Austria is one of Europe’s wealthiest countries, offering a very high quality of life to its people. With awe-inspiring natural attractions and a well-developed and stable economy, Austria makes for an outstanding place of residence.
Austria is an outstanding place to take up residence. For persons of independent means, Austria offers the opportunity to become resident in the EU and Europe’s Schengen Area with minimal bureaucratic requirements.
Enquiry FactsheetEUR 40,000 in liquid funds on a bank account (the exact amount depends on the family size)
One–three months from submission of the
application to approval
The right of free movement to Austria, the rest
of the EU, and Europe’s Schengen Area
An Austrian residence permit allows you to travel to all Europe’s Schengen Area states without a visa. A residence permit is initially issued for one year and can then be renewed without problems or interruptions. After 10 years of legal residence, and in certain circumstances after six years, it is possible to apply for Austrian citizenship.
Austria distinguishes between 10 different types of residence permits. These permits differ firstly depending on whether the applicant is allowed to work in Austria and secondly, whether the applicant is allowed to work as an employee or as a self-employed person. Other permits exist for students and family members of persons who are already resident in Austria. For some of these permits, including those for persons of independent means, annual quotas apply that are implemented each year by decree. For all other residence permits, strict conditions have to be fulfilled.
In the course of the application process, applicants must personally submit mandatory documentation to the Austrian consular or diplomatic representation in their current country of residence. Due to the strict quota constraints for some residence permits, timing of the submission of the application is of prime importance. Once the permit is granted, the applicant must pick up a special visa at the Austrian embassy, which allows the applicant to travel to Austria to collect the residence permit at the relevant authority.
There is a minimum processing period of one month, but applications usually take three months to be approved. Once the residence permit is issued, it must be collected in person from the issuing authority in Austria. In addition, all non-EU and non-EFTA citizens must sign an integration agreement if they will be residing in Austria for more than 24 months. The residence and settlement permits are issued in the form of a card and can be renewed each year.
Should you have any questions, or if you would like a detailed breakdown of the exact costs for your family, kindly contact us and we will be delighted to help you.
