Immigrate to Austria
Immigration to Austria is possible through several methods. Each of these immigration methods to this country can vary depending on the applicant’s conditions.
Educational immigration is only possible for students of public universities in Iran and does not lead to permanent residency. It is necessary to convert the student visa to a work visa. Investment immigration is also possible through company registration, property purchase, or startups.
Another method of immigration to Austria is through job offers and job seeker visas, provided that the applicant either has a job offer from a foreign employer or scores at least 70 points out of 100.
Marriage or the birth of a child in Austria are also ways to immigrate to this country, but it should be noted that the birth of a child does not lead to obtaining residency in Austria.
We recommend that you thoroughly review the free videos and audio files available in this article to gain more information about the methods for immigrating to Austria. You can also receive free consultation via phone calls.
You can also ask your questions in the comments section, and you will receive a response in a short time.
Topics Covered in This Article:
Austria as a Destination for Immigration
If you also plan to immigrate to Austria, it is interesting to learn a bit more about this beautiful country. Austria, which is approximately the same size as the UAE, is made up of 9 states. This stunning country is located in Central Europe and shares borders with Slovakia, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Italy, and Slovenia.
The quick and easy access to other European countries is one of the reasons for its popularity among immigrants. Austria is one of the world’s wealthiest countries, and due to its high level of security, free education, excellent job opportunities, low unemployment rate, and many other amenities, it attracts a large number of immigrants every year.
Germany has traditionally been Austria’s trading partner. Therefore, with the rapid and growing economic changes in Germany, Austria has also been influenced by this dynamic. However, it is noteworthy that Austria ranked among the world’s wealthiest countries in 2015.
The tourism industry and GDP per capita form the most critical parts of Austria’s economy. Overall, Austria’s economic structure is heavily influenced by small and medium-sized enterprises, with the most notable industries including:
- Food industries
- Machinery and steel industries
- Chemical and automotive industries
- Electrical and electronics industries
- Wood and paper industries
Immigrants planning to stay in Austria for more than six months will need an EMEA Citizens Residence Permit. Many individuals aspire to migrate to Austria and obtain residency, citizenship, and an Austrian passport. Therefore, this article addresses this topic. Continue reading to explore all the methods for migrating to Austria.
Conditions for Immigration to Austria
Austria is one of the countries with high living standards. Factors such as excellent security, a stable and prosperous economy, beautiful natural landscapes, and many other advantages have made this country particularly popular for migration. Migrating to the beautiful country of Austria has specific methods, each with its own unique conditions. Here, the general requirements for migration to Austria are outlined:
- Certificate of no criminal record
- Proficiency in English (the required level depends on the type of migration)
- Financial stability
- Having a job offer (for work-based migration)
- An outstanding academic record (for study-based migration)
Required Documents for Immigration to Austria
To migrate, you first need to determine your migration path. After defining your goals and assessing your circumstances, you can choose the best migration route.
Depending on the path you select, you must prepare the required documents. Incomplete documentation can be one of the reasons for visa rejection, so it is crucial to be aware of the necessary documents and ensure their completion and translation. Below, we have compiled the essential documents required for migration to Austria:
- Identity documents
- Financial documents
- Visa application form
- Travel insurance
- Personal photos (several copies)
- Receipts for visa fee payments
- Valid passport
- Family-related documents, such as marriage certificates and children’s records (if applicable)
Ways to Immigrate to Austria
The ways to migrate to Austria vary, and each can be suitable depending on your circumstances. By evaluating your situation, you must decide which path to take for migration.
In this article, ways of immigrating to Austria are detailed and explained the required conditions thoroughly. Each of these pathways can lead to permanent residence or obtaining an Austrian passport. Like other countries, Austria has six main migration routes:
Work migration to Austria
Study migration to Austria
Investment migration to Austria
Migration through birth in Austria
Migration through marriage in Austria
Refugee migration to Austria
Work-Based Immigration to Austria
Working in Austria is one of the pathways for migrating to the country. This method is very popular among migrants due to its low cost and the possibility of obtaining a job-seeker visa. There are two main ways to apply for a work visa in Austria.
Through these methods, you can obtain Austria’s Red-White-Red Card, and after working in Austria for 4 years and paying taxes, you can acquire permanent residency in Austria.
