Settlement Permit — Artist

The Settlement Permit — Artist enables third-country nationals to reside in Austria and pursue artistic work, either as self-employed or employed artists. It covers visual arts, performing arts, music, literature, film, and contemporary art forms as defined by Austria's Arts Promotion Act (Kunstförderungsgesetz). Artists holding this permit are exempt from the German language requirement of Module 1 of the Integration Agreement, provided they work in eligible art categories.

• Proof of artistic qualifications through education, portfolio, or previous works
• The work must predominantly consist of creative artistic design
• Self-employed artists need client contracts (galleries, theatres, concert halls, event organisers) for activity lasting more than 6 months
• Employed artists need an employer declaration for the specific position
• Sufficient means of subsistence (€1,308.93/month for single persons in 2026)
• Valid health insurance covering all risks in Austria
• Proof of accommodation meeting local standards
• Clean criminal record

• Valid passport and passport-sized photograph (45x35 mm)
• Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property deed)
• Proof of health insurance covering all risks
• Proof of income or financial means
• Proof of artistic qualifications (diplomas, portfolio, publications, previous works)
• Written contracts for self-employed artistic activity or employer declaration for employed artists
• Criminal record certificate (not older than 3 months)
• German language certificate at A1 level (exemption applies for artists in Kunstforderungsgesetz art categories)

The permit is initially issued for up to 12 months, typically matching the duration of the contractual activity. After 2 years of continuous residence and completion of Module 1 of the Integration Agreement, the permit may be renewed for up to 3 years. After 5 years of continuous legal residence and completion of Module 2 (German B1), holders may apply for the Long-Term Resident EU permit granting permanent settlement.

Spouses, registered partners (aged 21+), and unmarried minor children may apply for a Settlement Permit for family reunification. Each family member requires a separate quota place and must independently meet general requirements including health insurance, accommodation, income, and German A1. If the main applicant transitions to the Long-Term Resident EU permit, family members may apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus with unrestricted labour market access.

Holders residing in Austria for more than 183 days per year are subject to unlimited tax liability on worldwide income. Progressive income tax rates range from 0% to 55% (tax-free threshold €13,308/year in 2026). Self-employed artists must register with the tax office and file annual returns. Self-employed artists earning profits up to €33,000 may deduct 15% as a basic profit allowance. Austria maintains an extensive network of double taxation agreements.

Self-employed artists apply in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in their home country. The embassy verifies documents and forwards the application to the provincial settlement authority. For employed artists, the application is also forwarded to the AMS (Austrian Labour Market Service) for assessment within 3 weeks. Upon approval, the embassy issues an entry visa — the applicant must request it within 3 months and collect the permit within 6 months. The authority has up to 6 months to decide. Application fee is €218.