Retirement Visa For Austria: Application Process Simplified

Austria does not have a specific retirement visa, but there are other options for those looking to retire in the country. Retired citizens from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can obtain a residence title settlement permit except gainful employment, which is a type of residence permit issued to financially independent individuals. This article will outline the steps to apply for a residence permit in Austria, including the required documents and permits.

Residence permits and visas

Austria does not offer a specific retirement visa, but there are other options for those seeking to retire in the country. One option is to obtain a residence title called a "settlement permit except gainful employment". This type of permit is for financially independent individuals who do not plan to engage in any gainful employment during their stay in Austria. To be eligible for this type of permit, you must meet both general and special requirements, and there is a limited number of permits issued annually, so it is important to ensure that there is a quota place available before applying. The settlement permit is typically issued for a period of 12 months.

Third-country nationals, or individuals who are neither EEA nor Swiss citizens, must follow specific requirements when seeking to obtain a residence permit in Austria. For stays of up to six months, no residence permit is required, but a visa may be needed depending on the individual's citizenship. For longer stays, a residence title is necessary, and certain requirements must be met. These include having adequate means of subsistence, such as a fixed and regular income that meets the standard rates of the General Social Insurance Act (ASVG). Third-country nationals must also provide proof of health insurance coverage and documentation of customary accommodation according to local standards. Additionally, they must demonstrate German language proficiency at the A1 level.

The Austrian government has specific requirements for the documents that must be submitted with a visa or residence permit application. These include a valid passport, proof of health insurance, German language proficiency, a clean criminal record, and other supporting documents. The "Apostille" authentication is required for all documents presented with the application. First-time applicants may also need to submit a police record certificate. Once the application is approved, the applicant must obtain a special visa at the Austrian embassy, which allows them to travel to Austria to collect their residence permit from the relevant authority.

Austria offers two types of health insurance for expats: public and private. Public health insurance is compulsory for all residents, including foreigners, and provides basic coverage. Retired expats can choose between public or private health insurance, depending on their preferences and needs. It is important to ensure that the health insurance provides coverage for all risks and includes benefits in Austria.

Health insurance

Austria does not have a specific retirement visa, but there are other options for retirement. One such option is the "settlement permit except gainful employment", which is a type of residence permit issued to financially independent individuals.

To be eligible for a retirement visa in Austria, you must meet the general requirements for granting a residence permit. This includes having a regular monthly income (foreign pension, income from assets, savings, etc.) and having health insurance coverage.

Austria offers two health insurance options for expats: public health insurance and private health insurance. Public health insurance is compulsory for all residents, including foreigners, and dependent children are entitled to the same health benefits as their parents and can be included in the insurance free of charge. Patients might be required to pay for some treatments, but part of the costs will be reimbursed by the health insurance fund. Private health insurance is another option for retired expats, who can register with an Austrian company or cooperate with international health insurance companies.

Third-country nationals must have health insurance coverage providing benefits in Austria and covering all risks. This is a requirement for any residence title to be granted.

Accommodation requirements

Austria does not offer a specific retirement visa, but there are other options for those seeking to retire in the country. One such option is the "settlement permit except gainful employment", a residence permit for financially independent individuals. This permit does not allow the holder to work in Austria.

To obtain a settlement permit, third-country nationals must provide evidence of customary accommodation according to local standards. This means that they must prove they have a legal title to an accommodation, such as a lease contract, and that the accommodation is adequate for their family size.

The specific requirements for accommodation may vary depending on the local standards in the area of Austria where the applicant intends to reside. However, as a general guide, applicants must demonstrate that they have permanent residential real estate, either purchased or leased, that can accommodate them and their dependents.

In addition to accommodation requirements, applicants for a settlement permit must also meet general and special requirements, including having adequate means of subsistence, health insurance coverage, and, in some cases, German language skills. It is important to note that there is a limited number of settlement permits issued annually, so applicants must ensure there is a quota place available before applying.

Language skills

Austria does not have a specific retirement visa, but there are other options for those seeking to retire in the country. One such option is the "settlement permit except gainful employment", a type of residence permit issued to financially independent individuals. This permit does not allow the holder to work.

To obtain a residence permit, applicants must meet general and special requirements. This includes demonstrating adequate means of subsistence, such as a fixed and regular income (e.g. pensions, profits from enterprises abroad, income from assets, savings, or company shares) that meets or exceeds the standard rates of the General Social Insurance Act (ASVG) for 2025: €1,273.99 for singles and €2,009.85 for married couples or partnerships.

Regarding language skills, specifically, third-country nationals must provide evidence of German language proficiency at the A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages when first applying for a residence title. This requirement can be fulfilled by presenting a generally acknowledged language diploma from a recognised institution. Only basic German language skills at the beginner level are necessary.

For US citizens, it is important to note that you may request a visa that permits you to stay beyond 90 days or work in Austria by applying at an Austrian Embassy or Consulate General before travelling to Austria or before your 90-day stay has expired. However, work is not authorised until the appropriate visa has been obtained. Additionally, Austrian government offices require an "APOSTILLE" authentication on documents presented with the visa application.

Criminal record checks

To obtain an Austrian retirement visa, applicants must undergo a criminal record check as part of the comprehensive application process. This crucial step ensures that individuals seeking to reside in Austria during their retirement years do not pose a potential risk to the country's security or public order. Here's a detailed overview of the criminal record check requirement:

All applicants for the Austrian retirement visa must provide a clean criminal record certificate, also known as a police clearance certificate. This document certifies that the applicant has no significant criminal history that might disqualify them from obtaining the visa. The certificate should be issued by the relevant authorities in the applicant's country of citizenship or countries of residence if they have resided in multiple places for extended periods. It is essential to ensure that the certificate is up-to-date and valid, reflecting any recent changes in the applicant's criminal record.

The criminal record check is a standard component of the visa application process and is designed to safeguard the safety and well-being of the host country's citizens and residents. By assessing an applicant's criminal history, the Austrian authorities can make informed decisions about their eligibility for a retirement visa. This process helps identify individuals who may have a history of committing serious crimes or pose a potential threat to the community. Applicants who have committed certain types of offenses, especially those involving violence, fraud, or other serious matters, may be deemed ineligible for the retirement visa.

When submitting the criminal record certificate, applicants may be required to provide additional documentation for clarification or supporting evidence. This could include court documents, police reports, or other official records related to any past criminal incidents. It is essential to be transparent and forthcoming during this process, as any discrepancies or attempts to conceal relevant information could lead to visa application denial.

The specific requirements for the criminal record check may vary depending on bilateral agreements between Austria and the applicant's country of citizenship. In some cases, there may be reciprocal arrangements in place, allowing Austrian authorities to directly access an applicant's criminal record through inter-governmental information sharing. Alternatively, applicants may be instructed to obtain and submit an official criminal record extract or certificate issued by their country's law enforcement or justice department.

It is worth noting that the criminal record check is just one aspect of the overall visa application process. Applicants for the Austrian retirement visa must also meet other requirements, including demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their retirement in Austria. Health insurance coverage, proof of accommodation, and a clean bill of health are also typically among the requirements. The Austrian authorities assess each application holistically, considering all provided documents and information before rendering a decision.

Frequently asked questions