
Validity: RWR Card up to 24 months; Jobseeker Visa 6 months
Language requirement: Language diplomas (A1/A2+) score points; no hard requirement
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

At least 70 of 100 points (qualification, experience, salary, language, age, publications/patents)
Job offer with employer's declaration (Arbeitgebererklaerung) for the RWR Card
For the Jobseeker Visa: proof of accommodation and subsistence funds
Valid passport, all-risk health insurance

Required Documents

Valid passport and photo 45x35 mm required
Degree certificates and transcripts required
Employment certificates and points evidence (publications, patents, salary records, age proof) required
Language diplomas
Accommodation and subsistence proof (for Jobseeker Visa)

Official fees

Jobseeker Visa 195 EUR

RWR Card application fee 218 EUR

Estimated total 413 EUR

Process Steps

1
Optional Jobseeker Visa

Enter on the 6-month Jobseeker Visa to find a matching job.
2
Sign employment

Conclude employment with the employer's declaration.
3
Lodge RWR application

File at embassy or have employer file with the residence authority.
4
AMS points check

AMS verifies at least 70/100 points.
5
Collect card

Convert before the Jobseeker Visa expires; collect the RWR Card.

Official Sources

Official Very Highly Qualified Workers - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Work / Employment High confidence

Red-White-Red Card - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

RWR Card for skilled workers with vocational training in occupations on the annually re-issued shortage-occupation list.

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling; AMS checks points and adequacy of job/pay
Validity: 24 months
Language requirement: Language certificate not older than 5 years scores points
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

At least 55 of 90 points
Vocational training/diploma matching a listed shortage occupation
Job offer with adequate pay
Occupation must be on the current year's shortage-occupation regulation

Required Documents

Vocational training certificate/diploma required
Work-experience testimonials required
Language certificate not older than 5 years
Criminal-record extract
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm listed occupation

Verify the occupation is on the current shortage-occupation list.
2
File application

File at embassy or via employer with the residence authority.
3
AMS examination

AMS verifies at least 55/90 points and job/pay adequacy.
4
Card issued

Card issued (24 months); obtain Visa D if required.

Official Sources

Official Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Work / Employment High confidence

Red-White-Red Card - Other Key Workers

RWR Card for key workers whose job cannot be filled by an equally qualified registered jobseeker, with a minimum gross salary (EUR 3,465/month in 2026).

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling; AMS labour-market test plus points check
Validity: 24 months
Language requirement: Language scores points; no hard requirement
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

At least 55 of 90 points
Employer's declaration showing gross pay at least EUR 3,465/month (2026)
AMS labour-market test (no equally qualified registered jobseeker)
Bonus +20 points for professional athletes/coaches

Required Documents

Qualification and experience evidence required
Employer's declaration showing gross pay at least EUR 3,465/month required
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure job offer

Obtain a qualifying job offer meeting the salary threshold.
2
File application

File at embassy or via employer with the residence authority.
3
AMS labour-market test

AMS runs the labour-market test and verifies at least 55/90 points.
4
Card issued

Collect the card; obtain Visa D if required.

Official Sources

Official Other Key Workers - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Work / Employment High confidence

Red-White-Red Card - Graduates of Austrian Universities

RWR Card for graduates of Austrian higher-education institutions with a qualifying graduate-level job; no labour-market test.

Processing time: Faster - no AMS labour-market test, only confirmation of graduate-level job/pay
Validity: 24 months
Language requirement: None for issuance
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

Completed Austrian degree
Job offer at customary graduate salary
Valid passport, health insurance

Required Documents

Proof of completed Austrian degree required
Graduate-level job offer with customary salary required
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Extend for job search

On graduating, extend the student permit by 12 months to job-search before it lapses.
2
Secure graduate job

Find a qualifying graduate-level job.
3
Switch in-country

Switch to the RWR Card at the residence authority (MA 35 in Vienna).

Official Sources

Official Graduates - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Work / Employment High confidence

Red-White-Red Card - Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry

RWR Card for workers with prior seasonal experience in tourism, agriculture or forestry transitioning to permanent employment.

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling; AMS check
Validity: 24 months
Language requirement: German A1 certificate required
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

At least 7 months registered seasonal work in last 2 years in the same sector
German A1 certificate
Binding permanent job offer

Required Documents

Proof of at least 7 months registered seasonal work in last 2 years required
German A1 certificate required
Binding permanent job offer required
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Document seasonal work

Gather proof of qualifying seasonal employment.
2
File application

File at embassy or via employer.
3
AMS examination

AMS examines the application.
4
Card issued

Collect the card.

