Can International Students Get PR in Austria in 2026?

Are you an international student wanting to settle in Austria? Are you asking yourself- Can international students get PR in Austria? You have come to the right page! This blog covers everything you need to know about the Austria Permanent Residency. You will learn if Austria has a PR system or not, and the steps to switch from a student visa to a proper residency in the country. You will learn about the Austrian permanent residency requirements and the duration it will take you to stay in the country permanently.

Overview of Permanent Residency Options in Austria

International students can become permanent residents in Austria. However, you will not get a PR directly. After completing your studies, you will have to get a Residence Permit to search for employment or start a business. Thereafter, you need to apply for a Red White Card and switch to a Red White Card Plus. Lastly, you can apply for an EU Residence Permit. You will only get this permit after you have stayed in the country for 5 years. 

Is There a PR in Austria for International Students?

Yes. Austria grants an EU residence permit to those who have stayed for 5 years. Aside from the EU residence permit (which is offered by almost every country in the European Union), there is no separate permanent residency permit. Therefore, when we talk about Austria PR, we refer to the EU residence permit.

Also Read: Malaysia Student Visa: Requirements, Process, and Updates for 2025

How Can International Students Get PR in Austria from India?

Want to know how international students can get PR in Austria? Follow the steps below to move from a student visa to a PR.

Complete Your Education 

First, you need to complete your studies in Austria. Enroll at a top university in Austria, and then travel to the country on a student visa. After you have reached your destination, you need to get a residence permit as well since you will be staying for more than 90 days. Half of the time you spend studying may be counted for PR.

Get a Post Study Permit 

After getting your degree or diploma, you can apply for a post-study permit. The post-study permit in Austria is called a ‘residence permit to search for employment or to start a business’. This permit is valid for 1 year. During this period, you can search for employment or set up a business. 

Apply for a Red White Card 

The Red-White Card in Austria is a temporary residence permit. Those who have secured employment in the country can apply for it. The Red-White Card will permit you to stay for 1 year. It is renewable for an additional year. Generally, you need to meet points to get a Red White Card. However, international students do not have to go through the points system.

To get a Red-White Card, you must come under the following categories-

1. Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
2. Very Highly Qualified Workers
3. Graduates of Austrian Universities and Colleges of Higher Education
4. Other Key Workers
5. Self-employed Key Workers
6. Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry
7. Start-up Founders

Apply for Settlement Permit

Those who have held a Red-White Card can choose to apply for a settlement permit. A settlement permit is generally available for up to 2 years. There are different types of settlement permits. For example,

1. Settlement permit for artists 
2. Settlement permit for researchers 
3. Settlement permit for gainful employment excepted (for self-employed people)

After holding a Settlement Permit for 2 years, you can apply for a Red White Card Plus. You can also directly apply for a Red White Card Plus without applying for a settlement permit.

Apply for a Red White Card Plus

A Red White Card Plus is a fixed-term settlement permit. It is issued to both employed and self-employed people. This permit gives you unrestricted access to the labour market. The permit is valid for 1 year. However, if you have stayed in Austria for 2 years legally, you can apply for a Red-White Card for 3 years. Holders of a Red White Card can apply for a Red White Card Plus.

Stay for 5 Years in Austria 

After you have resided in Austria for 5 years, you can apply for EU Residence Permit. However, you must meet the additional requirements for the permit. The EU Residence Permit is valid for 5 years.

Learn How to Get an Austria Work Visa as an Indian

How Do You Qualify for PR in Austria?

To qualify for an Austrian PR, you need to meet the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria are as follows-

General Eligibility Criteria for an Austria PR	Description
Meet the general conditions of a residence permit	You must meet the financial requirements and other requirements to get a residence permit
Hold a residence permit	You golf a Red White Red Card, a Red White Red Plus Card, a Settlement Permit, or a  Blue Card
Continuous stay	Stayed in Austria for 5 years continuously without interruption
Integration Agreement	Fulfill Module 2 of the Integration Agreement.

To learn about the top Jobs in Austria, watch this video:

Austria PR Requirements for International Students 

To go to Austria you must meet the Austrian permanent residency requirements. The requirements are as follows-

Austria PR Requirements	Description
Proof of funds	Fixed regular personal income. For singles (EUR 1,273.99), and for couples (EUR 2,009.85)
A valid health insurance	You must have health insurance in Austria that covers all risks. For example, insured under the public social system
A proper accommodation	You must have arranged your accommodation in Austria. For example, hold a property, lease agreement, etc.
Not a threat	You must not be a threat to the safety and public security
A residence permit	You must hold a valid residence permit. For example, the Red White Red Card Plus
Proof of continuous stay	You must prove that you have stayed continuously in the country for 5 years. For example, an employment contract
Pay PR fees	You must be willing to pay the required amount of fees to obtain PR.
Knowledge of German	A1 level
Quota (if applicable)	If there are limited number of residence permits issued, then you must come under the quota

Note: These are the general Austrian permanent residency requirements. To know the exact requirements, you must contact the relevant authorities.

