How to Move to Austria

To move to Austria with the goal of obtaining the right to permanent residence in an EU country, applicants must first obtain permanent residency status. The Austrian government offers several immigration programs that allow foreigners to legalize their stay, including pathways based on employment, self-employment, scientific research, and other professional activities. A high standard of living, safety, competitive salaries, and quality healthcare are among the main advantages that encourage foreigners to relocate to the Republic of Austria.

Benefits of Permanent Residence in Austria

After immigrating to Austria and obtaining permanent residence, a foreign national gains the right to live indefinitely in a politically stable and economically developed EU country. Other advantages of permanent resident status include:

• unrestricted access to the Austrian labor market;
• the opportunity to work for companies registered in any EU member state;
• access to healthcare services in Austrian hospitals and medical institutions across the EU under a unified insurance policy;
• the right to travel freely within the European Union without a visa and reside long term in another EU country after completing local registration requirements;
• the ability to open bank accounts, obtain loans, and use financial services in Austria and other EU countries;
• the right to conduct business activities both in Austria and throughout the EU;
• the opportunity to naturalize in Austria and obtain citizenship in the future.

Immigration Programs in Austria

Before applying for permanent residence in Austria, applicants must first choose a legal basis for long-term residence in the country. The Austrian government offers several residence permit options for qualified specialists, entrepreneurs, artists, researchers, and other categories of foreigners. Temporary residence permits are generally issued for 1–2 years, depending on the grounds, with the possibility of renewal. After completing the required period of legal residence — usually 5 years — applicants may apply for permanent residence.

Employment

Employment is one of the main grounds for immigrating to Austria and later obtaining permanent residence. A foreign national may become a temporary and subsequently permanent resident if they sign an employment contract with an Austrian employer and meet one of the following conditions:

• they are a highly qualified specialist with a university degree obtained after at least four years of study and relevant professional experience;
• they graduated from an Austrian university and plan to work for a local company;
• they are employed in a profession experiencing labor shortages, such as plumbing, engineering, roofing, accounting, carpentry, or similar skilled trades;
• they have previously worked for at least 14 months in total as a seasonal worker and now intend to sign a long-term employment contract;
• they are a religious worker, media employee, staff member of a foreign educational or research institution, or completed nursing assistant training while residing in Austria as a temporary resident.

Self-Employment

Immigration to Austria with the possibility of obtaining permanent residence is also available to foreigners planning to work as self-employed individuals. Permanent resident status may be granted if one of the following conditions is met:

• the applicant’s business activity will provide economic benefits to Austria, such as creating or preserving jobs, introducing new technologies, or attracting investment capital;
• the immigrant has launched a startup with a registered capital of at least 30,000 EUR.

Artistic or Research Activities

People working in creative professions, such as artists or designers, may relocate to Austria and later obtain permanent residence. To qualify, the applicant must meet one of the following conditions:

• possess a degree in the arts or provide proof of previous professional artistic activity;
• confirm the existence of a contract with a client for at least six months to perform creative work as a self-employed individual;
• provide proof of an employment contract with an Austrian employer.

Research activity may also serve as grounds for immigration to Austria and obtaining permanent residence. Permanent resident status can be granted if the applicant works at a research institution officially recognized by the Austrian authorities and holds a doctoral degree.

Family Reunification

Family members of Austrian citizens or permanent residents may relocate to Austria and obtain permanent residence with access to the labor market. The following individuals are eligible to apply for family reunification:

• a spouse or registered civil partner, provided they are over 21 years old;
• unmarried minor children, including adopted children and children of only one spouse.

Immigration may also be available to other relatives of Austrian citizens or permanent residents, provided they are financially dependent on the sponsoring family member. Currently, this category may include:

• parents;
• grandparents;
• brothers and sisters;
• parents of a spouse;
• civil partners who can prove the existence of a long-term relationship in their country of origin;
• other relatives requiring special care due to health conditions.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card serves as a residence permit equivalent for those planning to immigrate to Austria and later obtain permanent residence. A foreign national may qualify for the document if they meet the following requirements:

• completed at least a three-year higher education program or possess relevant professional experience;
• received a job offer from an Austrian company with an employment contract valid for no less than six months;
• signed an agreement confirming an average annual salary of at least 47,855 EUR;
• obtained confirmation from the Austrian Public Employment Service that no suitable candidates for the position were found among registered job seekers.

An EU Blue Card may also be issued in Austria to foreigners who received the same status in another EU country at least one year earlier. Permanent residence can generally be obtained after five years of legal stay. Applicants who initially held an EU Blue Card in another EU member state may count part of their previous residence period abroad after two years of employment in Austria. For example, a person who lived in Germany for three years on the basis of an EU Blue Card and then moved to Austria may apply for permanent residence after 24 months.

