A Guide To Becoming A Legal Resident Of Austria

Austria is a desirable place to take up residence, and many people are interested in the possibility of obtaining a residence permit and subsequent citizenship. Austria offers a stable future and is one of the most developed countries in Europe. To become a resident of Austria, you must meet certain requirements, including proof of income or funds, health insurance, and language skills. There are different types of residence permits available, and the process can vary depending on your personal situation and citizenship status.

Residence permits: the requirements and types

To become a resident of Austria, you must apply for a residence permit. This can be done at the Austrian Embassy in your home country, and every person who is 6 years or older must be present for the application as fingerprints will be taken. You must bring all the required documents, including originals and copies, and pay a fee for each application.

The requirements and types of residence permits vary depending on your personal situation. For example, citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland who want to stay in Austria for longer than 3 months must apply for a "confirmation of registration of Right of Residence under EU law". Third-country nationals who plan to stay in Austria for more than 6 months will need a residence permit, and there are different types of residence permits available depending on their qualifications and financial situation.

If you are a qualified worker and a citizen of a third country, you will need a Red-White-Red Card. This card is issued for a period of 24 months and allows you to work for the employer specified in your application. Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus. Alternatively, qualified workers can apply for an EU Blue Card, which provides a residence permit with the right to work for 2 years.

If you are financially independent, you can apply for a residence permit with an income of €2,000 per month for each family member and a bank account with a deposit of €20,000 for an adult and €10,000 for each child. You will also need to provide a certificate of no criminal record and a diploma of higher education. Additionally, you must know German at the elementary level and have permanent accommodation.

Austria also offers a Private Residence Program for applicants who have approximately EUR 50,000 in liquid funds, private health insurance, and A1 level German skills. Benefits of this program include the right to live and study in Austria, visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area, and access to high-quality healthcare and education.

Once your initial application has been approved, you will be notified and can travel to Austria with an entry visa. You must then pick up your residence permit in person from the Immigration and Citizenship Department of the City of Vienna (MA 35). Your first residence permit is usually issued for 1 year and can be renewed annually. After 5 years of residence, you can apply for a permanent residence title for another 5 years, and after 6-10 years, you can apply for Austrian citizenship.

Permanent residence: how to qualify

To become a permanent resident of Austria, you must meet several requirements. Firstly, you must have had legal status in Austria for at least five uninterrupted years. During this time, you must have been financially self-sufficient, either through independent means, employment, or self-employment. You also need to have maintained adequate accommodation that is registered with the government. Additionally, you must have completed Module 2 of the Integration Agreement, which includes attaining a B1 level of German.

The process of applying for permanent residence involves submitting an application to the provincial government authority in your city. The application fee for adults is €210, although additional costs may arise for translation and certification of documents. It is important to note that applicants are expected to cover these non-refundable costs themselves as they are required to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Once granted, Austrian permanent residence is valid for five years and can then be renewed.

If you are a third-country national, i.e., a person who is not an EEA citizen or a Swiss national, you will need a residence permit if you plan to stay in Austria for more than six months. The type of residence permit depends on your specific situation. For example, if you are a qualified worker and a citizen of a third country seeking to live and work in Austria, you will need the Red-White-Red Card, which is issued for a period of 24 months. This card entitles you to fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specified in your application. Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus.

On the other hand, if you are a German-speaking person of independent means who does not intend to take up gainful employment in Austria, you may be eligible for the Austria Golden Visa, also known as the Austria Private Residence Program. This program offers the opportunity to reside in an EU member state and gain visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area. To qualify, you must fulfil requirements such as having approximately €50,000 in liquid funds, permanent accommodation, private healthcare insurance, and documented German language skills at the A1 level.

Visas: when you need one

If you are a citizen of an EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa. For stays longer than 90 days but less than six months, you must apply for a registration certificate at the Immigration and Citizenship Department of the City of Vienna (MA 35). This certificate is valid indefinitely. If you plan to stay in Austria for longer than six months, you must obtain a residence permit.

If you are a citizen of a third country (a country outside the EU), you will need a visa to enter Austria. You can stay in Austria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa, depending on your citizenship. For stays longer than six months, you will need a residence permit.

To obtain a residence permit, you must apply in person at the Austrian Embassy in your home country. All family members over the age of six must be present, as fingerprints will be taken. You will need to bring all required documents, including a valid passport, proof of health insurance, German language proficiency, and a clean criminal record. You will also need to provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation and proof of sufficient income. The application fee must be paid for each application.

