Austria Residence Permit
For financially independent persons, without the right to work in the country3+ months
Obtaining period
Beginning of January
Application deadline
183+ days a year
Mandatory residing in the country
A residence permit in Austria allows one to live in the country and travel the Schengen Area visa-free for 90 days in any 180. With this status, foreigners can reach a new quality of life and access better education and healthcare.
Financially independent persons may apply for an Austria residence permit without searching for a job or proving other significant reasons to relocate to the country. The permit allows its holder to live but not work in the country. The main requirements for applicants are a stable income, owned or rented housing in Austria and basic proficiency in German.
Article 44 of the Settlement and Residence Act (Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz, NAG) regulates the issuance of residence permits for financially independent persons. There are quotas for this type of permit – about 450 per year. One family member gets one quota.
Applications are submitted to an Austrian consulate in any country or a magistrate in Austria by appointment on the first working days of the year. The earlier your appointment, the higher the chance of getting a residence permit. Quotas are usually assigned within the first two days.
The first residence permit is valid for a year and can be extended. One must spend 183+ days a year in Austria to retain the status. After five years of living in the country, one can apply for a lifetime permanent residence permit.