Austria•EuropeEU Long-Term Residence Permit
At a Glance
4 weeks – 6 months
EUR €50
5 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Indefinite settlement for non-EU nationals with 5+ years continuous lawful residence, requiring B1 German and secure income for family reunification rights.
The EU Long-Term Residence Permit (Daueraufenthalt–EU) grants indefinite permanent status to non-EU nationals after five years of lawful residence in Austria. This permit recognizes successful integration into Austrian society, providing full labor market access, unrestricted work rights, and family reunification privileges for long-term residents seeking to formalize their settlement.
The residence card is issued for five-year periods and must be renewed; the underlying settlement status is indefinite. Applicants must complete Module 2 of the Integration Agreement (B1 German) before submission and demonstrate stable income of EUR 15,701+, comprehensive health insurance, and adequate accommodation. Processing takes 28–182 days. Spouses and dependent children may reunify.
This visa is ideal for skilled non-EU professionals or workers who have spent five years in Austria and seek permanent residency without employer sponsorship.
Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Permanent / indefinite |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Five years of continuous, lawful residence in Austria with a valid residence permit.
Proof of a secure and regular income (sufficient to cover living expenses without recourse to social assistance).
Proof of health insurance covering all risks in Austria.
Proof of adequate accommodation (e.g., rental agreement or property deed).
Completion of Module 2 of the Integration Agreement (B1 level German language proficiency).
No threat to public order or security.
KEY CRITERIA
Min. Income
15,701 EUR/yr
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed application form for the 'Daueraufenthalt – EU' permit.
Valid travel document (passport).
Recent passport photograph (not older than 6 months).
Proof of secure livelihood (e.g., pay slips, employment contracts, pension notices).
Proof of health insurance (e.g., social insurance data sheet or private policy).
Proof of adequate accommodation (e.g., rental contract, Meldezettel).
Certificate of completion of Module 2 of the Integration Agreement (B1 German).
Birth certificate and, if applicable, marriage/partnership/divorce certificates.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Permanent settlement status with indefinite validity once granted; residence card valid 5 years then renewable
- Unrestricted work authorization across all sectors in Austria with no employer sponsorship required
- Spouse and dependent children qualifying for family reunification with independent legal status
- EU-wide mobility rights; holders can travel throughout Schengen zone without additional visa requirements
- Low minimum income threshold of EUR 15,701 annually; affordable compared to skilled worker visas
- Dual intent permitted; no requirement to renounce home country ties or declare permanent relocation intent
- Clear, structured application pathway with defined processing window of up to 6 months
Worth Knowing
- Mandatory B1-level German proficiency (CEFR) via Module 2 Integration Agreement; language training costs not covered
- Five-year continuous lawful residence requirement; must demonstrate unbroken status throughout entire period
- Residence card renewal every 5 years; failure to renew lapses indefinite status despite permanent settlement designation
- Requires proof of adequate accommodation and health insurance; housing costs in Austria are significant
- German B1 language proficiency is mandatory; no exemptions or alternative language pathways available
- Cannot apply until completing full 5 years of lawful residence in Austria with no breaks in status
Application Process
Complete Module 2
Obtain Integration Agreement Module 2 certificate (B1 German) before applying
Gather documents
Assemble proof of 5-year lawful residence, income, health insurance, accommodation, and Module 2 certificate
Submit application
File with competent Austrian consular representation abroad (or domestic residence authority if already in Austria)
Consulate review
Consulate checks completeness and forwards application to Austrian authority
Processing
Authority decides within a maximum of 6 months
Receive permit
Daueraufenthalt – EU card issued for 5-year period; status is indefinite
Application Forms
| Daueraufenthalt – EU Application Form (Form B, Section 7) | — |
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