New Income Thresholds for Austrian Residence Permits
Austria has officially confirmed that the granting of residence permits will now be contingent upon applicants demonstrating a fixed and regular income that is at least equivalent to the country's supplementary allowance rate (Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz). This measure aims to ensure that individuals residing in Austria can cover their living costs without relying on public social benefits. The updated income thresholds came into effect on January 1, 2025, with further adjustments for 2026.
For applications submitted from January 1, 2025, the required net monthly income levels are set at €1,273.99 for single applicants, €2,009.85 for married couples, and an additional €196.57 for each dependent child. These figures represent net income, meaning after taxes and other deductions.
Further increases have been announced for January 1, 2026. From this date, single applicants will need to show a net monthly income of €1,308.39, married couples €2,064.12, and an additional €201.88 per child. It is crucial that this income is available at the time of application, and any social benefits that would only be accessible after obtaining a residence permit are not considered.
Impact on Various Permit Categories
The new income requirements generally apply to most types of residence permits in Austria. This includes, but is not limited to, permits for family reunification, where applicants must also demonstrate sufficient financial means to prevent reliance on social assistance.
However, specific categories, such as certain Red-White-Red Card holders, have distinct income criteria. While the general supplementary allowance rate may not directly apply to all Red-White-Red Card categories for proving means of subsistence, these applicants must still meet minimum wage requirements stipulated by Austria's Employment of Foreigners Act.
- For 'Other Key Workers' under the Red-White-Red Card scheme, the gross minimum salary for 2026 is set at €3,465 per month.
- EU Blue Card holders faced a minimum gross annual income requirement of €47,855 in 2024, increasing to €51,500 annually for 2025.
- For 'Key personnel' in 2024, the requirement was at least €3,030 gross, paid 14 times a year.
Applicants for residency as 'Persons of Independent Means' face even higher income thresholds, with approximately €32,000 annually for a single applicant and €50,000 for a married couple for 2025 applications.
Additional Requirements for Applicants
Beyond the income stipulations, applicants for Austrian residence permits are typically required to provide proof of comprehensive health insurance that covers all risks within Austria. Additionally, evidence of adequate housing, such as a rental agreement or proof of home ownership, is generally necessary. These combined requirements underscore Austria's commitment to ensuring that new residents are self-sufficient and integrated into the country's social and economic framework.
5 Comments
Bermudez
Ensuring financial independence for new residents is a reasonable goal. However, setting such high income requirements might disproportionately affect family reunification cases and limit diversity.
Africa
This is fair. If you want to live here, you should be able to support yourself.
Muchacho
While it's important that residents can support themselves to avoid strain on public services, these thresholds seem quite high, potentially excluding skilled workers in certain sectors.
Coccinella
Smart move by Austria. We need people who can contribute, not depend on the system.
Mariposa
The idea of linking income to supplementary allowance rates makes sense for financial stability. Still, the increasing thresholds year over year could make Austria an increasingly difficult place to move to for many, regardless of their skills or potential.