A growing economy, high standard of living and political stability make the Republic of Austria a popular immigration destination. A residence permit in Austria gives foreigners the right to long-term residence. Methods for obtaining official status are usually tied to the specific purpose of stay. It is not easy to move legally, so you should study migration legislation and find out what rules for issuing a document apply to each category of applicant.
Advantages of a residence permit
When deciding to apply for a residence permit, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of moving. Speaking more specifically about what a residence permit in Austria provides, we can highlight the main advantages:
- the right to permanent residence in the country;
- the possibility of obtaining a residence permit for family members;
- visa-free entry into the EU countries;
- opportunity to find a job;
- after 6-10 years (depending on individual criteria) you can obtain citizenship;
- opportunity to do business.
What does a residence permit in Austria provide?
Austria is a beautiful, developed country, with a good economy and comfortable living conditions. That is why it is so attractive to foreigners who decide to migrate. Thanks to an Austrian residence permit, a migrant can:
- Freely visit all Schengen countries.
- Study, work, open your own company in Austria.
- Apply for social benefits and enjoy legal guarantees.
- Live in a rich and prosperous country.
Do you want to get EU citizenship in 12 months? Take the free test and find out your chances.
Types of Austrian residence permit
The right for foreigners to stay in Austria for more than 180 days is given by two types of permits:
- Aufenthaltserlaubnis - right to stay.
- Niederlassungsbewilligung - right of residence.
In accordance with §8 part 3 of the Federal Law on Settlement and Residence in Austria (NAG), 12 types of residence permits are issued:
Red-White-Red-Card (Red-White-Red Card) is an immigration program for highly qualified specialists and their families.- Red-White-Red-Card plus (Red-White-Red Card Plus) – issued to holders of the “Red-White-Red Card”, “Blue Card”, if they have worked in accordance with the qualification requirements of these cards for at least 21 months within last 2 years. Gives you the opportunity to freely choose your place of work.
- Blaue Karte EU (Blue Card) - received by foreigners who come to work at the invitation of an Austrian employer.
- Niederlassungsbewilligung (residence permit) – gives the right to temporary residence and employment.
- Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit (residence permit – except for employment) – residence without the right to work.
- Niederlassungsbewilligung - Angehöriger (residence permit - relative) - issued to family members of an Austrian citizen without the right to work.
- Daueraufenthalt - EU (permanent residence) - issued after 5 years of residence in the country, gives the right to permanently live and work.
- Familienangehöriger (family member) – received by close relatives of an Austrian citizen, gives the right to reside and work.
- Niederlassungsbewilligung - Künstler (residence permit - artists) - gives the right to temporary work to representatives of creative professions.
- Niederlassungsbewilligung - Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit (residence permit - special cases of employment) - issued for temporary employment to persons who are not covered by the Federal Law on the Employment of Foreigners, for example, a diplomat's housekeeper.
- Niederlassungsbewilligung – Forscher (residence permit – researcher) – for persons engaged in research work.
- Aufenthaltsbewilligung (Residence permit) - gives the right to temporary residence for foreigners who come for different purposes, for example, for study or on a business trip.
How to obtain a residence permit?
To obtain a residence permit in Austria, certain grounds are required, that is, reasons that give a foreigner the right to live in this country.
Austrian residence permit for financially independent persons
Relocation for financially independent persons means that the foreigner will not work after having already moved to live in a new country. At the same time, he must have a permanent income received outside Austria. How to get a residence permit of this type. To do this you need:
- Be financially secure. We are talking about 1,800 euros for a single citizen, 2,800 euros for a family and an additional 300 euros for children.
- Have your own home.
- Get health insurance.
- Fluent in German.
Income is confirmed by a certificate from the bank. Considering that Austria has quotas for migrants, it is better to prepare all the necessary documents in advance in order to have time to become a participant in the program.