Official Sources

Official Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Work / Employment High confidence

Red-White-Red Card plus

Follow-on title granting free access to the labour market, available to RWR Card holders after qualifying employment and to family members of qualifying sponsors.

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling
Validity: 1 year on first issuance. Extendable to 3 years if the holder has been lawfully settled in Austria for at least 2 years AND has fulfilled Module 1 of the Integration Agreement.
Language requirement: Family members require German A1
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

Holding/held qualifying RWR Card or being a family member of a qualifying sponsor
Secure subsistence (pay slips/contract/pension)
Locally customary accommodation
Family members: German A1 and proof the sponsor holds the qualifying title

Required Documents

Subsistence proof (pay slips/contract/pension) required
Accommodation proof required
Family: German A1 and proof sponsor holds qualifying title
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Determine filing location

First-timers file abroad; existing residents file with the Provincial Governor / District Authority.
2
Submit application

Lodge with required documents.
3
Renewal timing

Renew before expiry but no earlier than 3 months before expiry.

Official Sources

Official Red-White-Red Card plus - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Work / Employment High confidence

ICT and Mobile ICT (Intra-Corporate Transfer)

Fixed-term residence titles for intra-corporate transferees (managers, specialists, trainees) seconded to an Austrian group entity.

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling; AMS reviews labour-market requirements
Validity: Up to 3 years (1 year for trainees)
Language requirement: None
Documents: 4 required

Requirements

Work contract with employer's return-capability declaration
At least 9 months prior group employment (6 for trainees)
Company-register extract showing genuine activity
Managers: contract showing managerial function; trainees: training agreement plus degree
Mobile ICT: activity over 90 days transferring from another member state

Required Documents

Work contract with return-capability declaration required
Proof of at least 9 months prior group employment (6 for trainees) required
Company-register extract showing genuine activity required
Trainees: training agreement plus degree
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
File application

Apply at the embassy or have the Austrian branch file with the Provincial Governor.
2
AMS expertise

AMS reviews labour-market requirements.
3
Permit issued

Permit issued (up to 3 years; 1 year for trainees).

Official Sources

Official ICT - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

EU Blue Card High confidence

EU Blue Card

For third-country nationals with a tertiary degree (or equivalent experience for ICT/managers) and a qualifying job offer meeting the annual salary threshold (EUR 55,678 gross/year in 2026).

Processing time: Up to 6 months (NAG statutory ceiling); AMS examination required
Validity: Up to 24 months
Language requirement: No language requirement for issuance; B1 (Integration Module 2) needed later for permanent residence
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years lawful residence (Blue Card years in other EU states can count)
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

Completed tertiary education of at least 3 years (or 3 years comparable experience in last 7 years for ICT/managers)
Binding job offer / employment contract of at least 6 months matching qualifications
Gross salary at least EUR 55,678/year (2026)
Employer's declaration; for regulated professions, proof of right to practise
Valid passport, all-risk health insurance, secure subsistence

Required Documents

Valid passport required
Recent photo 45x35 mm, not older than 6 months required
Tertiary degree certificate (at least 3 years) with certified translation required
Employer's declaration and employment contract showing qualifying salary required
Proof of right to practise for regulated professions
Criminal-record extract (recommended no older than 3 months)
All-risk health insurance proof required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure qualifying job

Sign an employment contract of at least 6 months matching your qualifications and meeting the salary threshold.
2
Lodge application

Apply in person at the Austrian embassy/consulate abroad, or have the employer file with the residence authority in Austria.
3
AMS examination

The Public Employment Service (AMS) examines qualification and salary criteria.
4
Enter and collect

Visa-required nationals obtain a Visa D, enter Austria, collect the card and register residence (Meldezettel) within 3 days of moving in.

Official Sources

Study / Student High confidence

Residence Permit - Student

Residence permit for third-country nationals admitted to an Austrian university or higher-education institution; allows up to 20 hours/week of work.