However, please note that if you have a job offer and you score 70 points or more in the points table for the next method, there is no need for the job to be advertised in Austria and the European Union. In this case, the employer is allowed to hire you immediately.
Migrants from outside the European Union who have immigrated to Austria through work can receive three types of residence:
Obtaining Permanent Residence through Work
Applicants who wish to stay in Austria for more than 6 months through work can apply based on the specified categories of work in Austria and obtain the Red-White-Red Card.
- Highly skilled workers
- Skilled workers in demand occupations
- Key occupations
- Graduates from universities, colleges, and educational institutions in Austria
- Key workforce (self-employed)
- Establishing an innovative business
Short-Term Residence in Austria
Applicants who wish to stay temporarily in Austria for work can engage in certain occupations such as:
- Self-employment
- Active researchers
- Seconded employees
- Mobile ICT
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Students
- Special activities that require high income
Fixed-Term Residence in Austria
Applicants who intend to work in Austria for a specific and limited period, or companies that wish to send their employees to Austria, should apply under the following categories:
- Seasonal workers
- Posted workers
- Employment of international staff
- Intra-company transfer of employees
The unemployment rate in Austria is another very important factor when making the decision to migrate for work to this country. Overall, it can be said that the unemployment rate of a country reflects its favorable conditions.
According to the latest statistics, Austria has a significantly lower unemployment rate compared to Italy, Portugal, and many other European countries.
Education-Based Immigration to Austria
One of the most affordable ways to migrate is through studying at Austrian universities and obtaining a student visa for Austria, which can even be considered the easiest way.
This country consistently has universities with very high academic standards and excellent global rankings. Migration to Austria through studying can be done with minimal costs for international students. Studying in Austria can take place at the following three levels:
Austrian universities can be categorized into public and private institutions. Austria is one of the European countries that offer free education at public universities for international students. The availability of free education in Austria, combined with high-quality education and excellent social welfare, has made Austria a popular destination for international students from around the world.
Regarding residence conditions in Austria, students can study in the undergraduate programs at some public universities if they have graduated from a public university in Iran. For higher degree programs, the previous degree must also be obtained from public universities.
Here is a table for the specific information you requested:
| Category | Public Universities | Private Universities | Fachhochschule (Applied Science Universities) |
| Condition for Studying | Graduating from a public university in Iran | Varies by university, typically no age restrictions | Graduating from a public university in Iran |
| Advantages of Fachhochschule | High-quality education with low fees | High-quality education, but higher tuition fees | German language courses available, fees range from 3,000–4,000 Euros per year |
| Acceptance | No age restrictions | No age restrictions | No age restrictions |
| Residency Status After Graduation | One-year residence permit for job search | One-year residence permit for job search | One-year residence permit for job search |
| Further Residency Path | Apply for Red-White-Red Card after finding a job | Apply for Red-White-Red Card after finding a job | Apply for Red-White-Red Card after finding a job |
Another category of public universities in Austria, known as Fachhochschule (applied science universities), do not require Iranian students to take an entrance exam. These universities offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, and they charge very low tuition fees similar to other public universities. German language courses are also offered at Fachhochschulen, with tuition fees ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 Euros per year.
There is also the option of studying at private universities in Austria, which have higher tuition fees compared to public universities. These private universities often offer programs in English. One of the exclusive services provided by the MIE institution is offering an English language course at a private Austrian university, which allows admission without age restrictions.
After completing your studies at Austrian universities, you can apply for a work residence permit in Austria. You will be given one year to search for a job, and if you secure a job related to your field of study, you can obtain the Red-White-Red Card for residence in Austria.
Eventually, you can gain permanent residence and Austrian citizenship. The advantage of studying at private universities is that they assist students with job placement after graduation. Below are some of the colleges and universities in Austria:
Investment-Based Immigration to Austria
There are various types of investment opportunities in Austria, and you can choose the best one based on your circumstances. Austria offers a high level of security for investment and, due to its positive economic growth, has been able to attract foreign investors. Especially when compared to similar countries like the UK and Canada, investment methods in Austria require less capital and are simpler.
