AUSTRIAN RESIDENCE PERMIT

• 11th place among the happiest countries in the world
• Residence permit gives you the right to live in the country, but does not require you to do so
• 6th place among the best healthcare systems. Over 11% of GDP is allocated to healthcare, which is above the European average
• Visa-free travel within the Schengen Area
• 12th place among the best education systems
• You can apply for citizenship after 10 years. Large investors may obtain citizenship earlier
• Comfortable summers and mild winters
• 11th place in quality of life
• Access to financial services
• Developed infrastructure, accessible transport, and comfortable mobility. Austria ranks 6th in the world for road quality
• Top 3 in safety and security
• Plenty of recreational opportunities. 12th place among the most visited countries in the world
• Opportunity to obtain permanent residence and citizenship (Austria’s passport is ranked as 3rd in the world for its strength)
• Top 10 in environmental performance. Austrians sort waste, recycle, and aim to reduce harmful emissions as much as possible

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Austria offers a high standard of living, security, and long-term stability. The country is particularly attractive for those who enjoy winter activities and world-class ski resorts in the Alps.

The program is based on residence for financially independent individuals. This means the applicant must demonstrate sufficient personal savings or stable income generated outside Austria. After five years of continuous legal residence, it is possible to apply for long-term EU resident status (EU permanent residence), subject to meeting the applicable requirements at that time.

A residence permit allows the holder to legally reside in Austria for extended periods (initial permits are typically issued for one year and renewable) while maintaining their original citizenship, as dual nationality is not required at the residence stage.

Obtaining residence also provides access to high-quality educational institutions and Austria’s comprehensive healthcare system.

1. Personal submission of the application at the Austrian consulate in the applicant’s country of citizenship. If the applicant can enter Austria visa-free, the application may be submitted directly in Austria
2. Fingerprinting at the Austrian immigration authority. If the applicant cannot enter Austria visa-free, they must obtain a Category D visa
3. Residence permit issuance (within 10–14 days after biometrics)

• The first and second (and, in some cases, third) residence permits are issued for 1 year.
• The third and subsequent residence permits are issued for 3 years.