Austrian Settlement Permit – Researcher

Who it's for

Third-country nationals who hold a doctoral/PhD degree — or a degree that gives access to doctoral programmes — and who will carry out scientific research in Austria requiring at least that qualification level.

Requirements

• A hosting agreement with a certified Austrian research organisation (state universities qualify automatically; private institutions must be certified)
• A doctoral/PhD degree or a degree giving access to PhD programmes
• Research activity that requires at least that level of qualification
• Valid travel document, health insurance and accommodation
• Adequate financial means

What you can do

• Settle in Austria to conduct research at the hosting institution
• Bring family members, who can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus
• Move towards a Red-White-Red Card Plus / long-term residence after qualifying periods (e.g. two years as a researcher)
• Benefit from EU researcher-mobility provisions for research in other Member States

How to apply

Apply at an Austrian embassy or consulate abroad, or with the competent residence authority if already legally in Austria or visa-exempt.

The hosting agreement with the research organisation is the core document; researchers without one can use the settlement permit for special cases of dependent gainful employment instead.

Documents

• Valid passport and recent photo
• Hosting agreement with a certified research institution
• Degree certificate (doctoral or equivalent)
• Proof of health insurance and accommodation
• Evidence of adequate financial means