Settlement Permit Excluding Gainful Employment

The Settlement Permit Excluding Gainful Employment (Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit) is Austria's residence permit for financially independent third-country nationals — commonly referred to as Privatiers — who wish to settle in Austria without engaging in any form of work. It targets retirees, pensioners, and individuals living on investment income, rental income, or other passive sources. The permit is established under §44 of the Settlement and Residence Act (NAG) and operates under Austria's strict annual quota system; the Niederlassungsverordnung 2026 allocates 450 places nationwide for Privatiers (principal applicants and quota-bound family members combined), making availability limited and competitive.

• Fixed and regular monthly passive income of at least twice the ASVG §293 reference rates (2026: EUR 2,616.78/month for single persons; EUR 4,128.24/month for couples; plus EUR 403.76/month per child)
• Income must come from own sources: pensions, investment returns, rental income, or foreign business profits
• Social welfare benefits do not count toward the income requirement
• Comprehensive health insurance covering all risks in Austria (travel insurance is not sufficient)
• Proof of accommodation considered adequate for the applicant's family size according to local standards
• German language skills at A1 level at the time of initial application
• Clean criminal record (certificate not older than 3 months)
• Must not intend to engage in any employment or self-employment

• Valid passport and biometric photograph (45×35 mm, not older than 6 months)
• Proof of accommodation (lease agreement or property deed adequate for family size)
• Proof of passive income (pension statements, bank statements, investment portfolio documentation)
• Health insurance certificate covering all risks in Austria
• Criminal record certificate (not older than 3 months)
• German language certificate at A1 level
• Birth certificate; marriage certificate if applicable
• All foreign-language documents require court-certified translations with apostille where required

The permit is initially issued for 12 months. The first renewal is also for 12 months. Subsequent renewals are for 3 years, provided the holder has completed Module 1 of the Integration Agreement (German A2), maintained continuous lawful residence for at least 2 years, and holds a passport valid for 3+ years.

Renewal applications must be submitted before the current permit expires (earliest 3 months prior) at the competent provincial settlement authority and are not quota-dependent. After 5 years of continuous lawful residence, holders may apply for the EU Long-Term Resident permit (Daueraufenthalt – EU) upon completing Module 2 of the Integration Agreement (German B1). Austrian citizenship by naturalisation is possible after 10 years of continuous legal residence.

Spouses/registered partners and minor unmarried children may each apply for their own Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit. Each family member requires a separate quota place from the same annual allocation, increasing competition for limited spots. Family members must independently satisfy all general issuance requirements: health insurance, adequate accommodation (assessed for the total household size), income contribution, and background checks. Family members file via the same embassy/consulate process simultaneously or subsequently.

Holders who establish domicile or habitual residence in Austria (or reside for 6+ months) become unlimited tax residents and are subject to Austrian income tax on worldwide income. Austria maintains an extensive network of double taxation agreements to prevent double taxation. Tax residents must file an annual income tax return (Einkommensteuererklärung) with the local tax office (Finanzamt).

The process begins with the annual pre-registration window, typically held in November for the following year's quota (e.g., 3–9 November 2025 for 2026 places). Applicants register online through the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for their place of residence and receive a reservation code. They then book an in-person appointment at the embassy/consulate during the appointment window (e.g., 1–8 December 2025) and submit all required documents in person.

The embassy verifies completeness and forwards the application to the competent provincial settlement authority in Austria. Quota places are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis by application submission date each January. The authority must decide within 6 months of receiving a complete application. Upon approval, the applicant must request an entry visa within 3 months of notification (if not visa-exempt) and collect the residence permit card from the settlement authority within 6 months of notification.

The application fee is EUR 218 (as of 1 January 2026). Upon arrival in Austria, the holder must register their place of residence with the local registration office (Meldeamt) within 3 days of moving in.

Module 1 of the Integration Agreement must be completed within 2 years of initial permit issuance, requiring German language skills at A2 level and knowledge of fundamental Austrian democratic values. Failure to complete Module 1 within the deadline may result in non-renewal. Holders must register and update their address with the local Meldeamt and maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay.

• The annual quota is the primary constraint — once exhausted, no further permits can be issued until the following year regardless of the applicant's qualifications
• The pre-registration window is typically only one week per year
• Applicants must apply from abroad at the Austrian embassy/consulate responsible for their place of residence — applying at a different embassy is generally not possible
• The A1 German language requirement applies at the time of initial application, so applicants must obtain certification before submitting
• Income from employment is not relevant — the permit prohibits working, and income must derive from passive or non-Austrian sources