Employment
You can come to work in Austria with or without an invitation from your employer. In the first case, the migrant negotiates a job while still in his home country. The head of the organization (enterprise, company) signs an agreement with the foreigner and sends him an official request inviting him to work. Based on these documents, the immigrant enters the territory of the state. In this case, a residence permit in Austria is issued for a period depending on the length of the working period. After three years, a foreigner has the right to extend the validity of the document, no longer being tied to the place where he works, and after another five years - to apply for permanent residence. For representatives of rare professions, entrepreneurs, and bosses in high positions, the so-called Red-White-Red Card is issued. For the rest (who intend to work for hire) a Blue Card is issued. It is also possible to come to Austria without yet having a job. To do this, a special work visa is issued at the Consulate, which is necessary to find a place of work. Its validity period is six months.
Residence permit for entrepreneurs
The decision to issue a residence permit in Austria on the basis of entrepreneurial activity is made by the state employment service and forwards it to the Migration Office. A foreigner who intends to register his own business and obtain a residence permit on its basis will have to prepare a business plan with a detailed description of his activities, income, number of jobs (including for Austrian citizens), etc. The entrepreneur will also be required to have a higher education diploma or a document that confirms their qualifications. As for the financial security requirements, for entrepreneurs it should be 900 euros per person per month, 1,400 for a family and 150 for children.
Residence permit for highly qualified specialists
Highly qualified specialists can receive a Red-White-Red Residence Permit Card in Austria. The foreigner provides documents confirming qualifications and higher education. Also, the migration service evaluates the applicant according to a number of criteria (work experience, skills, knowledge of languages), as a result of which he must earn 70 points out of 100. After which a decision is made on issuing status for the right of residence.
Education
Foreigners who have enrolled in an Austrian university and courses at an educational institution (this can be a state structure or a private one, but with accreditation) can obtain a residence permit in Austria on the basis of study. After completing their studies, students have the right to apply for a residence permit in Austria for university graduates. This document is issued for 12 months so that the graduate can find a job in Austria. When he finds a place of work within a year, he reissues his residence permit using a labor card.
Family reunion
You can obtain a residence permit in case of family reunification through marriage. The resident's spouse over the age of 21 or minor children of the resident have the right to receive the status. For this you need a document confirming your relationship. At the same time, there are also restrictions; relatives of foreigners who previously themselves received status as students, volunteers, business travelers and self-employed cannot obtain a residence permit in Austria on this basis.
For volunteers
In this case, a residence permit is issued for one year. It cannot be extended. The document is drawn up on the basis of a certificate of social (volunteer) activity.
For business travelers
We are talking about long-term business trips, which last at least three months. In this case, a work contract is concluded with the employer, on the basis of which a residence permit is issued to the country.
For researchers
In this case, migrants who have been invited to work and who will work in research organizations can receive a residence permit in Austria. In this case, a residence permit is issued for a period of two years. After this, the foreigner can apply for a Red-White-Red Card.
Who is eligible to receive
In accordance with the law, obtaining a residence permit in Austria is possible if the applicant meets the following conditions:
- does not pose a threat to national security;
- has housing in the country;
- is able to confirm financial solvency;
- has health insurance;
- has a language certificate confirming knowledge of the German language at level A1 and above.
In Austria, quotas are established annually for the issuance of residence permits. The distribution of quotas is carried out at the federal level.
Each type of residence permit has its own limit on the permissible number of immigrants. Quotas do not apply to some groups of people, for example, diplomats, highly qualified specialists, and relatives of an Austrian citizen.
Most often, a residence permit in Austria for Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, as well as immigrants from other CIS countries is issued if the applicant belongs to one of the following categories:
- Financially independent person. The applicant must have a regular monthly income (for example, receive a pension, profit from activities abroad). The standard rates established by the General Social Security Act (ASVG) for certain categories of the population are taken into account and these amounts are doubled. For 2021, income requirements: for one person - 1,866.12 euros (132,538 rubles), for a family - 2,797.94 euros (198,718 rubles), for a child - 287.94 euros (20,450 rubles). ). In addition, an Austrian residence permit for financially independent persons is issued if they have a higher education.
- Self-employed personnel who work in key areas of the Austrian economy (Red-White-Red-Card for self-employed key workers). It is necessary to engage in a business that benefits the country's economy. Reviews from investors indicate that they pay attention to the following criteria: - size of investment; – creation of new jobs; – introduction of advanced technologies; – significance for the region.
