Republic of Austria
Republic of Austria settlement & citizenship
Austria moves skilled workers from an employer-tied Red-White-Red Card to the Red-White-Red Card plus after sustained qualifying work, then to long-term residence and citizenship only after stricter residence, income, language, and integration checks.
Last reviewed 27 June 2026.
How long does Republic of Austria settlement and citizenship take?
Red-White-Red Card for 24 months -> Red-White-Red Card plus after 21 qualifying months -> citizenship usually from 10 years residence. The pathway moves from a temporary route into Permanent Residence - EU / Red-White-Red Card plus, then Austrian citizenship; check the physical-presence rule and language level before planning dates.
Verified against Migration.gv.at - Citizenship on 27 June 2026.
Source basis
This settlement and citizenship page is compiled from the destination's official settlement or nationality source plus the linked route records that feed into the pathway.
Reviewed
Primary sources
- Migration.gv.at - Citizenship
Migration.gv.at - Citizenship - verified
- migration.gv.at - Permanent immigration: Red-White-Red Card
Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) - verified
Stages — from visa to passport
- 1
Red-White-Red Card
Usually 24 months
- Who qualifies
- Skilled shortage-occupation workers with a binding job offer, points, qualifications, and applicable pay.
- Key gate
- Work for the approved employer in line with Red-White-Red Card requirements.
- Linked visas
- Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)
- 2
Red-White-Red Card plus
1 year, or 3 years after 2 years settled plus Integration Agreement module 1
- Who qualifies
- Red-White-Red Card holders employed in line with requirements for at least 21 months in the preceding 24 months.
- Key gate
- Satisfy the 21-of-24-month employment rule and residence-title requirements.
- 3
Austrian citizenship
Usually 10 years legal continuous residence, at least 5 with a residence permit
- Who qualifies
- Long-term residents meeting maintenance, integrity, German, civic-knowledge, and prior-citizenship rules.
- Key gate
- Meet general naturalisation requirements and usually lose previous citizenship unless an exception applies.
Physical presence
Citizenship generally requires 10 years legal and continuous residence in Austria, including at least 5 years with a residence permit.
Language level
German language skills through Integration Agreement module 2 unless an exception applies.
Test / oath
Citizenship requires knowledge of Austria democratic system, fundamental principles, and federal/provincial history, usually through a written exam.
Dual citizenship
Austria generally requires loss of previous citizenship for naturalisation, with limited exceptions.
Typical full timeline
Red-White-Red Card for 24 months -> Red-White-Red Card plus after 21 qualifying months -> citizenship usually from 10 years residence.
Primary source
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get Austrian citizenship after first arriving in Austria?
Red-White-Red Card for 24 months -> Red-White-Red Card plus after 21 qualifying months -> citizenship usually from 10 years residence.
How many days a year must I physically be in Austria to qualify?
Citizenship generally requires 10 years legal and continuous residence in Austria, including at least 5 years with a residence permit.
What language level do I need for Austrian citizenship?
German language skills through Integration Agreement module 2 unless an exception applies.
Does Austria allow dual citizenship?
Austria generally requires loss of previous citizenship for naturalisation, with limited exceptions.