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling
Validity: Issued for 1 year, renewable with proof of study progress
Language requirement: As required by the programme; no NAG language requirement for issuance
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Switch to RWR Card on graduation; PR after 5 years total lawful residence
Citizenship: Yes · Study years count partially toward the residence requirement

Requirements

University admission/Zulassung confirmation
School-leaving certificate plus last-year transcript
Proof of subsistence (ASVG-linked: roughly EUR 739/month under 24, EUR 1,334/month if 24+, verify current rate)
Student health insurance
Proof of tuition payment where applicable

Required Documents

Valid passport required
University admission/Zulassung confirmation required
School-leaving certificate plus last-year transcript required
Photo (second photo) required
Proof of subsistence (ASVG-linked monthly rate) required
Student health insurance required
Proof of tuition payment if applicable

Official fees

Application fee (first issue) 160 EUR

Tuition (third-country students) 726.72 EUR

Estimated total 886.72 EUR

Process Steps

1
Get admission

Obtain university admission/Zulassung.
2
Lodge permit abroad

File the Student permit at the Austrian consulate abroad.
3
Enter and register

Enter Austria and register residence.
4
Renew yearly

Renew annually with proof of study progress.

Official Sources

Vocational Training Medium confidence

Residence Permit - Pupils

Temporary residence permit for third-country nationals enrolled at a recognised Austrian school.

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling
Validity: Up to 1 year, renewable while enrolled
Language requirement: As required by the school
Documents: 2 required

Requirements

Proof of enrolment at a recognised school
Guardianship/consent where the applicant is a minor
Subsistence and health insurance

Required Documents

Proof of enrolment at a recognised school required
Guardianship/consent (for minors)
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee (verify) 160 EUR

Process Steps

1
Enrol

Obtain enrolment at a recognised school.
2
File permit

File the permit at the consulate abroad.
3
Enter and register

Enter Austria and register residence.

Official Sources

Official Temporary Residence (Pupils) - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Self-employment / Freelance High confidence

Red-White-Red Card - Self-employed Key Workers

RWR Card for self-employed persons whose activity brings macroeconomic benefit through capital investment, job creation or know-how transfer.

Processing time: AMS issues macroeconomic-benefit expertise within 3 weeks, then authority decides
Validity: 24 months
Language requirement: None for issuance
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Convert to a 3-year settlement permit after 2 years; Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

Business plan
Investment-capital transfer to Austria of at least EUR 100,000, or job creation / know-how transfer
Relevant qualifications and company/trade authorisations
Criminal-record extract

Required Documents

Business plan required
Evidence of investment-capital transfer of at least EUR 100,000 / job creation / know-how transfer required
Qualifications and company/trade authorisations required
Criminal-record extract
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Lodge application

Lodge at the embassy with business plan and investment evidence.
2
AMS expertise

AMS issues its macroeconomic-benefit expertise within 3 weeks.
3
Card and entry

Card issued (24 months); obtain Visa D to collect.
4
Convert

After 2 years convert to a 3-year settlement permit.

Official Sources

Official Self-employed Key Workers - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Startup Visa High confidence

Red-White-Red Card - Start-up Founders

Points-based RWR Card for innovative start-up founders with sufficient capital and equity.

Processing time: AMS expertise; within 6-month ceiling
Validity: 24 months
Language requirement: Language certificate not older than 5 years scores points
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · RWR Card plus after 2 years; Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

At least 50 of 85 points (bonus for +EUR 50,000 investment, incubator admission, age under 35)
Innovative business plan
Proof of capital at least EUR 30,000 with at least 50% equity
Qualifications/experience and company articles
Criminal-record extract

Required Documents

Innovative business plan required
Proof of capital at least EUR 30,000 with at least 50% equity required
Qualifications/experience and company articles required
Language certificate not older than 5 years
Criminal-record extract

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Lodge abroad

Lodge the application abroad with business plan and capital proof.
2
AMS assessment

AMS assesses points (at least 50/85).
3
Card issued

Card issued for 24 months.
4
Convert

Convert to RWR Card plus after 2 years.

Official Sources

Official Start-up Founders - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Investor / Golden Visa High confidence

Settlement Permit - Gainful Employment Excepted (private means)

Quota-limited settlement permit for persons of substantial independent means who will not work in Austria; Austria has no investment-for-residence or citizenship-by-investment programme.

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling; subject to annual quota
Validity: Typically 1 year initially, renewable
Language requirement: Integration obligations (German) apply over time
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

Proof of substantial fixed income (pension/passive income, well above ASVG rates)
No-work declaration
Accommodation and all-risk health insurance
Subject to annual quota (often lodged in early January when the quota opens)

Required Documents

Proof of substantial fixed income well above ASVG rates required
No-work declaration required
Accommodation and health insurance proof required
Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm quota availability

Confirm with the consulate; applications often lodged in the first weeks of January.
2
Lodge application

Lodge with income and accommodation evidence.
3
Decision

Decision within the 6-month ceiling, subject to quota.

