From Dreams to Destinations
From Dreams to Destinations
An Austrian residence permit lets you live in Austria and visit other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. If you're financially independent, you can apply; you just need to show that you have enough income and basic German language skills.
Visa Free Access *
Obtaining Period *
With an Austrian residence permit, you can move to a safe and scenic country. Austria offers a high standard of living, charming architecture, rich culture, and stunning nature. To keep your residency, you need to live in Austria for at least 183 days a year.
If you want to live in Austria, you must meet a few rules set by the government. You need to show that you have enough money to live without asking for help from the state. You also need health insurance and a place to stay.
You must apply for the Austrian residency permit at the Austrian embassy or consulate unless the law allows you to apply inside Austria.
Reference: https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/
Austria Residency Program: Step-by-Step Process
First, a quick confidential check is done to find any problems. This takes one day and is done by a specialist who knows the rules well. Then, lawyers give you a list of all the papers you and your family need to prepare. Everyone over 14 years old must prove they can speak basic German (level A1) with a certificate from places like the Goethe-Institut. If not, they can show proof of higher education, but this may take longer, up to 4 weeks.
Experts help you find a house or apartment in Austria that fits the rules and what you want. You have to sign a lease for at least one year. You'll pay rent upfront for 6 to 12 months, plus a security deposit equal to 3 months' rent and a fee to the realtor equal to 2 months' rent. This usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. At the same time, everyone in your family needs full health insurance that covers everything, and the contract must last at least 3 years. This takes around 2 to 3 weeks.
Lawyers help you book an appointment at the Austrian consulate, where you and your family give your application and biometric data (like fingerprints). The earlier you get your appointment, the better your chances of getting a quota. The consulate sends your papers to Austria, which takes up to 6 weeks.
The Austrian authorities decide who gets a permit and tell you. Processing can take 4 to 8 weeks, and sometimes they ask for more documents. Once approved, you get an invitation to pick up a D visa from the consulate. You'll need to show your bank records, passports, health insurance, and lease agreement. After you get the visa, you must enter Austria and get your residence permit cards within 3 months.
When you arrive, lawyers help you register as a resident and open a bank account in Austria. You need to be there in person to open the account and transfer money for your living costs. You and your family collect your residence permit cards in person at the immigration office, usually within 2 to 3 days. The first two permits last one year each. After two years of living in Austria, you can get a permit that lasts 3 years. After five years, you can apply for permanent residence.
Austria only issues 450 residence permits per year for financially independent persons. This makes the application highly competitive, and you must apply early in January to secure a spot.
With the financially independent person permit, you cannot work or run a business in Austria. You can only do so after obtaining permanent residency, which requires 5 years of residence.
Family members over 14 years old must demonstrate basic German language skills (A1 level) to qualify. This adds an extra requirement that takes time and preparation.
Our expert-driven process is faster, easier, and completely hassle-free.