This is a residency program which enables non-EU nationals without the need employment to reside in Austria, with a direct route to permanent residency for themselves and immediate family.

• An Austrian residence permit allows its holder to visit Schengen states without the need for a visa
• A residence permit is initially issued for a year and can then be renewed annually
• After 5 years, permanent residency can be applied for which allows residence in any EU country
• After 10  years of legal residence it is possible to apply for Austrian citizenship
• An applicant can also move to Austria with their spouse and children under 18.

If you are residing in Austria as a private resident, you are able to support yourself and any dependents without the need to seek employment in Austria: ‘employment’ for these purposes means directly seeking a job, or running a business.

Private residency in Austria is for those who are seeking a route to permanent EU residency and are not in need of employment, as this visa does not allow the holder to work.

Private residency is a direct route to permanent residency after five years of living in Austria.

Austrian residency for private purposes differs from business-based visas or work permits. This is because this program confers no right to work, and requires no investment.

VAT in Austria is set at 20%, with reduced rates of 12% and 10% for food, books, accommodation rental amongst other goods and services.

The only tax payable in Austria, besides VAT, is income tax. Because, as a private resident, you are not receiving income, there is no tax related to this permit. We would advise that, as a matter of good practice, you seek the relevant tax advice to ensure you receive official documentation regarding tax liability.

• An applicant must be of independent means – meaning they do not need a workplace in Austria
• Funds must be shown in an Austrian or major international bank: this is €24,000 for a single applicant, €30,000 for a family of three and €35,000 for a family of four (we can provide the amounts for other family sizes)
• An applicant must have permanent accommodation in Austria
• An applicant can either hold a University Degree (Bachelor or Master) or an equivalent vocational qualification to qualify
• By the second permit renewal, within the first two years of residency, applicants who do not have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree need to demonstrate B1 level German language skills (excluding those who are under 14 years of age)
• An applicant must reside in Austria for at least 183 days per year
• Health insurance that provides full cover in Austria for each family member
• To obtain permanent residency in Austria after five years, applicants require a German language level of B1.

The residency opportunity for private purposes in Austria is subject to an annual quota, which is available from January each year. Although we advise that any applications are prepared and ready for filing by December to improve an applicant’s chances of being within the quota, the window to apply will remain open for several months.

If applications are prepared too late, there is always the option to submit the following year.

A University Degree (Bachelor or Master) is needed. If an applicant does not have a university degree, they must have an equivalent vocational qualification.

Austria has a two-tier healthcare system through which individuals can receive publically funded care; however there is also the option to purchase private health insurance. We can assist with finding the right healthcare insurance in Austria to suit your individual requirements.

Austria is in the middle range in terms of cost, with a high standard of living for reasonable prices. Basic costs have shifted in line with the rest the EU member states.

There is no investment required for private residency in Austria. The capital to be shown for the purpose of the application is simply to prove to the Austrian authorities that an applicant has sufficient funds for themselves and any dependents to live on, and will remain under their control.

The permit is initially valid for a year, and can then be renewed annually. After five years of legally residing in Austria, private permit holders may apply for permanent residency.

By the second permit renewal, after two years of residency, applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree must demonstrate B1 level German language skills (excluding those who are under 14 years of age.)

To fulfil the formal residency requirements, private permit holders must reside in Austria for at least 180 days per annum.

If requirements have not been fulfilled, a holder may find that their permit extension is denied.

A private residency permit must be renewed on a yearly basis. After five years of residency, a holder may apply for permanent residency, which requires no renewal.

You may not seek employment or actively run a business whilst residing in Austria as a private resident, although you may become a shareholder in an Austrian company. This permit is based on an individual being of independent means – without need of employment or direct influence on the Austrian economy.

You may become a shareholder in an Austrian company, provided that you are not actively employed by the business or generating an income.

Yes, with a tourist visa at any time.

Private residency permit holders may reside in Austria with their spouse and children under the age of eighteen.

You may live anywhere you choose in Austria as a private residency permit holder.

No nationalities are excluded. Anyone can apply.

Yes. There is a free and public education system in Austria, which includes nine years of mandatory schooling for all residents, followed by the option of various vocational and university preparatory routes.

A spouse of a private residency permit holder may not seek employment in Austria, or undertake business there.

• Examination of language requirements/ qualifications
• Execution of service agreement
• Preparing personal documents, bank statements, rental agreement
• Filing of the application with the Austrian Consulate
• Organisation of medical insurance
• If all requirements are met, an entry visa is applied for so that an applicant may travel to Austria for fingerprints and collection of RP cards.

3-6 months

You may move to Austria upon issuance of your private residency card(s).

No

• We manage the whole the application process from start to finish
• We provide you with advice at each stage of the process
• Once your application has been submitted, we will keep you informed of any progress
• We will arrange your accommodation in Austria for you
• We introduce you to an Austrian health insurance provider
• We collect your residence cards for you
• We can offer tax planning and any other form of legal assistance.