Official Sources

Official Other Forms of Settlement (Gainful Employment Excepted) - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Family Reunification High confidence

Family Reunification

Residence title for spouses/registered partners and minor children joining a sponsor; no quota for family of Austrian citizens, RWR/EU Blue Card holders or researchers.

Processing time: Decision without undue delay, at the latest within 6 months of receipt
Validity: RWR Card plus, typically 3 years, renewable
Language requirement: German A1 certificate (not older than 1 year at submission); exemptions for under-14s, medical cases, certain high-skilled/researcher families
Documents: 8 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

Family relationship to a qualifying sponsor
Income evidence (EUR 1,308.39 single / EUR 2,064.12 couple + EUR 201.88/child, 2026)
Accommodation and all-risk health insurance
Sponsor's residence-title proof
German A1 certificate not older than 1 year (with exemptions)

Required Documents

Valid passport required
Children's birth certificate required
Marriage/partnership/divorce certificate required
Accommodation proof required
All-risk health insurance required
Income evidence per 2026 rates required
Sponsor's residence-title proof required
German A1 certificate not older than 1 year (with exemptions) required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
File abroad

File at the Austrian consulate abroad.
2
Completeness check

Consulate checks completeness.
3
Forward to authority

Forwarded to the Provincial Governor / District Authority.
4
Decision

Decision issued; appeal to the Provincial Administrative Court if refused.

Official Sources

Research / Scientist High confidence

Settlement Permit - Researcher / Researcher-Mobility

Settlement permit for researchers with a hosting agreement from a certified Austrian research facility, including intra-EU mobility variant.

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling; mobility cases faster for intra-EU transfers
Validity: 2 years, renewable once for 1 year (job-search/company formation)
Language requirement: None for issuance
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes · RWR Card plus after 2 years; Long-term Resident-EU after 5 years
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

Hosting/admission agreement with a certified research facility
Valid passport, health insurance, subsistence
Accommodation (exempt for Researcher-Mobility)

Required Documents

Hosting/admission agreement with a certified research facility required
Valid passport and photo required
Health insurance and subsistence proof required

Official fees

Application fee 218 EUR

Process Steps

1
Obtain hosting agreement

The research facility issues a hosting agreement.
2
Lodge application

Lodge the application.
3
Permit issued

Permit issued for 2 years, renewable once for 1 year.
4
Convert

Convert to RWR Card plus after 2 years.

Official Sources

Official Other Forms of Settlement (Researcher) - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Language / Au-pair High confidence

Working Holiday Visa (WHP)

Austria's bilateral Working Holiday Programme allows young adults aged 18–30 from 12 partner countries to live and work in Austria for 6–12 months. The primary purpose is cultural experience; incidental employment is permitted to fund the stay. Administered by the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs (BMEIA).

Processing time: Applications can be filed up to 6 months before the intended start date; processing time varies by post.
Validity: 6–12 months (fixed; varies by bilateral agreement with partner country; non-extendable and non-modifiable after issue).
Language requirement: No formal language requirement specified.
Documents: 7 required

Requirements

Age 18–30 at time of application
Nationality of one of the 12 partner countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, USA)
Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the planned return date
Adequate health, accident and travel insurance covering the entire stay (minimum €30,000 cover)
Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the initial period of stay
Return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one
Clean criminal record (documentation requirements vary by country)
Must not have previously participated in an Austrian WHP (Japan allows a second stay)

Required Documents

Completed national visa (Type D) application form required
Biometric passport photo (ICAO standard) required
Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond return date) required
Travel and health insurance certificate (minimum €30,000 coverage for full duration) required
Proof of sufficient funds for initial period required
Return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one required
Criminal record certificate (country-specific format) required
Proof of tertiary qualifications (required for Australia)

Official fees

Visa (Type D) application fee 195 EUR

Visa fee for Japan applicants 0 EUR

Estimated total 195 EUR

Process Steps

1
Check eligibility

Confirm you are aged 18–30 and hold the nationality of one of the 12 partner countries. Verify you have not previously used an Austrian WHP visa (or are applying for a second Japan stay).
2
Prepare documents

Gather the visa application form, biometric photo, valid passport, travel and health insurance (min. €30,000), proof of funds, return ticket or equivalent funds, and a criminal record certificate in the required format for your country.
3
Apply at the Austrian representation

Submit your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your country no earlier than 6 months before, and ideally no later than 3 weeks before, the intended visa start date. Pay the €195 visa fee (free for Japan applicants).
4
Receive WHP visa

If approved, your passport will be annotated with 'WHP'. The validity period is fixed and cannot be modified after issuance.
5
Enter Austria and register

Enter Austria within the validity window. Register your address at the local municipal office (Meldeamt) within 3 days of taking up residence.

