Residence

Long-term residence (Daueraufenthalt – EU) in Austria

After several years of uninterrupted settlement and with the integration agreement fulfilled, you can apply for the permanent title Long-term residence – EU.

Last updated: 6 October 2026 · Draft – not yet editorially reviewed.

Daueraufenthalt – EU is a long-term residence title for third-country nationals in Austria. It is linked to the Integrationsvereinbarung (integration agreement), especially Modul 2, which requires German at B1 level and knowledge of basic constitutional and social principles. 2 3

Who needs this

This title is for third-country nationals, meaning people who are neither EU, EWR, nor Swiss citizens. 3
You generally must have been entitled to reside in Austria continuously for the last five years and have fulfilled Modul 2 of the Integrationsvereinbarung. 2 3
The five-year period can include certain previous residence titles and other statuses listed by the authorities, such as Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte, Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus, Niederlassungsbewilligung, Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit, Niederlassungsbewilligung – Angehöriger, Niederlassungsbewilligung – Künstler, Niederlassungsbewilligung – Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit, Familienangehöriger, Blaue Karte EU, Aufenthaltstitel EU, asylum status, or subsidiary protection status, depending on the case. 2 4
If you are applying from Vienna, you must also meet the time rules: in the last five years you must not have stayed outside Austria for longer than 10 months in total or 6 months at a time, unless an exception applies. 2 4
The application must be made while your current residence title is still valid. 2 4

Step by step

Check whether you meet the residence and integration requirements, especially Modul 2. 2 3
Prepare the required documents, including proof of housing, insurance, income, and Modul 2. 2 4
Submit the application personally to the competent Niederlassungsbehörde. 2
If required in your case or city, book an appointment in advance. 2 4
Wait for the authority to check your application. If approved, you will be informed and can collect the title in person. 2
If you are applying for a new card, renew it every 5 years so you can prove your unlimited right of residence. 4

Documents

Valid travel document, such as a passport. 2 4
Recent biometric photo, no older than 6 months; in one source the size is given as 45 x 35 mm. 2 4
Proof of suitable housing, such as a rental contract, purchase contract, or housing-right agreement. 2 4
Proof of health insurance that covers all risks and is valid in Austria. 2 4
Proof of secured livelihood, such as payslips, salary confirmations, employment contracts, pension or insurance benefits, or proof of sufficient assets. 2 4
Proof of completed Modul 2 of the Integrationsvereinbarung. 2 4
If you are self-employed, additional business and tax documents may be required. 4
If you are 18 or older, a current self-disclosure from a creditor protection association may be required. 4
In individual cases, further documents can be requested. 2

Cost and time

The application fee is 275 euros. 2 4
In Vienna, the fee must be paid when you apply, and you receive the title only after payment. 4
If you file a combined application for extension and purpose change, the costs are higher. 4
For applications submitted before 1 January 2026, different fees applied in Vienna: 257 euros if you were under 6, and 277 euros if you were 6 or older. 4

Deadlines

You must apply during the validity of your current residence title. 2
If you already have Daueraufenthalt – EU and only want a new card, it is sensible to apply before the card expires. 2
Modul 1 of the Integrationsvereinbarung must generally be completed within two years in the cases where it applies. 1 3
Modul 2 must be fulfilled when you apply for Daueraufenthalt – EU. 2 3
The title expires automatically if you stay outside the EWR area for more than 12 consecutive months; for former Blue Card EU holders and their family members, this is 24 months. 2
The title becomes void if you stay for more than six years outside Austria but within the EWR area. 2

City by city

Vienna: If you live in Wien, the responsible authority is MA 35, the Abteilung Einwanderung und Staatsbürgerschaft, with several branch offices. For some cases, you can book online or by phone at +43 1 4000-3535. Different branches are responsible for different case types, including first applications based on asylum status or a Legitimationskarte. 4
Other federal states: You should contact the competent authority in your Bundesland. 4