Additionally, applicants who can prove they are financially stable can obtain residence in Austria by renting property. For this, applicants must demonstrate that they have rented a property in Austria and have at least 20,000 euros per person in a bank account. These individuals will not be allowed to work in Austria and can only buy property and rent it out.
The advantages of this route include free education for children in the country, and dependents can apply for residence at the same time as the main applicant. It is worth mentioning that only 400 to 500 people per year can use this immigration pathway to obtain residence in Austria.
The following are the top investment methods in Austria:
Investment in Austria through Startups
To immigrate to Austria through a startup, you must have a creative and innovative idea. Your idea must either be completely new or improve existing ideas in Austria.
To register a company through the startup method in Austria, you need to invest at least 50,000 Euros for the company’s initial capital. Additionally, you must earn a minimum of 50 points from the points table. The point allocation is as follows:
| Eligibility Criteria | Points |
| Educational and Technical Qualifications | Maximum: 30 |
| – Technical education, specific skills | 20 |
| – 3 years of university education | 20 |
| – Degree (Bachelor/Master/Ph.D.) or technical training in Austria | 30 |
| Work Experience | Maximum: 10 |
| – Each year of work experience | 2 points |
| Language Proficiency | Maximum: 15 |
| – German A2 | 5 |
| – German B1-B2 | 10 |
| – English B2 | 10 |
| – German C1-C2 | 15 |
| Added Points | Maximum: 30 |
| – Evidence of investment of at least 50,000 Euros | 10 |
| – Acceptance of financial support from an Austrian startup company | 10 |
| – Age up to 35 years | 10 |
| Total Points | 85 |
| Minimum Required Points | 50 |
Self-Supporting Residence in Austria
Immigrating to Austria and obtaining residency through self-sponsorship is one of the methods for obtaining residency and immigration to the country.
This method is currently examined exclusively and specially for a limited number of cases in Iran. This method, also known as “Financial Independence” or “Wealthy Living Residence” in Austria, is one of the best available investment options in Austria, as it provides residency with the lowest risk in terms of investment.
Austria is one of the few countries where applicants can migrate through self-sponsorship. In this method, applicants and investors do not need to invest any money and can immigrate to Austria by focusing solely on their financial situation and savings in Iran.
The most important condition for applying to the self-sponsorship program is to have a bank account with 20,000 to 22,000 Euros per person. Therefore, applicants must ensure that they have 20,000 to 22,000 Euros for each family member in the main applicant’s bank account for a specified period.
Another point to note is that the main applicant must show proof of income to cover living expenses for themselves and their family. After obtaining residency in Austria, applicants can withdraw the initial amount of 20,000 to 22,000 Euros from their account. In this method, applicants must live in Austria for a period of six months.
Red-White-Red Card Residency
The Red-White-Red Card, also known as the 100 Euro Investment Program, is based on proving that the business you are starting will be beneficial and income-generating for Austria. This method is one of the most popular immigration routes to Austria for obtaining the Austrian Blue Card.
Investment in Austria through Company Registration
Another investment option is registering a company in Austria. Most investors can take action by establishing a limited liability company (GMBH). Below are the steps for registering a company in Austria:
- Announcing the business startup in Austria
- The required documents and costs for company registration must be provided.
- Submitting the company’s Articles of Association
- The CEO and shareholders must be appointed and announced.
- Depositing the company’s initial capital into the account of the main individual
- This amount is 35,000 Euros.
- Registering the business name
- A health insurance policy must be in place for the individuals employed.
- Registering the directors of the company with the Social Insurance Office
- Obtaining tax permits
These are the summarized steps for company registration and investment in Austria. It is important to note that through company registration, applicants and investors cannot directly obtain residency for themselves or their families.
Investment in Austria through Property Purchase
Buying property has always been a straightforward and low-risk investment method for many investors. One of the concerns for investors and non-EU nationals is whether they can purchase property in Austria and if it is possible to obtain residency through property investment.
Since 2006, it has been possible for non-EU nationals to purchase property in Austria, provided certain conditions are met. One of the key conditions is that the local committee in Austria must approve the property purchase. Additionally, applicants must follow legal procedures for purchasing property.
