Austria•Europe

Open

Settlement Permit - Researcher

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

6 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €120

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

24 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Residence permit for PhD researchers at certified Austrian institutions; 24 months renewable with employer hosting agreement and no language requirements.

The Settlement Permit - Researcher is a residence permit for non-EU nationals conducting scientific research at certified Austrian research institutions. Applicants must hold a doctoral degree and secure a hosting agreement confirming their research role. This permit enables qualified researchers to live and work legally while advancing Austria's research capabilities.

The permit is issued for 24 months, extendable once for 12 months for job search or business formation. Application fee is EUR 120. Full health insurance and proof of sufficient financial means are required. Spouses may work unrestricted. Processing takes up to 6 months. Holders may transition to the Red-White-Red Card or EU Long-Term Residence Permit.

This visa is ideal for doctoral-level researchers seeking to conduct scientific work at Austrian institutions with a 24-36 month research timeline.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Austria

RWR-Karte — Red-White-Red Card

Validity2 years

Processing2 months

View Visa Details

Austria

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity5 years

Processing4 weeks – 6 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a doctoral/PhD degree or a degree providing access to doctoral programs.

A valid hosting agreement with a certified research institution or a research institution that does not require certification (e.g., a university).

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living costs.

Proof of full medical insurance covering all risks in Austria.

No threat to public security or order.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

doctorate or higher

Min. Income

15,701 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Hosting agreement

Research proposal

Educational credentials

Health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Criminal record certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows scientific research work in Austria without German language requirements
Full dependents support — family members can apply for Red-White-Red Card plus with unrestricted work rights
Pathway to Red-White-Red Card plus after 21 months of employment within 24-month research period
Renewable permits as long as hosting agreement remains valid, enabling sustained research careers
24-month initial permit duration provides extended planning certainty for research projects
Dual-intent status allows exploratory research leading to permanent employment transitions
Schengen area mobility enabled throughout permit validity

Worth Knowing

Hosting agreement ties permit to specific research organization; institutional changes may affect status
Renewal contingent on active hosting agreement; research project termination may trigger permit review
Applications from abroad require full approval before entry; domestic applicants can apply after arrival
Doctorate degree required — no pathway for researchers without PhD-level or master's equivalent qualifications

Application Process

Certified research organization: Identify certified hosting institution

Hosting agreement: Obtain formal hosting agreement

Prepare documents: Gather research credentials and documentation

Apply at consulate: Submit application at Austrian embassy/consulate

Or apply locally: Can apply after entry with Visa D

Processing: Authority reviews (8 weeks)

Receive permit: Settlement permit issued for 24 months

Application Forms

Researcher Settlement Permit Application

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Verified Claims (8)

Last verified Jun 26, 2026

English Min Score

null

migration.gv.at

English Test Name

null

migration.gv.at

Job Offer Required

true

bmi.gv.at

Language Req

None

migration.gv.at

Max Stay

24 months; extendable once for 12 months for job search or business formation

migration.gv.at

Processing Estimates

{"minDays":180,"maxDays":180}

migration.gv.at

Processing Time

Up to 6 months

migration.gv.at

Work Auth

true

bmi.gv.at

Official Information

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Overview

Residence permit for PhD researchers at certified Austrian institutions; 24 months renewable with employer hosting agreement and no language requirements.

This visa is ideal for doctoral-level researchers seeking to conduct scientific work at Austrian institutions with a 24-36 month research timeline.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Possession of a doctoral/PhD degree or a degree providing access to doctoral programs.

A valid hosting agreement with a certified research institution or a research institution that does not require certification (e.g., a university).

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover living costs.

Proof of full medical insurance covering all risks in Austria.

No threat to public security or order.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

doctorate or higher

Min. Income

15,701 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Hosting agreement

Research proposal

Educational credentials

Health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Criminal record certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows scientific research work in Austria without German language requirements
Full dependents support — family members can apply for Red-White-Red Card plus with unrestricted work rights
Pathway to Red-White-Red Card plus after 21 months of employment within 24-month research period
Renewable permits as long as hosting agreement remains valid, enabling sustained research careers
24-month initial permit duration provides extended planning certainty for research projects
Dual-intent status allows exploratory research leading to permanent employment transitions
Schengen area mobility enabled throughout permit validity

Worth Knowing

Hosting agreement ties permit to specific research organization; institutional changes may affect status
Renewal contingent on active hosting agreement; research project termination may trigger permit review
Applications from abroad require full approval before entry; domestic applicants can apply after arrival
Doctorate degree required — no pathway for researchers without PhD-level or master's equivalent qualifications