AustriaPermanent residence

EU long-term resident in Austria

The long-term resident title gives the right to five years of residence in Austria provided you have lived here for five years without interruption and have met the requirements of the Integration Agreement. The status opens up full access to the labour market and mobility within the EU countries. It is a permanent solution for third-country nationals who meet the criteria of integration and financial stability.

Visa term

The document is issued for 5 years.

Work

Free access to the labour market.

Source: migration.gv.at — Other forms of settlement

Who can obtain this status

EU long-term resident is a status obtained by third-country nationals who have lived in Austria for five years without interruption and have met the integration requirements.

The main route

Third-country nationals who have lived in Austria for 5 years without interruption
Have completed Module 2 of the Integration Agreement
Have a stable income and accommodation

Special cases

Researchers already in Austria can apply from inside the country
Family members can follow through family reunification
Those who held other permits and stayed for 5 years are entitled to apply

When this programme will not suit you

You have only just arrived in Austria or have lived here for less than 5 years

The Red-White-Red Card (for skilled workers) or other types of temporary permit

You are a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland

Direct registration of residence (freedom of movement for EU citizens)

You do not have the means to cover your costs without social assistance

Improve your qualifications or find additional sources of income before applying

What it costs

State fee for the applicationCompulsory when lodging the application	275 EUR
Subsistence minimum (single person, monthly)ASVG rates for 2026	1 308,39 EUR
Subsistence minimum (married couple, monthly)If you apply together with a spouse or partner	2 064,12 EUR
Additional amount for each child (monthly)Added to the minimum for a couple or a single person for each dependant	+201,88 EUR
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. “Additional amount for each child (monthly)” adds 201,88 EUR; the “Subsistence minimum (married couple, monthly)” branch replaces the “Subsistence minimum (single person, monthly)” line — 2 339,12 EUR. Charges with no official price list are in the list below.	1,583.39–1 785,27 EUR

Paid separately

Health insurance — Compulsory, but forms part of the subsistence minimum as part of the cover for risks
Accommodation — Proof of a right of use is required, but the accommodation itself is not part of the state fee

Documents to gather

The standard list of documents includes proof of identity, proof of residence, financial statements and confirmation of insurance.

A passport or other document proving identity
A certificate of five years of continuous residence in Austria
A certificate of successful completion of Module 2 of the Integration Agreement
Income statements or account statements confirming financial stability
Proof of ownership or use of accommodation in Austria
A certificate of compulsory health insurance valid in Austria
A criminal record certificate

How the process runs

Obtaining EU long-term resident status involves lodging the application, a check of the documents and the issue of the document.

1
Preparing the documents and collecting the evidence
2-4 weeks
Collect your passport, residence certificates, financial statements, proof of completion of Module 2 and health insurance. Make sure all documents are translated into German where required.
2
Lodging the application
1 day
Applications are usually lodged through the Austrian consular representation in your country of residence. However, if you are already in Austria (for example as a researcher or on another authorised status), you can lodge the application with the local authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) in your region of residence. Pay the state fee of EUR 275.
3
Checking the documents and examining the application
up to 6 months
The Austrian authorities check that the documents are complete and examine financial stability, compliance with the integration requirements and the absence of any threat to public order. The maximum time for a decision is 6 months from receipt of the complete set of documents.
4
Issue of the document
1-2 weeks after the decision
If the decision is positive, you are issued with the EU long-term resident document for five years. The document confirms the right to permanent residence and full access to the labour market.

Who you can bring with you

Family members can follow the holder of EU long-term resident status where documents of relationship and financial support are available.

Spouse or registered partner

Must have documents confirming the marriage or partnership and a visa/permit where required. The financial minimum is EUR 2,064.12 for a couple.

Minor children

A birth certificate and proof of parentage are required. The financial minimum increases by EUR 201.88 for each child. The age limit is determined by local law (usually up to 18).

Family members already in Austria

If you already live in Austria on another legal basis, you do not need a separate visa for reunification — you can apply for a change of status with the local authority.

Trips, renewal and the grace period

The title may be lost after a long stay outside the EEA — a move to the RWR Card plus is then possible.

The EU long-term resident document is valid for five years and can be renewed. The renewal should be started before the current document expires. The renewal procedure is the same as the first application: you must confirm that you continue to meet the requirements (residence in Austria, a stable income, health insurance). If you have spent a long time outside the EEA (more than 6 months in a calendar year), the status may be lost and you may be offered a move to the Red-White-Red Card Plus if you continue working.

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to citizenship

Naturalisation is generally possible after 10 years of lawful continuous residence.

Frequently asked questions about EU long-term resident

What does Module 2 of the Integration Agreement mean and how do you complete it?

Module 2 of the Integration Agreement is a requirement confirming your integration into Austrian society. It covers basic knowledge of German (level A2) and knowledge of Austrian society, history and laws. You can complete it through classroom courses at accredited institutions or through self-study followed by an examination. A certificate of completion is required when lodging the application.

Can I apply from inside Austria, or only through a consulate?

Applications are usually lodged through the Austrian consular representation in your country of origin. There are exceptions, however: if you are already lawfully in Austria (for example as a researcher, a student or the holder of another permit) and have lived here for 5 years, you can lodge the application directly with the local authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft) in your region of residence.

How long does it take to examine an application?

The Austrian authorities must decide without undue delay, but no later than six months from receipt of the complete set of documents. The actual time may be shorter if all the documents are in order and no further checks are needed.

What happens if I live outside Europe for a long time?

EU long-term resident status may be lost if you spend a long time outside the EEA (for example if you live for more than 6 months in a row outside the European Economic Area). In that case you may lose the status and may be offered a move to the Red-White-Red Card Plus if you continue to work in Austria. It is advisable to consult the local authority before a long departure.

When will I be able to apply for Austrian citizenship?

Austrian citizenship can usually be obtained after ten years of continuous lawful residence in the country. This means that if you have obtained EU long-term resident status, you will need to wait a few more years (unless you had already lived in Austria continuously before that). In addition to the 10-year period of residence, a good knowledge of German, evidence of integration and no criminal convictions are required.

Is health insurance part of the financial requirements?

Yes, compulsory health insurance is part of the requirements for permanent residence and must cover all risks in Austria. The cost of health insurance forms part of the overall financial requirements set by the ASVG rates. You must confirm that you have valid insurance when lodging the application and throughout the period of residence.

Other ways to move to Austria

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Austria.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.