However, if you are looking to obtain residency through property purchase, it is important to know that buying property in Austria does not automatically grant you residency. Therefore, applicants can explore other investment methods to immigrate to Austria.
Immigration to Austria through Birth
One of the ways to acquire citizenship in certain countries is by being born within the territory of that country. However, this law does not apply in all countries, meaning that being born in the territory of every country does not automatically grant citizenship to the child born.
Generally, the system of granting citizenship based on the place of birth in countries is based on two principles: jus sanguinis (right of blood) or jus soli (right of the soil).
In the jus sanguinis system, a person’s citizenship is based on the citizenship of their parents, while in the jus soli system, a person’s citizenship is determined by the place where they are born. Austria’s constitution is based on the jus sanguinis system.
- A child born to an Austrian mother automatically acquires Austrian citizenship.
- If the parents are married, and only the father is Austrian, the child will also automatically acquire Austrian citizenship.
- If the parents are unmarried, and only the father is an Austrian citizen, the father must declare within 8 weeks of the birth that the child belongs to him, and with the court’s approval, the child will be granted citizenship.
- If a child is born to one Austrian parent and one non-Austrian parent, and the non-Austrian parent also grants citizenship, the child will hold dual citizenship.
- Austrian citizenship is inherited from both the father and the mother. Even if a child is born outside Austria to Austrian parents, the child will still be considered Austrian.
- Austria also accepts the jus soli principle in specific cases, such as when the parents of the child are unknown or the citizenship of the parents is unclear, granting Austrian citizenship to a child born in Austria.
According to Austrian law, dual citizenship does not have significance until the individual reaches adulthood. Once the individual reaches the legal age, they must decide which citizenship to retain.
Immigration to Austria through Marriage
In the case of marriage in Austria, a person who marries an Austrian citizen is granted Austrian residence. The conditions for obtaining citizenship through marriage are as follows:
- The legal marriage age in Austria is 18, but if one of the spouses is between 16 and 18 years old, they may apply with the permission of their guardian.
- After 6 years of marriage, and if the marriage is still intact, the person may apply for Austrian citizenship.
- During these 6 years, the individual must have lived in Austria for at least 5 years and must live with their spouse in the same household.
- Additional conditions such as proficiency in the German language, passing the Austrian citizenship test, no criminal record, financial stability, etc., are also required to obtain Austrian citizenship.
- If one year has passed since their marriage, they can apply for citizenship after 4 more years. Alternatively, if the marriage has lasted for two years or more, they can apply for citizenship after 3 years of residence in Austria.
Immigration to Austria through Asylum
Generally, one of the methods of immigration to Austria is through asylum; however, MLP Group does not provide any services or consultations related to asylum. This section of the article is solely for informational purposes to raise public awareness about the disadvantages and risks of seeking asylum.
Asylum in Austria is one of the immigration pathways to the country. An asylum seeker is someone who has faced harm or persecution in their home country due to reasons such as religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs and is forced to leave their country. The rights granted to asylum seekers include housing, food, clothing, healthcare insurance, and more.
Additionally, asylum seekers are provided with a weekly allowance of approximately 10 euros. After the asylum seekers go through the asylum process at Austrian police offices and have interviews, their asylum request is either approved or rejected. The process of handling asylum applications can take up to two years.
Given the harsh living conditions in refugee camps, the numerous health risks, and the financial, physical, and emotional challenges involved, this method is strongly discouraged.
Artist Immigration to Austria
Austria’s Artist Visa is a new service offered by the Malkpour Institute, allowing artists to obtain residency in Austria if they meet the necessary conditions.
The requirements for obtaining an Austrian Artist Visa are as follows: the artist must have a verifiable artistic background in one of the artistic fields or have an employment contract with an artistic company or institution, and must have a monthly income of 2,000 to 3,000 euros.
Those who successfully obtain this visa must actively pursue their artistic work in Austria. The Austrian government will monitor this activity for two years.
Additionally, the accompanying visa is also granted to these individuals, allowing the artist’s spouse to work full-time in Austria, and their children will benefit from free education. This residency can lead to permanent residency after five years and, eventually, Austrian citizenship.
Costs of Immigration to Austria
Certainly, the cost of migrating to Austria is one of the key factors to consider when planning your move. Given the variety of immigration paths to Austria, the costs associated with each pathway can vary significantly.