How to Apply for Austria PR as an International Student?

International students can apply for an  EU-Residence Permit. The application process for the same is as follows-

1. Visit the site– You need to visit the place of the competent authorities and inquire about the EU Residence Permit application. 
2. Fill out the application form– Thereafter, you can get the application form, and fill it out the same. 
3. Schedule an appointment– Schedule an appointment with the competent authorities, and submit the application form and the relevant documents
4. Pay fees– You need to pay the PR application fee
5. Submit biometrics– If your application is approved, you will be invited to submit biometric information.
6. Get EU Residence Permit– After submission of biometric information, the permit is issued.

Where to Apply for Austria PR as an International Student?

The Austria EU-Residence Permit application can only be submitted offline. Although you can also find the application form online. The application form has to be submitted at any of the following.

1. Local Provincial Governor’s Office
2. Authorised district administration bodies. For example, District or Municipal Administrative Authorities

The local competence is determined by your intended domicile. Any complaints is delt by the Provincial Administrative Court.

How Much is Permanent Residence Permit in Austria?

The fees for the same are provided below-

Particulars	Austria PR Cost
Long-Term- EU Residence Permit	EUR 120
Cost of biometric information recording, and photos taken	EUR 20

Understand the cost of living in Austria for International Students 

How Long is the EU Long-Term Residence Permit Valid For?

This permit is valid for the following period-

Permit	Validity	Renewability
Long-Term EU-Residence Permit	At least 5 years	Yes. Renewed every 5 years

What are the Benefits of PR in Austria?

Now you know how international students can get PR in Austria. Getting an EU residence permit comes with a lot of benefits. These are as follows-

1. You can get unrestricted access to the labour market in Austria 
2. Travel to schengen area without getting a separate visa 
3. Studying or working in any country in the EU without getting a Visa 
4. Can stay outside the EU for a specific period (generally less than 2 years)
5. You can open accounts in international banks 
6. You are free to purchase real estate in the EU
7. Access to Austria goods and services 
8. Get access to social protection and assistance 

How Many Years Does It Take to Get Citizenship in Austria?

International students can apply for citizenship after 10 years. However, they must fulfil the requirements. Some of the requirements for Austria citizenship are as follows-

1. Stayed in Austria for 10 years (including 5 years with a residence permit)
2. Do not have any criminal action taken against you
3. Have regular fixed-income 
4. Proof of German language skills 
5. Knowledge of the democratic system of Austria 
6. Positive attitude towards the Republic of Austria 
7. No pending issues regarding the termination of residence 
8. No close relationship with terrorist groups 
9. No eviction order within the last 12 months
10. No return decision of Switzerland or any other country

Also Read: Reasons for US Visa Rejection: 16 Mistakes That Can Cost You a Visa

Can I Buy Permanent Residency in Austria?

Austria does not provide a golden visa option to overseas nationals like Malta or Portugal. Generally, you will have to meet the Austrian permanent residency requirements. However, if you are wealthy, there is an indirect route for you to get PR.

Private Residence Permit

Austria offers a very limited and selective path for those with high net worth. The Private Residence Permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung – „ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit“) is for those who want to stay in Austria without working. There is an annual quota for this, and it is very competitive. You can renew this permit and satisfy the integration requirements to get a PR.

EU Blue Card

Austria also issues an EU Blue card for highly qualified workers. This is similar to the red-white-red card and makes you eligible to apply for PR. You can apply for PR after staying in the country for 5 years. 

Is Austria Friendly to Immigrants?

Yes. Austria is a friendly country. However, the government prefers people who are highly skilled workers (through the Red-White-Red Card), EU citizens, students, researchers, and family members of Austrian nationals. The requirements are strict, and you have to meet every criterion to get a job in Austria. Moreover, for long-term success, you need German language proficiency

Therefore, immigrants who integrate well, learn German, and enter high-demand fields (e.g., healthcare, IT, engineering) find that Austria is a very welcoming country. The government supports integration programs. You will find that living in urban centres like Vienna is more inclusive and accepting of diversity. However, in rural or conservative areas, people are less friendly to non-EU or Muslim immigrants.

In short, if you are skilled and can integrate well, and live in urban centres, you will have a good experience. The country is not welcoming to unskilled workers. Only skilled workers will be able to meet the Austrian permanent residency requirements.

FAQs

We hope you now have the answer to your question: Can international students get PR in Austria? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or visit our visa page for more such articles. You can also connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey! 

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