Austria permanent residence (long-term resident EU)

The integration agreement has two modules: Module 1 (A2 German and values) must normally be completed within two years of the first residence title; Module 2 is a higher level required for long-term resident status. Courses and exams are organised by the Austrian Integration Fund.

You need five years of uninterrupted lawful residence in Austria, the general requirements (secure income at the ASVG standard rates, health insurance, adequate accommodation) and completion of Module 2 of the integration agreement.

Module 2 means German at B1 level plus advanced knowledge of the values of the legal and social order. You can prove it with the ÖIF integration exam B1, an ÖSD B1 integration exam passed before 30 May 2021, at least five years of compulsory schooling with German passed, a final apprenticeship or skilled worker exam, German passed after four years of German-medium secondary school abroad, or at least two years of post-secondary study in German with at least 32 ECTS. Module 2 also counts as Module 1.

The general requirement of secure means is measured against the 2026 ASVG reference rates: EUR 1,308.39 a month for a single person, EUR 2,064.12 for a married couple or registered partners and EUR 201.88 more for each child. Social welfare benefits do not count. You also need health insurance covering all risks and adequate housing with a legal title.

The application fee for long-term resident EU status is EUR 275.

You file in person at the residence authority for your place of residence: the district administration, the municipal authority in statutory cities, MA 35 in Vienna or the Styrian Provincial Government in Graz. Exemptions from Module 2 apply to children not yet of compulsory school age and to people in permanently poor health, confirmed by a public health officer.

Long-term residents have free access to the labour market and can, under EU rules, move more easily to other EU states.

Module 2 is also generally required for Austrian citizenship, so passing it serves both steps. The long-term resident card is valid for five years and is then renewed.