During the six months of the current year 2020, 4.2 thousand people acquired Austrian citizenship. Compared to the first half of 2019, this figure decreased by 20.5%. There are several reasons for issuing residency, including study, starting a business and investing. Read more about each of them in the article below.
According to the Statistical Office of Austria, at the beginning of 2020, the country had just under 9 million inhabitants, of which just over 2 million were foreigners.
Migration regulations and rules for foreign residents in Austria are regulated by the law "On settlement and residence".
A residence permit card allows you to stay in Austria for a period of six to twelve months (or more in some cases). It can be either with or without the right to employment.
The following applicants can issue an Austrian residence permit:
economically independent foreigners
people employed in Austria
investors who have invested in the national economy
businessmen who are active in the country
students, schoolchildren and volunteers
artists and scientists
relatives of Austrian citizens
All the reasons for staying (there are more than ten of them) can be found on the migration portal of the Austrian Federal Government.
There is a general list of requirements for all applicants, regardless of the grounds for issuing a residence permit:
A foreigner must not violate the laws of Austria, and their presence must not endanger the public interest or national security. In addition, their residence should not significantly worsen Austria's relations with other states.
You need a place of residence in Austria such as your own realty or long-term lease. The cost of the property is not specified by law, but it is important that the area of the apartment/house is comparable to the size of the family.
Availability of health insurance. It must cover all risks and be paid directly in Austria.
The foreigner must have a regular income during their stay in Austria. The minimum monthly amount is €967 per person, €1,525 per couple, or €150 per child (after deducting regular expenses such as rent). It is desirable to demonstrate higher incomes.
The Austrian authorities are ready to grant residence permits to foreigners whose investments in the economy will be recognized as "particularly significant". The legislation does not specify a particular amount, but experienced lawyers note that to participate in the program, you need to have an average of €3 million.
An investor can get a residence permit (for themselves, their spouse, and children), if they are qualified as a "self-employed top manager". This status is granted to a person who transfers investment capital to Austria and thereby creates or retains a number of jobs.
Residence Permit for Financially Independent Individuals
This type of residence permit does not give the right to work, and also assumes that the investor has a permanent monthly income (outside of Austria) in the region of €2,000 per person (for a married couple – from €2,800, for a child – €288). Another alternative to this is a bank statement. Experts recommend that it should have at least €80,000 for a family of three.
Important: this type of residence permit is quoted. Every year, 300-500 people can get it. Demand exceeds the number of available quotas. It is necessary to collect documents and make an appointment several months before the first working day of January when quotas are distributed and, as a rule, there are no vacancies the next day.
Residence Permit for Students and Schoolchildren
For schoolchildren. The card can be obtained on the basis of enrollment in an Austrian school. In Austria, there are boarding schools where children of foreigners study and live. The main document for obtaining a residence permit is an invitation from school.
For students. To issue a student residence permit, a foreigner must study full-time (for more than six months) at one of the state or private accredited universities, technical colleges or educational institutions.
A student residence permit allows you to stay in Austria for a year, move freely within the Schengen area, and even work part-time (ten hours a week for bachelors and twenty-for masters).
A student can move their spouse and minor children to their home.
Residence Permit for Work in Austria
Qualified and in-demand specialists, individual entrepreneurs, startup founders and graduates of Austrian universities can get a "Red-white-red card", which is a residence permit with the right to work in Austria. Applicants are evaluated based on their education, experience, age, and language skills. You can check how many points you can earn here.
Family Reunion
A residence permit can be issued to spouses, registered partners or unmarried minor children (including foster children) of those who have one of the following types of residence permit:
Employed holders of the" red-white-red card " or Blue card of the EU
Artists
Students
Shift workers
Researchers
Holders of other types of residence permits, such as school students, self-employed and volunteers, cannot apply for family reunification.
To obtain a residence permit on this basis, you need to confirm the relationship. Apostilled marriage and birth certificates are suitable for this.
Examples of real estate for sale in Austria:
290 000 €
Flat in Burgenland, Austria
90 m²4
We offer for sale a cozy and well-planned apartment with a total living area of about 90 m2, located in a green and quiet area of the city of Neusidl am Ze.