Once your initial application has been approved, you will be notified by the Embassy, and you can travel to Austria with an entry visa. Upon arrival in Austria, you must collect your residence permit in person from the relevant authority, such as the Immigration and Citizenship Department of the City of Vienna (MA 35). Your first residence permit is typically valid for one year and will specify whether you are allowed to work in Austria.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a visa or residence permit may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the type of permit you are applying for. Therefore, it is recommended to refer to the official websites and authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Citizenship: the path to becoming Austrian

Austria is one of the most developed countries in Europe, so it's no surprise that many people are interested in obtaining residency and citizenship. Here is an overview of the process and requirements for becoming an Austrian citizen.

Initial Requirements for Residence

To begin the process of obtaining Austrian citizenship, you must first become a resident of Austria. There are several ways to obtain a residence permit in Austria, each with its own set of requirements.

If you are a citizen of a country within the EEA or Switzerland, you can stay in Austria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa or residence permit. However, if you plan to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a "confirmation of registration of Right of Residence under EU law". This can be done at the Immigration and Citizenship Department of the City of Vienna (MA 35).

For those who are not EEA or Swiss citizens, also known as third-country nationals, a residence permit is required for stays longer than six months. There are different types of residence permits available, including the Red-White-Red Card and the Blue Card EU. The Red-White-Red Card is for qualified workers from outside the EU and entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment by the specified employer for 24 months. The Blue Card EU is for highly qualified personnel, representatives of rare professions, citizens holding managerial positions, businessmen, and foreign graduates of Austrian universities. It provides a residence permit with the right to work for two years.

Another option for residency is the Austria Private Residence Program. This program has a strict annual quota of around 300 individuals and requires applicants to have approximately €50,000 in liquid funds, permanent accommodation, documented German language skills (at A1 level), and private health insurance. Applicants must submit their documentation to the Austrian consular or diplomatic representation in their home country and obtain a special visa to travel to Austria and collect their residence permit.

It's important to note that the process of obtaining a residence permit can vary, and specific requirements and documentation may differ depending on your personal situation.

Requirements for Austrian Citizenship

After establishing residency in Austria, the path towards citizenship typically involves the following steps and requirements:

• Continuous Residence: To be eligible for Austrian citizenship, you must have continuously resided in Austria for at least six years, and in some cases, it may take longer.
• Integration Agreement: All new residents of Austria are required to sign an Integration Agreement, which consists of two modules. Module 1 focuses on learning German (A2 level) and understanding the Austrian legal and societal system. After two years of residence, you must pass the Integration German Examination. Module 2 requires further improvement in German (B1 level) and a deeper understanding of Austria's legal and societal system. This module is a prerequisite for permanent residence.
• Financial Self-Sufficiency: Applicants for citizenship must demonstrate that they have been financially self-sufficient during their residence in Austria, either through independent means, employment, or self-employment.
• Adequate Accommodation: You must maintain suitable accommodation that is registered with the government for the duration of your residence.
• Examination: To become a citizen, you must pass a written exam about Austria's history and democratic system.

By fulfilling these requirements and completing the necessary steps, you can be well on your way to obtaining Austrian citizenship. However, please note that the process can be complex, and it is always recommended to refer to official sources and seek specific guidance for your unique circumstances.

Work permits: who needs one and how to get one

If you are a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you do not need a work permit to work in Austria. However, if you plan to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a registration certificate at the Immigration and Citizenship Department of the City of Vienna (MA 35).

If you are not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you will need a work permit to work in Austria. There are several types of work permits available, depending on your skills, qualifications, and desired career path. The most common type of work permit is the Red-White-Red Card, which is for highly skilled international professionals. To be eligible for this type of permit, you must have a concrete employment offer that matches your qualifications and offers adequate pay. The Red-White-Red Card is valid for 24 months and allows you to work for the employer specified in your application. It costs about 180€, with a payment of 140€ due when submitting the application and an additional 40€ due when you receive the permit.

If you do not yet have a job offer, you can come to Austria on a Job Seeker Visa, which is valid for six months. This visa costs 120€. If you find a job that matches your qualifications during your stay, you may apply for a Red-White-Red Card.

Other types of work permits include the EU Blue Card, which gives applicants equal work rights to Austrian citizens, and the Business Visa, for individuals visiting Austria for business activities for less than six months.

To apply for a work permit, you must submit the required documentation and pay the associated fees. You can apply for a work permit at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence. Once your application has been approved, you will be notified and can travel to Austria to collect your residence permit from the relevant authority.

Frequently asked questions