Austria Self-Employed Residence

Austria’s Self-Employed Residence under the Red-White-Red framework is open to qualified third‑country nationals and grants a 24‑month permit to pursue a defined self‑employed activity that delivers macroeconomic benefits beyond the business’s own gain, such as direct capital investment of at least €100,000, job creation, or tech transfer.

Family members may apply under the related Red‑White‑Red Card Plus track. After 2 years, the main applicant may apply for permanent residence in Austria.

To qualify as a Self-Employed Key Worker, you must show that your planned self-employed activity in Austria provides macroeconomic benefit beyond the enterprise itself. This may be demonstrated by one or more of the following:

• Sustained transfer of investment capital to Austria of at least €100,000
• Creation of new jobs or securing existing jobs in Austria
• Transfer of know‑how or introduction of new technologies
• The business is of considerable significance for the region.

General requirements for issuance include:

• Means of subsistence: Fixed, regular personal income sufficient to cover living costs without recourse to welfare. Reference monthly minimums (from 2025): €1,300 for singles; €2,000 for couples; plus €200 per child
• Health insurance: Coverage valid in Austria that covers all risks (Austrian public insurance through employment is sufficient where applicable)
• Accommodation: Proof of adequate accommodation is not required for Red‑White‑Red Card applicants, but housing costs are considered when assessing means of subsistence.

• Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen
• Path to permanent residency after 2 years
• Path to citizenship
• Enhanced business access to large economies
• Enhanced education opportunities
• Safety and security
• Short processing time

After two years on the Red-White-Red Card, applicants who have been gainfully employed for at least 21 of the preceding 24 months become eligible for a Red-White-Red Card Plus (settlement permit), granting unlimited labour market access.

After ten years of lawful residence in Austria, including the initial period leading to permanent residency, applicants can apply for Austrian citizenship. This may be reduced to six years of total residence for those who demonstrate B2-level German proficiency or exceptional integration into Austrian society. Austria generally does not allow dual nationality, so applicants typically must relinquish their existing citizenships.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Applications for this program may be submitted to: Austrian embassies/consulates abroad or to the competent residence authority in Austria (Provincial Governor or an authorized regional/local administrative authority)

Legislation upon which this program is based: The Settlement and Residence Act (Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz, NAG) of 2005.