The apartment has a spacious and functional layout and offers enough space for the family or for those who value comfortable living in a calm, natural environment. The city center and Lake...
Immotrading GmbH
770 000 €
House in Burgenland, Austria
110 m²3
Modern private house in Neusidl am See - a plot of 750 m2 and a spacious garage
Offered for sale of quality One-storey private house built in 2016In the attractive area of Neusidl am See. The property is in excellent, almost new condition and has approximately 110 m2 of living space on a spacious plot of about 750 m2.
Particularly noteworthy...
Immotrading GmbH
606 000 €
Flat in Carinthia, Austria
67 m²2
Welcome to Millstatt, the pearl of Carinthia. Here, against a backdrop of magnificent scenery, lies an exclusive residential project that combines luxury and quality of life.
Each apartment in this project has been designed with the utmost care and attention to detail. Contemporary design combines with high quality materials to create a living...
Immotrading GmbH
3 450 000 €
Villa in Austria
507 m²8
Special features of the property:
The chalet was built in 2020 using Canadian ecological wooden frame construction technics, with 40 cm diameter logs of Fir and Larch species, harvested in Czechia at altitudes over 1,500 meters. It has been lovingly maintained since then, ensuring it is in very good condition. No chemical treatment of wood was...
Immotrading GmbH
699 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
111 m²
Beautiful apartment for sale in Vienna
Location:
The house was built in 1884 and is located in one of the most culturally attractive areas of Vienna. Josefstadt is distinguished by the classical Viennese architectural style. Other advantages of the area include excellent transport links, the presence of a large number of restaurants, cafes...
WESTINVEST
599 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
63 m²2
A new exclusive project is being implemented between the Main University Hospital of Vienna (AKH), Zimmermannplatz Square and St. Anne Children’s Hospital: five upscale apartments in the attic are being created in a majestic corner building with an elegantly decorated facade, designed for both their own living and long-term investments.
The...
Immotrading GmbH
1 230 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
140 m²4
This exquisite 4.5-room ground floor apartment offers a unique level of comfort in one of Vienna’s most sought-after areas.
A stylish combination of modern design, light-filled rooms and a picturesque garden makes this house a real pearl.
Location.
The apartment is located in a prestigious residential area of the 13th arrondissement and is...
Immotrading GmbH
1 405 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
140 m²
This beautiful, spacious apartment is located on the 4th floor of a building built in 1962 in the 4th district of Vienna.
Location:
Vienna's 4th district, also known as Wieden, has a number of notable advantages that make it an attractive choice for residents. Viden is located immediately south of the inner city and is therefore very...
Immotrading GmbH
1 190 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
113 m²3
Object description:
This 3-room apartment in the prestigious 8th district of Vienna - Josefstadt - impresses with its high level of equipment and renovation.
Modern engineering systems, updated pipes and plumbing, new furniture, and triple glazed windows ensuring high energy efficiency.
Floor covering: Noble wooden parquet creates a warm...
Immotrading GmbH
2 450 000 €
Flat in Austria
403 m²
Location.
In an excellent location in the 4th district of Vienna, on the charming street of Lambrechtgasse, this representative office building is a perfect combination of historical architecture and modern comfort. The central location provides a developed infrastructure, as well as excellent transport accessibility and convenient...
Immotrading GmbH
415 000 €
Flat in Upper Austria, Austria
500 m²10
Description of the object:
The proposed apartment building with great potential is located in the center of Weisenkirchen and offers a total of about 550 square meters of living space. The plot covers an area of 166 square meters. The first floor and second floor have been renovated and are in very good condition. The second floor is currently...
Immotrading GmbH
1 299 000 €
House in Vienna, Austria
2976 m²
For sale is a plot of land with an area of about 2976 m2, with a project for a single-family house in the English style.
Location
The property is located in the 14th district of Vienna - in the center of the Augustinian Forest, in the middle of nature.
All connections (sewage, electricity, water, etc.) are available.
Approved...
Immotrading GmbH
915 500 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
93 m²3
A new exclusive project is being implemented between the Main University Hospital of Vienna (AKH), Zimmermannplatz Square and St. Anne Children’s Hospital: five upscale apartments in the attic are being created in a majestic corner building with an elegantly decorated facade, designed for both their own living and long-term investments. The...