Other Grounds for Immigration

Austrian legislation also provides several additional pathways for immigration and obtaining permanent residence. Foreign nationals and their family members may qualify for permanent resident status if they fall under one of the categories established by law.

For example, permanent residence may be available to retirees who received special residence quotas, individuals who previously lost their Austrian residence status after long-term stay in the country, holders of permanent residence permits issued by another EU member state, as well as foreigners who have held asylum status in Austria for the previous five years.

One of the key requirements remains proof of sufficient financial resources. For a single applicant, the minimum stable monthly income generally must amount to approximately 2,700 EUR per month, while for married couples the required level is around 4,300 EUR. In addition, applicants are typically expected to demonstrate approximately 420 EUR per month for each dependent child. These amounts are regularly adjusted in accordance with Austria’s social standards and cost-of-living indicators.

Permanent residence may also be granted to individuals who for many years were mistakenly considered Austrian citizens based on their origin and who have legally resided in the country for at least five years, but were later unable to officially confirm their citizenship status.

Immigration to Austria with an EU Passport

Citizens of EU countries may move to Austria and live there without obtaining permanent residence status. To remain in the country for longer than 90 days, they only need to register with the local authorities and obtain a registration certificate.

What Is Required to Move to Austria

To relocate to Austria from a non-EU country, applicants must first determine the legal basis for immigration, such as employment, scientific research, or another eligible category. It is important to prepare all required documents in advance for submission to the Austrian authorities. Since permanent residence can only be requested after a period of legal stay with a temporary residence permit, applicants must also prepare a separate file for obtaining a visa and temporary resident status.

Preparing Documents

Immigration to Austria and applying for permanent residence require careful preparation of documents. Any documents issued abroad in a language other than German must be accompanied by a translation completed by a specialist certified by an Austrian court. An application for permanent residence generally includes:

• a passport or another valid identity document;
• one photograph in 45 × 35 mm format taken within the last six months;
• proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a property ownership certificate, rental agreement, or similar document;
• a European-standard health insurance policy covering possible medical expenses in Austria;
• proof of financial stability, such as income certificates, pension confirmations, or other evidence of sufficient funds;
• proof of German language proficiency at a minimum B1 level, such as a language certificate or a school diploma issued by an Austrian educational institution.

Since immigration to Austria is only possible on the grounds established by law, applicants may also need to provide additional supporting documents depending on the chosen pathway. For example:

• an employment contract with an Austrian employer for work-based residence permits;
• company registration documents and financial or tax reports for business immigration;
• a marriage certificate for family reunification applications.

Relocation Conditions and Requirements for Immigrants

Moving to Austria and obtaining permanent residence is possible only after meeting all requirements established by the local authorities. To qualify for permanent resident status, applicants generally must:

• legally reside in Austria with a temporary residence permit for at least five years;
• demonstrate German language proficiency at a minimum B1 level;
• prove the availability of a stable monthly income of approximately 1,320 EUR for a single applicant, around 2,090 EUR for a married couple, plus an additional 205 EUR for each dependent child;
• obtain a European-standard health insurance policy;
• rent accommodation or purchase property in Austria.

One of the main disadvantages of immigrating to Austria is that obtaining permanent residence requires both long-term residence in the country and proof of German language knowledge. However, since Austria is part of the European Union, holders of EU passports may move to the country without having to meet many of these immigration requirements. Migration specialists can explain how accelerated EU citizenship programs may simplify legal relocation to Austria.

How to Obtain Permanent Residence in Austria

The process of obtaining permanent residence in Austria involves several stages, beginning with relocation from a non-EU country and the preparation of all required immigration documents. All applicants generally need to complete the following steps:

Before applying for permanent residence, applicants must obtain official proof of German language proficiency at level B1 or higher. Those who do not hold a diploma from an Austrian school or university must take a language test through the Austrian Integration Fund (Österreichischer Integrationsfonds — OIF). Information about examination dates and testing locations is available on the institution’s official website. The cost of the exam ranges from approximately 98 EUR to 139 EUR, and results are typically sent by mail within 15 days.

Refusal of Permanent Residence

Immigration to Austria and obtaining permanent residence are not possible for foreigners who do not have a legal basis for long-term stay in the country. Austrian authorities may refuse permanent resident status to applicants with criminal records or to individuals considered a potential threat to national security.

If an application is rejected, the applicant may be required to leave Austria, as further stay in the country could be considered unlawful. Illegal residence may result in deportation and a subsequent entry ban.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Austria for Permanent Residence

When planning a move to Austria for permanent residence, it is important to consider not only administrative fees, but also the main living expenses. The cost of immigration documents depends on the type of permit and the applicant’s age.

Obtaining a long-term residence visa generally costs around 150–160 EUR for adults and approximately 75–80 EUR for children under the age of 6. Applying for a residence permit costs about 218 EUR. Since 2026, Austria has introduced a unified application fee that is paid in full at the time of submission. Additional expenses may also apply for document legalization, apostilles, and certified translations.

