If you are going to live for good in Austria, getting the Long-Term Resident, EU permit (Daueraufenthalt – EU in German) is one of the critical steps. This permit allows you to be a permanent resident with unrestricted labour market access in Austria and the right to live and work in other EU countries under certain conditions.
Austria Permanent Residency provides people with a stable and long-lasting way of living in one of the most financially stable and economically prosperous countries in Europe. In such a case, Austrian Permanent Residency comes in with offering not only better standards of living but also excellent health services, progressive education systems, and endless economic opportunities. Another wonderful advantage of the Austrian Permanent Residency qualification is that one is free to travel within the Schengen borders without having to apply for visas, which has attracted the attention of all global citizens. Irrespective of whether you want to relocate to Austria for employment or business purposes or relocate for family reasons, it provides its residents with a legal structure that is appropriate for the beginnings of life in this EU member state with rich cultural practices, and it is located in the middle geographically. In this article, we will discuss how one can reap benefits out of Austria’s Permanent Residency, concerning its terms and conditions and the application process.
Eligibility criteria for permanent residency
To be eligible for permanent residency in Austria, you have to:
- Continuously lived in Austria for 5 years. Continue to be in legal and uninterrupted residence in Austria for at least five years.
- Fulfil integration requirements: Finish Module 2 of the Integration Agreement, which usually entails proving the language proficiency in German at the B1 level and awareness of the Austrian society.
- Secure financial stability: Demonstrate proof of a stable source of income or an ample amount of savings that can sustain you without depending on public assistance.
- Obtain comprehensive health insurance: Possess health insurance that will cover all risks in Austria.
- Maintain a clean criminal record: Provide a police clearance certificate that indicates no criminal record.
What is a permanent residence permit in Austria
A long-term residence permit gives you the right to permanently reside in Austria with free access to the job market. Although there is no limitation to your stay in Austria as long as you keep your settlement, the permit card is valid for five years, and therefore, you will have to renew the permit card after the expiry. On the other hand, in the case of leaving the EEA for over 12 months continuously, your “long-term resident-EU-EU-EU” status will automatically be removed.
What are the advantages of an Austrian permanent residence permit
Obtaining a long-term residence–EU permit is not the only option for working in Austria. For instance, a temporary Red-White-Red Card combines a residence permit and a work permit. If you have found a job in Austria, you can apply for this card, which will give you the right to live and work in this country for a period of up to two years. This is like how the Netherlands is dealing with residence, since in the Netherlands, you accumulate legal years with other permits until you reach the permanent residency mark.
With several other work visas, you are also entitled to Austrian social services such as health care (however, almost everybody, including tourists, can also access Austria’s world-class health care). Nonetheless, if you are keen on the long term, then you may consider the special privileges that a permanent residence grants you.
Privileges of Austrian permanent residence only
This residence permit offers open access to the Austrian labour market, giving you the right to work both as an employee and as a self-employed citizen, without being bound by a particular employer. As a permanent resident, you are not restricted from moving around the Schengen Area. In addition, and what is most important, permanent residence is the only way to become a member of the path to becoming an Austrian citizen.
Application Process
Prepare Documentation: Obtain the required documents such as residence, income, health insurance, language proficiency, and a clear background check in terms of the criminal record.
Submit Application: Apply at your local settlement authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat ) in Austria. It is better to apply at least three months before the current residence permit expires.
Pay Application Fee: The price for a permanent residence permit is about €210. ([Lawyers in Austria]
Await Decision: Times for processing are not always the same, so apply early enough in advance.
Important Considerations
Validity: The permanent residence card is valid for five years, and it should be renewed before the expiry date.
Absence from Austria: The status of your permanent residency can become invalid if you leave the EEA for over 12 months in a row. There are circumstances when this period can be increased to 24 months.
Path to Citizenship: A permanent residency in Austria may lead to becoming an Austrian citizen, usually after ten years of continuous residence, among other requirements.
You may also find these articles helpful
Frequently Asked Questions on Austria
Understanding the impact of criminal records on immigration to Austria
Assessing social benefits and welfare as an immigrant in Austria
