Austria•EuropeSettlement Permit - Except Gainful Employment
At a Glance
Processing Time
56 days
Application Fee
120 EUR
Stay Duration
12 months
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Residence permit for permanent settlement without work rights. For retirees, financially independent persons, or those with other income sources. Issued for 12 months, renewable.
This settlement permit is designed for individuals who can support themselves without employment, such as retirees, investors, students with independent means, or those with pensions. Work is strictly prohibited under this permit.
Annual Visa Allocation
385 visas per year
The quota is established annually by the Federal Government via the Niederlassungsverordnung (Settlement Ordinance) and distributed among the nine federal provinces. For 2025, the allocation is 385 slots, down from 440 in 2024. Places are typically exhausted within the first few days of January; unused quotas do not roll over to the following year.
No lottery system
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Income
14,615 EUR
per year
Minimum Savings
14,615 EUR
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Language
German
Basic
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, IS, LI, NO, CH
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Passport photos
2 recent photographs
Income proof
Bank statements, pension documents (€1,274+/month)
Proof of accommodation
Health insurance
Comprehensive Austrian
Criminal record certificate
Financial statements
For retirees or investors
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- No employment required
- Indefinite renewal potential
- Suitable for retirees
- Clear financial requirements
- Family reunification possible
Considerations
- No work authorization
- Strict income requirement
- Annual renewal needed
- Criminal record restrictions
Application Process
Demonstrate income
Prove sustainable non-employment income (€1,274+/month)
Secure accommodation
Obtain housing meeting Austrian standards
Health insurance
Comprehensive Austrian or equivalent coverage
Prepare documents
Gather all supporting documentation
Apply at authority
Submit application to residence authority
Processing
Application reviewed (8 weeks)
Receive permit
Settlement permit issued for 12 months
Application Forms
Settlement Permit Application
Ready to Apply?
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