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Settlement Permit - Except Gainful Employment
VisasAustriaSettlement Permit - Except Gainful Employment
AustriaAustria•Europe
Open

Settlement Permit - Except Gainful Employment

Golden Visa PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 day – 6 months

Estimated Cost

€218 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Settlement permit for financially independent non-workers with EUR 31,401+ annual income and German A1 proficiency, renewable up to 3 years.

The Settlement Permit – Except Gainful Employment is for financially independent individuals such as retirees or those with substantial passive income who cannot work in Austria. Applicants must demonstrate EUR 31,401 minimum annual income and German A1 language proficiency (via Module 1 or Module 2 of the Integration Agreement). Work authorization is strictly prohibited.

The permit is initially granted for 12 months and renewable; it may extend to 3 years if Module 1 is completed and two years of uninterrupted lawful residence are demonstrated. Standard processing takes up to 6 months with a EUR 218 application fee. Dependent family members may reunify; health insurance and accommodation proof required.

This visa is ideal for retirees and financially independent individuals settling in Austria without employment.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Annual Cap & Quota

Subject to annual quotas

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Proof of significant financial means (~€2,600+/month)

Comprehensive health insurance

Adequate accommodation

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

31,401 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Proof of passive income/savings

Health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Criminal record certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Pathway to permanent residency after meeting integration and residence requirements; extendable to 3 years
  • Renewable settlement permit allows indefinite residence for financially independent individuals without employment
  • German A1 language requirement may be waived if Module 1 Integration Agreement completed; alternative to B1
  • Modest annual income threshold of EUR 31,401 affordable for retirees and passive-income earners
  • Family reunification rights available for spouse and dependent children up to age 18
  • Dual intent permitted; no requirement to renounce home country ties or declare permanent relocation

Worth Knowing

  • German A1 required for first application unless Module 1 Integration Agreement waiver applies
  • Annual quota restrictions may apply; early planning and advance application strongly recommended
  • Initial 12-month permit requires renewal; failure to meet income criteria may prevent extension
  • Absolute prohibition on gainful employment; any paid work violates permit conditions and triggers revocation

Application Process

1

Gather financial proof

2

Submit at embassy

3

Obtain Visa D

4

Collect permit in Austria

Application Forms

Application form – Residence permits for third-country nationals (Settlement Permit – Gainful Employment Excepted)Fill online

Verified Claims (6)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026
Forms
Application form – Residence permits for third-country nationals (Settlement Permit – Gainful Employ…
bmi.gv.at
Language Req
German A1 (CEFR) required for first application; completion of Module 1 or Module 2 of the Austrian …
migration.gv.at
Official Info
https://www.bmi.gv.at/312_EN/22/start.aspx
bmi.gv.at
Max Stay Estimate
type: days, initialDays: 365, notes: Initially issued for 12 months; may be extended to 3 years if M…
migration.gv.at
Min Income
31401
migration.gv.at
Official Code
Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit
bmi.gv.at
Official Information

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