Official Sources

Ancestry / Descent High confidence

Citizenship by Descent (ius sanguinis)

Determination of Austrian citizenship acquired by descent from an Austrian parent, evidenced by a Certificate of Citizenship (Staatsbuergerschaftsnachweis).

Processing time: Varies by province/consulate
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: None
Documents: 2 required
Permanent residence: Yes
Citizenship: Yes · Acquired at birth by operation of law; certificate obtained on application

Requirements

Descent from an Austrian citizen parent under the rules in force at birth
Documentary chain linking applicant to the Austrian parent

Required Documents

Applicant's birth certificate required
Austrian parent's birth/citizenship certificate required
Parents' marriage certificate

Official fees

Certificate fee (state-set, typically under EUR 100)

Process Steps

1
Gather documents

Assemble the birth/marriage/citizenship documentary chain.
2
Apply

Apply at the provincial citizenship office or, from abroad, via the Austrian embassy/consulate (BMEIA).
3
Receive certificate

Receive the Certificate of Citizenship.

Official Sources

Official Citizenship by descent - oesterreich.gv.at · oesterreich.gv.at (Federal Government portal)

Ancestry / Descent High confidence

Citizenship for Victims of Nazi Persecution and Their Descendants (StbG section 58c)

Acquisition by declaration (Anzeige) for descendants of persons persecuted by the Nazi regime; no fee, no residence requirement, no renunciation of existing citizenship.

Processing time: Consular processing; varies
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: None
Documents: 2 required
Permanent residence: Yes
Citizenship: Yes · By declaration; in force since 1 May 2022

Requirements

Evidence of the persecuted ancestor's status (Austrian/Austro-Hungarian successor nationality, or statelessness with Austrian main residence before 15 May 1955) and flight from NSDAP/Reich persecution
Documents linking the applicant as a direct descendant
No residence in Austria required; no renunciation of existing citizenship

Required Documents

Evidence of the persecuted ancestor's status and flight from persecution required
Birth/marriage chain proving direct descent required

Official fees

No fee 0 EUR

Process Steps

1
Complete questionnaire

Complete the online questionnaire (German/English/Spanish/Hebrew).
2
Contact representation

Contact the Austrian embassy/consulate (BMEIA) for an appointment.
3
Submit declaration

Submit the declaration plus evidence.
4
Consular processing

Consular processing completes acquisition.

Official Sources

Permanent Residence High confidence

Long-term Resident - EU (Daueraufenthalt - EU)

EU long-term residence status granting unrestricted labour-market access after 5 years of continuous lawful residence and German B1 (Integration Agreement Module 2).

Processing time: Within 6-month ceiling
Validity: Document issued for 5 years (renewable); status effectively indefinite while resident
Language requirement: German B1 (Integration Agreement Module 2)
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · This is the permanent-residence status
Citizenship: Yes · Generally 10 years total residence (6 with B2/integration)

Requirements

5 years continuous lawful residence
Integration Agreement Module 2 (German B1) certificate
Stable income, health insurance, accommodation

Required Documents

Proof of 5 years continuous lawful residence required
Integration Agreement Module 2 (German B1) certificate required
Stable income evidence required
Health insurance and accommodation proof required

Official fees

Application fee 275 EUR

Process Steps

1
Complete Integration Module 2

Complete the German B1 Integration Agreement Module 2.
2
File with authority

File with the residence authority (MA 35 / Provincial Governor).
3
Decision

Decision issued; status grants unrestricted labour-market access.

Official Sources

Official Other Forms of Settlement (Long-term Resident-EU) - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Citizenship / Naturalization High confidence

Naturalisation by Residence (StbG section 10 / 11a)

Standard naturalisation after 10 years lawful residence (6 with B2/sustained integration), requiring stable income, German, a citizenship test and renunciation of prior nationality.

