Austria · Permanent Residence
Austria Permanent Residence for Founders
Austria's permanent status for founders is the Long-term resident – EU permit. It becomes available after five years of uninterrupted lawful residence, once the applicant has completed Module 2 of the Integration Agreement and meets the income rules.
- Startup route
- Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders
- Minimum capital
- EUR 30,000, at least half of it equity
- Permanent residence
- 5 years (Long-term resident – EU)
- Citizenship
- 10 years; 6 years in specific cases
Long-term resident – EU (Daueraufenthalt – EU)
The permit grants long-term settlement and free access to the labor market. Applicants must have resided lawfully in Austria for the last five years without interruption, meet the general requirements on income, health insurance and accommodation, and have completed Module 2 of the Integration Agreement at the time of filing. For 2026 the income benchmark is EUR 1,308.39 a month for a single person and EUR 2,064.12 for a couple, plus EUR 201.88 for each child, without relying on welfare. The card is issued for five years and the application fee is EUR 275.
- Qualifying period
- 5 years of uninterrupted lawful residence
- Language
- Module 2: German at B1
- Income (single)
- EUR 1,308.39 a month (2026)
- Income (couple)
- EUR 2,064.12 a month plus EUR 201.88 per child
- Government fee
- EUR 275
- Card validity
- Issued for 5 years
- Rights
- Long-term settlement, free labor market access
Requirements
- Five years of lawful residence in Austria without interruption.
- Module 2 of the Integration Agreement completed before filing.
- Regular income at the 2026 benchmark, without welfare support.
- Health insurance that covers all risks and is valid in Austria.
- A legal right to accommodation suitable for the size of the family.
How to apply
- Pass the Austrian Integration Fund's B1 integration exam or another accepted Module 2 proof.
- Collect five years of residence records, income evidence, insurance and lease documents.
- File the application with the competent residence authority and pay EUR 275.
Meeting Module 2 before applying
Module 2 targets independent use of German at level B1 and advanced knowledge of the values behind Austria's legal and social system. There is no general duty to complete it, but a long-term residence permit cannot be granted without it. Accepted evidence includes the Austrian Integration Fund's B1 integration exam, certain school and study achievements, and a passed apprenticeship or skilled worker examination. Authorities may still find language skills insufficient despite a certificate.
For founders, the five years can combine time on the start-up founder card with later periods on the Red-White-Red Card plus. Since Module 2 also counts as Module 1, completing it early can support both the three-year card plus and the later permanent permit. Minors below compulsory school age and people with a permanent serious health condition, supported by a medical certificate, are exempt from the Module 2 requirement.
Questions and answers
When can a start-up founder apply for permanent residence in Austria?
After five years of lawful and uninterrupted residence, which can combine the start-up founder card with later Red-White-Red Card plus periods. Module 2 of the Integration Agreement must already be complete when the application is filed, together with the income, insurance and housing conditions.
What income is needed for Austria's long-term resident permit?
The 2026 benchmark is a regular monthly income of EUR 1,308.39 for a single person and EUR 2,064.12 for a married couple or registered partners, plus EUR 201.88 for each child. The income must cover living costs without welfare support.
How is B1 German proven for Module 2?
The usual proof is the Austrian Integration Fund's B1 integration exam certificate. Specified school or university achievements and a passed final apprenticeship or skilled worker examination are also accepted. Completing Module 2 also counts as fulfilling Module 1 of the Integration Agreement.
How long is the Long-term resident – EU card valid?
The card is issued for five years and grants long-term settlement with free access to the labor market. Holders should check the renewal of the card document with the residence authority well before the printed expiry date.
Official sources
- Other forms of settlement - Migration.gv.atwww.migration.gv.at
- Integration Agreement - Migration.gv.atwww.migration.gv.at
- Red-White-Red Card plus - Migration.gv.atwww.migration.gv.at
Reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules change often. Confirm the current requirements with the official authority or a licensed adviser before applying.
Your path in Austria.
Startup visa
Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders: 50 points, EUR 30,000 capital
02Temporary residence
First card for up to 24 months, then the Red-White-Red Card plus
03Permanent residence
Long-term resident – EU after 5 years, with Module 2 (German B1)
04Citizenship
Usually 10 years; the previous nationality must normally be renounced