AustriaResearch residence permit

Research residence permit in Austria

A permit for third-country nationals who have concluded a hosting agreement with a certified research institution or university. The title gives the right to work as a researcher and requires no knowledge of German, either of the researcher or of family members. Family members can apply together with the researcher and are also exempt from the language requirements. After the initial period a single renewal is possible, or a move to the Red-White-Red Card plus.

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

Where and how to apply

The application can be lodged in two ways: through an Austrian consulate in your country of residence, or directly in Austria after lawful entry.

Through a consulate

Lodging the documents at the Austrian consulate in your country of residence
Preparing the hosting agreement with the research institution before applying
Agreeing the details of the required documents with the consulate

In Austria after entry

Lawful entry into Austria
Lodging the documents with the competent authority for the intended place of residence (the Provincial Governor's Office or the district administration)
Examination of the application within two months of lodging

When this programme will not suit you

There is no agreement with a research institution

Try other types of Settlement Permit (artists, specialists in other fields) or temporary residence programmes

You plan to work in a role other than researcher

Look at the Red-White-Red Card programmes for workers or at other work permits

Insufficient means of subsistence

The Settlement Permit requires documented minimum income; consider programmes with different financial conditions or look for a sponsoring employer

What it costs

Fee for lodging the applicationThe compulsory fee when applying for the Settlement Permit	218 EUR
Monthly income (single person)The minimum guaranteed income for 2026; the ASVG rate	1 308,39 EUR
Monthly income (married couple)For a spouse or registered partner; the ASVG rate for 2026	2 064,12 EUR
Additional amount for each childAdded to the main applicant's income; the ASVG rate for 2026	+201,88 EUR
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. “Additional amount for each child” adds 201,88 EUR; the “Monthly income (married couple)” branch replaces the “Monthly income (single person)” line — 2 282,12 EUR. Charges with no official price list are in the list below.	1,526.39–1 728,27 EUR

Paid separately

Accommodation check (in the package) — Researchers do not have to provide a separate document on adequate accommodation, but must prove their housing costs
Language testing — Researchers and their family members are exempt from the requirement to provide proof of German at level A1

Documents to gather

Originals or notarised copies of all documents must be prepared.

A valid travel document (passport or equivalent)
A biometric photograph (4x5 cm)
A hosting agreement from a certified or recognised research institution (university, research centre)
Proof of the minimum guaranteed income (a certificate from your place of work, bank statements)
Proof of health insurance
Proof of accommodation and its costs
A criminal record certificate
A medical certificate (from the country of origin)
Family members' documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate)

How the process runs

The process can take up to 6 months. The order of application differs depending on where the application is lodged.

1
Preparing the agreement with the research institution
1-3 months
The researcher agrees the terms of the research with a certified university or research institution. The institution confirms its consent by a written agreement.
2
Collecting the documents
1-2 months
All the necessary documents are prepared, including proof of income, insurance and family documents. Documents must be originals or certified copies.
3
Lodging the application
1 day - 1 month
The application is lodged at a consulate (if applying from abroad) or at the Provincial Governor's Office for the place of residence (if applying in Austria after lawful entry). When applying in Austria this can be done after entry.
4
Examination by the authorities
up to 6 months
The competent authorities check the documents and contact the research institution and the security authorities. The authority must take a decision no later than 6 months from receipt of the application.
5
Issue of the permit
1-2 weeks after the decision
If the decision is positive, a Settlement Permit valid for 2 years is issued. The permit gives the right to unrestricted work as a researcher and to live in Austria during that period.

Timelines and rights

Work

The right to work as a researcher. The title can be renewed once for 1 year to look for work or set up a company.

Who you can bring with you

A researcher's family members can apply for the same permit at the same time as the researcher or later. They receive a number of concessions, but must meet the general requirements.

Spouse or registered partner

May apply together with the researcher. Financial requirements: a joint guaranteed income of EUR 2,064.12 per month. Exempt from the requirement to provide proof of German. Receives the same permit for 2 years.

Minor children (under 18)

May be named as dependants. Financial requirements: an additional EUR 201.88 per month for each child on top of the parents' income. Exempt from the language requirements. They receive a permit for the same period as the researcher.

Children over 18 (if dependent)

May apply as dependants where the dependency is well founded. Documents proving financial dependency are required. The conditions on language and the permit are the same as for minors.

Trips, renewal and the grace period

Applications by researchers and their family members may be lodged in Austria. German before entry is not required, either of the researcher or of family members.

The Settlement Permit for researchers can be renewed once for a period of 1 year. The renewal can be used to continue the research, to look for work in Austria or to set up a company. After that year the researcher can apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus, which is valid for 1 year and can be renewed for 3 years if the integration requirements are met and residence in Austria has been at least 2 continuous years.

How it differs from the routes next to it

The comparison is built from the official terms of the routes themselves — the source links sit on their own pages.

	Research residence permit	Red-White-Red Card	Blue Card
Visa term	2 years	Usually 24 months tied to the employer, then the RWR Karte plus	Up to 2 years (or the term of the contract plus 3 months), renewed for 3 years
Grounds	A title giving the right to work as a researcher in Austria	Skilled workers / start-up founders	High qualification + contract
Work	The right to work as a researcher	Work with a specific employer; after the RWR+ the labour market is open	The right to work under the contract; a change of employer requires approval

Frequently asked questions about Research residence permit

Can I work while waiting for a decision on the application?

No, you cannot work as a researcher until the Settlement Permit has been issued. Applications are lodged before it is granted. However, if you lodge the application in Austria after lawful entry, you will need to be on a lawful status (for example a student visa or a tourist visa).

What is a hosting agreement and how do you obtain one?

A hosting agreement is a written document from a research institution (university, research centre) confirming that the organisation will host you as a researcher. The institution must be certified or recognised by the Austrian authorities. You agree the terms directly with your future employer, and the institution then issues an official letter to be submitted to the consulate.

Is knowledge of German required for a researcher?

No. Researchers and their family members are entirely exempt from the requirement to provide proof of knowledge of German at level A1. This is one of the main advantages of this programme. It is nevertheless advisable to start learning the language after moving.

Can I stay in Austria after the Settlement Permit expires?

Yes. After 2 years of continuous residence in Austria on the Settlement Permit you can move to the Red-White-Red Card plus, which allows you to stay and continue working. The card is issued first for 1 year and can then be renewed for 3 years if the integration requirements are met (work, basic knowledge of the language).

What costs do I have to prove besides the guaranteed income?

You must prove three things: an adequate guaranteed income (EUR 1,308.39 per month for a single person), health insurance covering all risks and valid in Austria, and housing costs (adequate accommodation by local standards). The documents include bank statements, certificates from your employer, a tenancy contract and an insurance policy.

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.