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.
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.