Processing time: No statutory ceiling published; in practice several months to over 1 year depending on province
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: German B1 (or B2 for the 6-year reduced route) plus citizenship test
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes
Citizenship: Yes · 10 years lawful residence, or 6 years with B2/sustained integration

Requirements

10 years lawful residence (or 6 with B2/sustained integration)
36 months of stable own income within the last 6 years (including last 6 months)
German certificate (B1, or B2 for reduced route)
Pass the citizenship test (democratic system + Austrian + provincial history)
Criminal-record extracts (Austria and abroad)
Renunciation of prior nationality (with exceptions)

Required Documents

Passport plus all residence titles required
Birth certificate required
Marriage/divorce certificates
Proof of 36 months stable own income within last 6 years (incl. last 6 months) required
German certificate (B1, or B2 for reduced route) required
Citizenship-test pass required
Criminal-record extracts (Austria and abroad) required
Evidence supporting renunciation of prior nationality required

Official fees

Federal application fee (adult) 163 EUR

Federal conferral fee (standard) 1,448 EUR

Provincial fee (Landesverwaltungsabgabe, varies by state)

Estimated total 1,611 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Confirm 10 years (or 6 with B2/sustained integration).
2
Book appointment

Book an appointment at the provincial citizenship office (Amt der Landesregierung).
3
Submit

Submit application, documents and test results.
4
Assurance and conferral

Await Zusicherung (assurance), renounce prior citizenship, then final conferral.

Official Sources

Citizenship / Naturalization High confidence

Naturalisation by Marriage / Registered Partnership (StbG section 11a)

Reduced-residence naturalisation for spouses/registered partners of Austrian citizens.

Processing time: No statutory ceiling; several months to over 1 year
Validity: Permanent (citizenship)
Language requirement: German plus citizenship test (as for residence-based naturalisation)
Documents: 3 required
Permanent residence: Yes
Citizenship: Yes · At least 6 years continuous lawful residence with at least 5 years marriage in a joint household

Requirements

At least 5 years marriage/partnership in a joint household
At least 6 years continuous lawful residence
Stable income, German, citizenship test, clean record (as section 10)
Renunciation of prior nationality (with exceptions)

Required Documents

Marriage certificate required
Proof of at least 5 years marriage in a joint household required
Documents as for residence-based naturalisation (passport, income, German, test, records) required

Official fees

Federal application fee (adult) 163 EUR

Federal conferral fee 1,448 EUR

Estimated total 1,611 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Confirm marriage and residence periods.
2
Apply

Apply at the provincial citizenship office with marriage and standard documents.
3
Assurance and conferral

Await assurance, renounce prior citizenship, then conferral.

Official Sources

Official Citizenship Act (StbG) section 11a - RIS · Federal Legal Information System (RIS)

Some pathway details are machine-translated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Always verify with official sources.

Views of the country

Frequently asked questions

What is the Red-White-Red Card in Austria?

The Red-White-Red Card is Austria's points-based residence and work permit for skilled workers from non-EU countries. It covers categories such as very highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, other key workers, graduates of Austrian universities, and self-employed key workers or start-up founders.

How much does an Austrian residence permit application cost?

The standard application fee for a first residence title is EUR 218. Most applications are submitted in person at an Austrian consulate abroad, and the statutory decision period is generally up to 6 months.

Can I apply for an Austrian work or residence permit online?

No, most first residence titles must be applied for in person at an Austrian consulate abroad. There is no dedicated digital-nomad visa, but some work permit categories like the Red-White-Red Card have a jobseeker visa option.

What are the citizenship requirements in Austria?

Austrian citizenship generally requires 10 years of residence, or 6 years if you show strong integration and German at B2 level. You normally must renounce your previous nationality, with exceptions for descent and for victims of Nazi persecution and their direct descendants.

Does Austria offer citizenship or residence by investment?

No, Austria has no investment-for-residence or citizenship-by-investment programme. Residence is based on work, study, research, family, or settlement pathways.

What permits are available for students and researchers in Austria?

Students can apply for a Residence Permit – Student. Researchers have the Settlement Permit – Researcher / Researcher-Mobility, and there is also a Residence Permit – Pupils for school attendance.

Similar destinations

Greece 15 pathways Official fee from 16 EUR

Hungary 19 pathways Official fee from 26,000 HUF

Netherlands 18 pathways Official fee from 85 EUR

Slovakia 17 pathways Official fee from 10 EUR

Start your application