- Schoolchildren and students. Requirements include enrollment in an educational institution and the ability to pay tuition and living expenses.
- Spouse, unmarried children under 18 (family reunification).
- Persons who came to work (employment).
To obtain a residence permit, you must issue an invitation from a specific employer. This basis applies to the following categories:
- qualified personnel;
- representatives of rare professions;
- artists;
- scientists and researchers;
- volunteers;
- graduates of Austrian universities;
- specialists who are sent on business trips.
Ways to obtain a residence permit
Foreign citizens who are interested in how to obtain a residence permit in Austria should note that there are various ways to obtain it. Both individuals with a high level of income and applicants who come to the country to work, volunteer, or reunite with family can count on the card being issued.
For financially independent persons
People with a stable income abroad can count on obtaining a residence permit in Austria for financially independent persons. As confirmation, the applicant must provide account statements indicating the availability of sufficient funds.
The conditions for making a positive decision on the application are the provision of housing for foreigners and the registration of medical insurance (it must cover the costs of medical care if the need for this type of assistance arises).
It should be noted that the acquisition of real estate by a person does not entail the provision of a residence permit. But, since the availability of housing in the AR is one of the conditions for issuing a card, own real estate will be an advantage.
If a foreign citizen does not have the opportunity to buy an apartment or house, the availability of rented housing will be sufficient (this fact is confirmed by a long-term lease agreement).
Reunion with family members
The opportunity to obtain a card is available to persons whose husband, wife or parents permanently reside in the Republic of Austria (for children under the age of 21 and unmarried). When submitting an application, you will need to document the presence of close family ties.
When moving to relatives, the receiving party must provide a statement that it is able to provide for the foreigner’s life in the country. Submitting an application to issue a card to a minor is possible by his parents without the personal presence of the child.
Employment
Moving for the purpose of employment is considered a common option for acquiring status. It should be noted that in the Azerbaijan Republic there are several programs for labor migrants (Red-White-Red Card, Blue Card).
To be hired, the applicant must have the appropriate level of education and work experience. Permission is also granted to persons belonging to the category of shift labor.
Permission is also issued to foreign citizens who come to the Republic of Austria to conduct research and work on scientific projects. In this case, you need to have an employment agreement issued by the scientific institution with which the scientist cooperates.
Engagement in scientific activities on the basis of a residence permit is allowed for no more than 2 years.
For pensioners
Austria is an excellent option for relocating retirees due to its comfortable living conditions, stability, quality healthcare and developed infrastructure. Persons of retirement age can apply for a family reunification card, residence permit for financially independent individuals and entrepreneurs.
The condition for issuing a permit is the availability of real estate (own or rented) and sufficient funds for living.
For students
Studying in the Republic of Azerbaijan is in demand among foreigners: a diploma from an Austrian university makes it possible to apply for a job in the EU. To obtain a residence permit, the applicant will need to confirm admission to the university with a certificate of enrollment. A condition for issuing a card to a student is the presence of basic knowledge of the German language.
A student residence permit provides the opportunity to work if the work activity does not harm the educational process.
The card is issued for 1 year with the right to extend if the student continues his studies.
Volunteers
Volunteering allows you to apply for a permit issued for 1 year. The applicant will need to provide a statement from the organization with which he cooperates (this contains information that the organization is responsible for the volunteer). When a card is issued on the basis of volunteer activity, its renewal is not permitted.
Starting a business
Business immigration is a popular method of obtaining a card. On a business basis, immigration to Austria occurs with the least difficulties, but the foreigner must have sufficient start-up capital, a desire to engage in entrepreneurial activity and the ability to prove to the authorities that the implementation of a business project will benefit the economy and ensure profit.
Entrepreneurs are not required to take a German language exam.
When investing in starting a business, the entrepreneur must confirm that the investment is of legal origin. Please note that wealthy foreigners can obtain Austrian citizenship by investment.
Job
Most foreign citizens moving to Austria for professional activities apply for an RWR card or an EU Blue Card. Based on these programs, you can find a job if there are no applicants from the EU countries for the vacancy.
