Where and how to apply

Researchers may apply for a settlement permit – researcher (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Forscher) or a settlement permit – special cases of dependent gainful occupation (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit) in their home country at the competent representation authoritySearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• before entering Austria or in Austria after legal entry and during their legal stay.

You will be issued the visa in your country of residence before you enter Austria. Upon arrival in Austria, you can collect the residence title at the settlement and residence authority, within the validity period of your visa.

In order to prolong your residence title or change its purpose in time, you must make an in-country application. Such applications are submitted to the regional administrative authority or magistrate (e.g. in Vienna) before expiry of the most recent residence title. You may be able to wait for the decision while in Austria.

All applications must be submitted in person.

Documents required

Your documents must prove that you meet the specific and general conditions for the residence title.

Your necessary professional qualifications must also be recognised by the competent Austrian authority.

Duration of validity of permits

A settlement permit for researchers is issued for a maximum period of two years.

A settlement permit – special cases of dependent gainful occupation is issued for a maximum of one year.

Further requirements

N/A

Appeals

Applications submitted from outside Austria can be refused by the competent Austrian representation authoritySearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN••• abroad for formal reasons.

You can appeal against decisions of the representation authority at the Federal Administrative Court.

Appeals against decisions of the regional administrative authority or magistrate can be filed at the Provincial Administrative Court.

Decisions of the regional Public Employment Service can be appealed before the Federal Administrative Court.

Further appeals can be filed at the Administrative High Court, or the Constitutional Court if the decision was based on unlawful grounds or violated constitutional rights.

Further information

More on carrying out research in AustriaSearch for available translations of the preceding linkEN•••

Family reunification

As a researcher, your spouse or registered partner and children may be able to obtain a specific residence permit to live with you in Austria. Spouses and children of researchers are exempted from the scope of application of the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals and are allowed to work.

Long-term residence

To obtain a long-term residence title, you must prove settlement in Austria for the past five years and must fulfil Module 2 of the Integration Agreement.