In addition to the expenses related to the specific immigration process, it’s essential to factor in costs such as immigration consultation fees, visa fees, proof of financial means, living expenses, and other related costs. Proper planning and budgeting are crucial to ensure a smooth transition to life in Austria.
Living Expenses in Austria
The cost of living in Austria is undoubtedly an important consideration before deciding to migrate. Since people’s lifestyles and consumption patterns vary significantly, and because costs differ between cities in Austria, it’s not possible to give a fixed figure for living expenses. Therefore, the costs provided here are calculated as averages, and depending on your lifestyle, your expenses might be higher or lower.
Excluding rent, the average monthly living expenses for a family of four are 2,966.57 euros, while a single person can expect to spend around 849.99 euros per month.
To give you a clearer understanding of the costs, here’s a breakdown of some key items in Austria:
| Category | Item | Cost (Euros) |
| Housing Costs | One-bedroom apartment in city center | 900 |
| One-bedroom apartment outside city | 650 | |
| Three-bedroom apartment in city center | 1,600 | |
| Three-bedroom apartment outside city | 1,100 | |
| Food and Drink | Milk (1 liter) | 1.10 |
| Cheese (1 kg) | 11 | |
| Eggs (12 pcs) | 4 | |
| Loaf of bread | 1.70 | |
| Rice (1 kg) | 1.45 | |
| Cigarettes (Marlboro, pack) | 5.20 | |
| Transportation | Bus and metro fare | 2.40 |
| Taxi fare | 1.40 | |
| Gasoline (1 liter) | 1.20 | |
| Restaurants | Big Mac sandwich | 7.50 |
| Coca-Cola (330 ml) | 2.60 | |
| Cappuccino | 3 | |
| Miscellaneous | Internet (monthly) | 25 |
| Phone call (per minute) | 0.10 |
Cost of Living in Vienna:
Vienna, one of the most famous and attractive cities for living, has been ranked as the world’s best city for living for 10 consecutive years. The average monthly cost for a family of four (excluding rent) is 2,800.24 euros, while a single person will need approximately 794.72 euros. Vienna is 15.89% cheaper than Amsterdam, and rental costs are on average 35.80% lower than in Amsterdam.
Cost of Living in Salzburg:
Salzburg, one of Austria’s larger and more expensive cities, is still more affordable compared to other European countries like the Netherlands. The monthly expenses for a family of four, excluding rent, amount to 2,897.93 euros, and for a single person, it’s 812.48 euros. Salzburg is 11.65% cheaper than Amsterdam, with rental costs being 42.51% lower than in Amsterdam.
These costs can fluctuate depending on lifestyle choices and the specific area within the city where you choose to live. Nonetheless, this gives you a general sense of the cost of living in Austria.
Consultation for Immigration to Austria from MIE Consulting
Malekpour Institute, with over 15 years of experience, is one of the best in the field of immigration. If you, dear friends and loyal followers of the institute, are planning to choose Austria for immigration, you can contact our consultants at Malekpour Institute to receive free initial consultation regarding immigration to Austria.
You can thoroughly research the immigration process with Malekpour Institute and gain useful information. Malekpour Institute, with careful planning and expert advice, can assist you in making informed decisions and successfully advancing your immigration process to this country.
FAQs on Immigration to Austria
What is the best way to immigrate to Austria?
The best immigration method to Austria largely depends on your personal circumstances. However, generally speaking, the top methods are the Austrian job seeker visa, studying at Austrian universities, and investment through the Red-White-Red Card or the Blue Card.
What is the most affordable way to immigrate to Austria?
Job-related methods such as the Austrian job seeker visa or receiving a job offer are among the most cost-effective immigration options to Austria. Studying in Austria is also the second most affordable option.
Do I have to hire a lawyer for immigration to Austria?
No, you do not have to hire a lawyer to immigrate to Austria. You can learn the immigration laws yourself by dedicating time to research. However, a lawyer can speed up the process and provide you with valuable experience and insights.
How much does it cost to live in Austria?
The cost of living in Austria for one person is between 1,000 to 1,200 euros per month. For a couple, the living expenses may be up to 1,500 euros.
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