Immotrading GmbH
1 050 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
107 m²4
Location
Nestled in the picturesque south-west area of Vienna, on the border of districts 13 and 23 (Vienna-Spezing/Maur), this unique residential complex is located on the sunny southern slope of Rosenhügel. In this tranquil green oasis you get the best of both worlds: closeness to nature and excellent transport links to Vienna's city life....
Immotrading GmbH
1 599 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
122 m²5
Severin offers the modern comfort of living in an elegant area, which is not only safe, high quality of life and a picturesque green belt, but also its own sophisticated, cultural atmosphere.
Location Description – Döbling (1190 Vienna), Vienna’s 19th district, Döbling, is one of the city’s most prestigious and sought-after residential...
Immotrading GmbH
290 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
44 m²2
In the 22nd district of Vienna, on the street Archduke-Karl-Strasse, is this well-groomed 2-room apartment on the attic floor of a modern residential building (year of construction – 2019).
The apartment has a living area of about 44 m2 and has a functional layout, as well as bright and cozy rooms.
A special advantage is the loggia with an...
Immotrading GmbH
2 290 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
155 m²4
This elegant 4 bedroom apartment impresses with its exquisite design and atmosphere filled with light. With a usable living area of 154.71 m2 and a total area of 189.42 m2, it offers plenty of space for comfortable living and individual furnishings.
Planning and main characteristics:
Living area: 154.71 m2
Room: 4
Room height: 2.7 m...
Immotrading GmbH
1 250 000 €
Flat in Upper Austria, Austria
287 m²
New residential complex of four apartments is an attractive investment opportunity in Pinsdorf near Gmunden
New building with four apartments and attractive investment potential
In Pinsdorf, right next to the SPAR supermarket and near Gmunden, a new residential complex is being offered, presenting an interesting opportunity for real estate...
Immotrading GmbH
2 495 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
149 m²4
Discover TONY & TERESE, a picturesque ensemble of townhouse and terraced house located on a soft slope at the foot of the Vienna Forest in Neustift am Walde, one of Vienna’s most charming areas. The unique location combines the peace and natural harmony of the Vienna Forest with its proximity to the city centre, offering a modern lifestyle in...
Immotrading GmbH
3 750 000 €
Flat in Vienna, Austria
172 m²4
This elegant 4 bedroom apartment impresses with its exquisite design and atmosphere filled with light. With a usable living area of 171.7 m2 and a total area of 328.16 m2, it offers plenty of space for comfortable living and individual furnishings.
Planning and main characteristics:
Living area: 171.7 m2
Rooms: 4
Room height: 2.6 m
The...
A residence permit cannot be issued to a foreigner for several reasons. These include:
A ban on entering the country
A refusal to issue a residence permit from another EU country or Switzerland
Exceeding the duration of the permitted visa-free or visa-requiring stay
A punishment for violating border control or illegal entry into Austria in the last twelve months
Documents for a Residence Permit
General list of documents (may be adjusted depending on the grounds of issue):
passport that is valid for at least three months before the expiration of the residence permit
internal passport marriage
certificate, partnership certificate, adoption
photo no older than six
months birth certificate health
insurance
documents on the availability of real estate in Austria or a rental agreement
a certificate of no criminal record
a completed questionnaire
an A1 certificate of knowledge of the German language
proof of livelihood
A foreigner must apply for an initial residence permit at an Austrian embassy in person outside of Austria. However, there are a number of reasons why they can bring a package of documents for a primary residence permit directly in Austria. For more information, follow the link.
Rights and Obligations of the Holder of an Austrian Residence Permit
With a residence permit card, third-country citizens can:
conduct business in Austria
work for hire (if the type of residence permit does not prohibit this)
enjoy all social benefits and bonuses
study at local schools and universities
buy real estate without restrictions
freely move around the countries of the Schengen zone
However, a foreigner is obligated to become a tax resident in Austria, and the rates of state fees are higher here than in many other countries. Also, the holder of a residence permit must spend at least 183 days a year in Austria.