Blue card
The EU Blue Card is issued on the basis of an agreement with a local employer. Persons who have a qualification corresponding to the vacancy, confirmed by an education diploma, can apply for a card.
Blue card applicants are foreign citizens from countries outside the European Union. The applicant must be self-employed.
The annual salary offered by an employer to a foreigner must be 1.5 times higher than the average annual income of an Austrian. In the process of obtaining a permit, the authorized body may require the provision of additional documentation - a work record, recommendations from the applicant’s past places of work, etc.
RWR card
The Red-White-Red Card (RWR card) is issued to persons who move to the country to conduct independent or non-independent professional activities. Representatives of rare professions, highly qualified foreign citizens, etc. can apply for an RWR card.
The condition for its issuance is that the applicant collects a specified number of points (they are awarded for experience, education, etc.). The card is also available for graduates of universities in Austria. Upon first application, the RWR card is issued for 1 year.
Registration process
Those for whom the relevant question is how to obtain a residence permit in Austria in 2021 should know that the initial residence permit is issued at the Austrian embassy (consulate) in your home country.
The application procedure will be different for each category of applicant. However, several standard steps can be distinguished:
- Buying or renting an apartment in Austria and obtaining a document confirming registration at the place of residence. It is worth noting that a residence permit is not issued when purchasing real estate in the country, but having your own home is a big advantage.
- Registration of Austrian health insurance, which covers all types of risks (travel health insurance with coverage significantly exceeding 30,000 euros can be accepted).
- Preparation of documents (collection, official translation, apostille).
- Submitting an application along with a package of papers for a residence permit to the Austrian Embassy.
- After receiving a positive decision, you will be issued a national visa category D to enter the country.
- Arrival in the Republic of Austria and obtaining a residence permit.
Basic papers
The list of documents depends on the type of residence permit. The standard package looks like this:
- Completed and signed application form.
- 2 photos (size 45 x 35 mm, no older than 6 months).
- Valid foreign passport.
- Birth certificate.
- A document confirming your place of residence in Austria (a rental agreement or an extract from the cadastre of ownership).
- Certificate of no criminal record (maximum statute of limitations – 3 months before submission).
- A document confirming the availability of living funds (bank statements, tax returns) sufficient to cover monthly expenses. Amount for 2021: 933 euros (66,442 rubles) for an adult, 1,399 euros (99,628 rubles) for a married couple, 144 euros (10,255 rubles) for a child.
- Medical insurance.
- Language certificate.
- Receipt of payment of the application processing fee and partial state fee (the second part of the fee is paid in Austria).
Depending on the basis for obtaining a residence permit, additional documents will be required:
- For financially independent persons, for pensioners - a certificate of income (bank account statement, certificate of pension amount).
- For students and schoolchildren - notification of enrollment in a university (school). If a minor child (under 18 years of age) moves on his own - a notarized permission to leave from both parents or proof of guardianship (divorce certificate, death certificate of both parents, or a document stating that one of the parents is raising the child independently).
- For the spouse of an Austrian citizen - a marriage certificate.
- To carry out work - a contract, an invitation from the employer, education diplomas.
- For scientific specialists (researchers) – an internship agreement from a certified research institution.
Registration procedure
To obtain a residence permit in Austria, you must go through a standard procedure. It includes the following stages:
- purchasing health insurance;
- purchase or rental of residential real estate;
- obtaining a certificate of housing availability;
- collection of documents;
- translation of documents into German, notarized with an apostille;
- transfer of documents along with the application form to the Austrian embassy.
If the decision is positive, a category D visa is granted. After arriving in the country, you can pick up a residence permit, which is represented by a plastic card.
Basic package of documents
The full list for a residence permit in Austria depends on the reason for which the Russian is moving. The standard kit includes the following documents:
- application of the established form;
- passport;
- international passport;
- housing lease agreement or property document;
- birth certificate;
- photographs 3.5x4.5 taken over the last 6 months;
- certificate of knowledge of the German language, which corresponds to a level of at least A1;
- certificate stating that there is no criminal record;
- confirmation of sufficient funds for long-term residence in the country.