Obtaining permanent resident status («Permanent Residence – EU») costs approximately 275 EUR. For children under 6 years old, the fee is usually slightly lower. Applicants should also consider related expenses for photographs, identity verification, and issuance of the residence card.

Housing remains one of the largest expenses. Renting an apartment of around 60 m² in Vienna generally starts from 1,300–1,600 EUR per month, in Salzburg from about 1,200–1,400 EUR, and in Linz approximately 700–900 EUR. Utility bills are paid separately and may add another 200–350 EUR per month depending on the region and season.

Relocation costs also include transportation and everyday living expenses. Flights to Austria usually cost between 350–500 EUR depending on the route and booking period. Mobile communication services typically range from 15–30 EUR per month. In addition, applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means for living in Austria, which generally amount to at least 1,300 EUR per month per person excluding housing costs.

Renewing Permanent Residence and Obtaining Austrian Citizenship

After immigrating to Austria and obtaining permanent residence, it is important to remember that the physical permanent residence card must be renewed every five years. However, the status itself is granted indefinitely, meaning there is no need to repeatedly provide documents confirming the original grounds for relocation when renewing the card.

Austrian citizenship may be obtained after a total of 10 years of legal residence in the country, including at least 5 years with permanent resident status. Residence is generally considered continuous if the applicant has not spent more than three months outside Austria in total during each year of stay.

Where Is the Best Place to Move? Choosing a City in Austria

Austria does not currently offer government relocation programs that provide financial incentives or special allowances for foreigners moving to specific regions of the country. For this reason, when choosing a city for immigration, it is important to consider salary levels, employment opportunities, cost of living, and business prospects.

Vienna

Most foreigners choose Vienna because of its high quality of life, developed economy, and broad career opportunities. The average gross monthly salary in the capital is approximately 4,900–5,200 EUR. Vienna is especially attractive for students, as it is home to prestigious universities, including the University of Vienna, which regularly appears in international rankings of the world’s leading higher education institutions. The capital also hosts the headquarters of international organizations and major corporations, while the labor market remains active in industries such as manufacturing, IT, tourism, finance, and real estate.

Salzburg

Salzburg is considered one of the most popular Austrian cities among immigrants thanks to its high standard of living and strong tourism sector. The average gross salary here is approximately 4,500–4,700 EUR per month. The city is an important transportation hub with convenient connections to other EU countries. Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, alongside culture and education — Salzburg is home to the internationally known Mozarteum University.

Linz

Linz is often chosen by highly qualified specialists and professionals working in technical industries. The average monthly salary before taxes is around 4,200–4,500 EUR. The city remains one of Austria’s major industrial and technological centers, with strong development in metallurgy, chemical production, engineering, and IT. Linz is also home to the large Tech Harbor innovation cluster, which attracts international companies and startups.

Is It Worth Moving to Austria?

Relocating to Austria and obtaining permanent residence opens up broad opportunities for both personal and professional development for foreigners. The country consistently ranks among the European states with a high standard of living, strong social protection, and economic stability. Austria may be an attractive destination for those looking to increase their income, as the average monthly salary in the country generally ranges from 4,500–5,000 EUR gross depending on the profession, qualifications, and region.

Immigration to Austria is also appealing for investors, including those interested in purchasing real estate. Austrian legislation allows foreigners to buy residential property and rent it out, although certain federal states may apply additional restrictions or approval procedures for non-residents.

Other important advantages of living in Austria include:

• high-quality education, with Austrian university degrees recognized internationally;
• a highly developed healthcare system considered among the strongest in Europe;
• strong social protection, including pension support that can exceed approximately 1,300 EUR per month depending on insurance contributions and employment history;
• a high level of safety, political stability, and overall comfortable living conditions.

At the same time, applicants should consider that immigration to Austria requires long-term planning, financial stability, and integration into local society, including German language proficiency. For this reason, many foreigners first explore alternative pathways to EU residency or citizenship that may later simplify relocation to Austria.

Reviews of Moving to Austria

Reviews from foreigners who have relocated to Austria show that one of the biggest challenges in obtaining permanent residence is bureaucracy. In many cases, applicants still need to visit government offices in person, schedule appointments in advance, and wait for consultations with immigration officials. Immigrants also note that even minor inconsistencies in documentation may lead to delays or refusal of residence applications.

At the same time, experiences of living in Austria are generally mixed but often positive overall. The main advantages most foreigners mention include high salaries, a strong social system, relatively stable living conditions, and high-quality healthcare in both public and private clinics. Austria is also valued for its safety, clean cities, efficient public transport, and overall quality of life.

Among the disadvantages, some immigrants point to the slower pace of digitalization and administrative procedures compared to other European countries. Certain banking, registration, or government services may still require paper documentation and waiting periods. For example, bank cards and official residence documents are often delivered by post rather than issued immediately.