Residence in Austria for financially independent individuals and investors

The Settlement Permit – except gainful employment (Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit, Section 44 of the Settlement and Residence Act, NAG) allows non-EU nationals to settle in Austria on their own means. Most applicants need a quota place under the annual Settlement Regulation, and quota-subject applications are decided centrally by the Office of the Government of Lower Austria. Applicants must show regular monthly income, after running costs such as rent, of at least €2,616.78 for a single person or €4,128.24 for a couple, plus €403.76 for each child (rates from 1 January 2026). Pensions, annuities and investment income count, and substantial personal assets can support the case. The permit does not allow employment or self-employment in Austria. Because quota places are limited, timing the application early in the year matters. Entrepreneurs who want to work in Austria use a different route: the Red-White-Red Card for self-employed key workers, which requires a business plan positively assessed by the Public Employment Service (AMS) and is typically linked to a capital transfer of at least €100,000 or to the creation or securing of jobs.

Applications are made in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for the applicant's place of residence, before entry. German at A1 level must be shown with the first application, and the holder must complete Module 1 of the Integration Agreement (A2 level) within two years. Permits are initially issued for a limited period and renewed on application, which can be filed no earlier than three months before expiry. Tax follows residence: anyone with a home or habitual abode in Austria (generally a stay of more than six months) has unlimited tax liability on worldwide income, with progressive rates and a special 27.5% rate on most capital income. Austria levies no net wealth tax and no inheritance or gift tax, although transfers of Austrian real estate attract transfer taxes and certain gifts must be notified. There is no lump-sum or remittance-basis regime for passive wealth; a relocation allowance under Section 103 of the Income Tax Act is limited to scientists, researchers and other individuals whose move is in the public interest.

The spouse or registered partner and minor unmarried children can obtain their own settlement permits; the income threshold rises for each family member, and both spouses must generally be at least 21 for family reunification. Family members of quota-subject permit holders may themselves require a quota place. Parents and adult children are not covered and need an independent basis of residence.

After five years of continuous settlement, holders who have completed Module 2 of the Integration Agreement (B1 German) can obtain “Long-term residence – EU” status. Ordinary naturalisation generally requires ten years of lawful residence, of which five as a settled resident, B1 German, a secure livelihood and renunciation of previous nationality; the period can be shortened to six years for applicants with B2 German or sustainable integration. The coalition has announced a reform of the citizenship law for 2026, including a higher language level. Citizenship for extraordinary achievements in Austria's special interest under Section 10(6) is a separate, discretionary route — see our page on Austrian citizenship for extraordinary merit.