The total cost for processing the application is 80 euros per adult and 50 euros per child. Another 20 euros are added for receiving the document.
Additional documents
Depending on the basis, a small list of additional documents is provided. If the foreigner is employed, an invitation from the employer is provided. It indicates the position and the proposed salary in euros per month.
If a family moves with the main applicant, certificates confirming family ties are provided. When a spouse moves, a marriage certificate is sufficient. If there are children, birth certificates are needed.
How long does registration take and how much does it cost?
Embassy employees send the application along with documents to the relevant Austrian government agency for consideration. Immigration issues are dealt with by the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection, and the Ministry of European and International Affairs.
Processing time and decision making takes at least 6-8 weeks. After entering the Republic of Austria, the applicant is immediately required to apply to the local immigration authorities to obtain a residence permit.
The costs for obtaining a residence permit are:
- for processing the application - 120 euros (8,570 rubles), for children under 6 years old - 75 euros (5,356 rubles);
- for the production of an ID card - 20 euros (1,428 rubles), for children under 6 years old - 50 euros (3,570 rubles);
- for personalization (scanning a photo, signature) – 20 euros (1,428 rubles).
Obtaining a residence permit in Austria without the right to work
To obtain this residence permit, a foreigner must confirm his financial independence. The monthly income must be at least 2 thousand euros for each family member. In addition, every adult must have at least 25 thousand euros in their bank account. For a family of two adults and two minor children, 45 thousand euros is enough, not counting living expenses and insurance.
Migration department specialists usually require the following additional documents: a child’s birth certificate and a police clearance certificate.
a residence permit in Austria without the right to work. Their size is determined at the federal level. For example, the largest number of quotas is present in Vienna, but here there are also the most people willing to receive them. Accordingly, the chances of receiving it will be lower.
To obtain this type of residence permit, it is advisable for the applicant to know German (at level A1). If you have a higher education, you can get an exemption from this requirement.
The best offers for obtaining a residence permit in Austria
16000 EUR
Red and white map of Austria
from 3900 EUR
Residency in Austria 2021
from 3900 EUR
Residence permit in Austria for wealthy foreigners
Why can a residence permit be refused or revoked?
The Austrian authorities have the right to refuse to issue a residence permit to a person who does not meet the established requirements. Among the common reasons:
- there is insufficient justification for obtaining the type of residence permit for which the applicant is applying;
- incomplete package of documents or false information provided;
- quota has been reached;
- the applicant violated the terms of stay in the country;
- the applicant poses a security threat or is a member of a terrorist organization.
In case of refusal, the applicant receives a notice indicating the reasons and time limits for appeal. Further actions will depend on the specific situation:
- If a person poses a danger to society, then it is unlikely that it will be possible to restore a residence permit after refusal.
- Persons who were not included in the established quota can apply next year.
- If the problem is an incomplete package of papers, you will need to provide the missing information.
The applicant has the right to appeal to the Austrian migration authorities or appeal the decision in court. During the consideration of the complaint, you are allowed to stay on Austrian territory until a decision is made on this issue.
If the status was obtained unreasonably or the requirements regarding the period of compulsory residence in Austria are not met, the residence permit is canceled. The consequences of such a decision can be quite serious, for example, deportation and deprivation of the right to enter the European Union.
Is it possible to extend a residence permit?
The period for which a residence permit is issued depends on the category of the applicant. An application for renewal may be submitted 90 days before the expiration date of the document.
The procedure is the same as for the initial application, if the purpose of stay has not changed. You just need to submit an application to the competent Austrian department at your place of residence: municipal office or magistrate, in Vienna - Municipal Department 35.
A new card is issued within 14-21 days, notification of its readiness comes by mail.
Foreigners who have resided permanently in Austria for the last 5 years are entitled to permanent residence. The document confirming this status is renewed every five years.
You can apply for Austrian citizenship after 10 years of continuous residence in the country (in some cases after 6 years). Among the main requirements:
- knowledge of the German language and the history of Austria (written exam);
- having had a stable job and income for the last 3 years;
- no criminal record;
- legal residence on Austrian territory;
- availability of housing;
- renunciation of existing citizenship.
