How long must I live in Austria first?

You need five years of continuous, lawful residence immediately before applying, together with financial self-sufficiency, adequate accommodation and German at B1 level (Integration Agreement Module 2).

Is the permit really permanent?

The status is, in principle, indefinite while you keep residing in Austria, but the physical document is issued for five years and must be renewed; long absences from the EU can lead to loss of the status.

Can I work in any job?

Yes. The Long-Term Resident – EU permit gives unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market, as an employee or self-employed person.

Long-stay visas (Type D)

Austrian Long-Term Resident – EU (Daueraufenthalt – EU)

Austria's permanent residence title, granting settled status and unrestricted labour-market access after five years of lawful residence.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced

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Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Austria government website before you apply.

On this page

Who it's for
Requirements
What you can do
How to apply
Documents
Frequently asked questions

Issuing authority: Austrian residence authority; migration.gv.at
Qualifying residence: 5 years of continuous lawful residence; Immediately preceding the application
Card validity: 5 years (renewable); Status itself is, in principle, indefinite while you keep residing in Austria
Language: German B1 (Integration Agreement Module 2); Higher level than earlier titles

Who it's for

Non-EU nationals who have lawfully and continuously lived in Austria for five years on qualifying residence titles and who want permanent settled status with full labour-market access.

Requirements

Five years of continuous lawful residence in Austria immediately before applying
Fulfilment of Integration Agreement Module 2 (German at B1 level)
Financial self-sufficiency (through employment, self-employment or independent means)
Adequate, registered accommodation maintained over the period
Valid travel document and health insurance

What you can do

Settle in Austria permanently with unrestricted labour-market access
Work as an employee or be self-employed without an employer-tied permit
Renew the document every five years while keeping settled status indefinitely
Enjoy strengthened protection against expulsion and easier onward mobility within the EU

How to apply

Apply to the competent Austrian residence authority once the five-year qualifying period and the integration, income, accommodation and insurance conditions are met.

The document is issued for five years and renewed on expiry; the underlying long-term status persists as long as you continue to reside in Austria and do not trigger loss provisions (e.g. long absences).

Documents

Valid passport and recent photo
Evidence of five years' continuous lawful residence
German B1 certificate / proof of Integration Agreement Module 2
Proof of stable income / financial self-sufficiency
Proof of registered accommodation and health insurance

Frequently asked questions

You need five years of continuous, lawful residence immediately before applying, together with financial self-sufficiency, adequate accommodation and German at B1 level (Integration Agreement Module 2).

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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