Move to Austria

Alpine order and imperial elegance, with mountains at the end of every tram line

Routes we checked
5
Digital nomad visa
Not in our data
Budget from
$2,100 a month
Language
German
Currency
EUR

Work permitStudent visaFreelancer and self-employedResidence permit

Ways to live in Austria

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Work permit Work permits →

Red-White-Red Card – Other key workers

Austria's points-based work and residence permit for qualified non-EU workers with a job offer from an Austrian employer.

What you need
At least 55 of 90 points for qualifications, work experience, languages and age, and a gross salary of at least 3,465 euros a month (2026). The Public Employment Service (AMS) checks the points, salary and labour market.
Income
from about $4,020 a month
How long
24 months, tied to the named employer
Renewable
Yes
Cost
218 euros application fee
How to apply
In person at an Austrian embassy or consulate, or the employer applies to the residence authority in Austria.
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
After 21 months of work under the card within 24 months you can get a Red-White-Red Card plus with free access to the labour market.

Official page

EU Blue Card (EU work permit for qualified specialists)

For university graduates with a well-paid job offer in Austria.

What you need
A degree of at least 3 years (in IT, 3 years of relevant experience in the last 7 can replace it) and a gross annual salary of at least 55,678 euros including bonuses (2026).
Income
from about $5,380 a month
How long
24 months, with one employer
Renewable
Yes
Cost
218 euros application fee
How to apply
At an Austrian embassy or consulate, or the employer applies in Austria.
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
After 21 months of qualifying work within 24 months you can switch to a Red-White-Red Card plus.

Official page

Student visa Student visas →

Residence permit – Student

For non-EU nationals studying at an Austrian university, university of applied sciences or private university, in a programme of at least 40 ECTS credits.

What you need
Admission to a recognised institution, health insurance valid in Austria and proof of regular means: 722.58 euros a month under age 24, 1,308.39 euros a month from 24 (parents or a sponsor may sign a declaration of liability). A criminal record extract is often requested.
Income
from about $840 a month
Renewable
Yes
How to apply
First application at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence; after legal entry, at the local residence authority (MA 35 in Vienna).
Path to permanent residence
Renewals need proof of study progress. After graduating you can switch to a Red-White-Red Card, or get a one-time 12-month extension to look for work or start a business.

Official page

Freelancer and self-employed Freelancer and self-employed visas →

Red-White-Red Card – Self-employed key workers and start-up founders

For people who run their own business in Austria that benefits the wider economy, or who found an innovative start-up.

What you need
Self-employed: a business plan showing a wider economic benefit, for example a transfer of at least 100,000 euros of investment, new jobs or new technology. Start-up founders: an innovative company with at least 30,000 euros of capital, at least a 50% stake and management control, and 50 of 85 points.
How long
24 months
Renewable
Yes
Cost
218 euros application fee
Processing time
The Public Employment Service gives its opinion within 3 weeks
How to apply
In person at an Austrian embassy or consulate, or at the residence authority in Austria after legal entry.
Path to permanent residence
After 2 years self-employed people can get a settlement permit and start-up founders a Red-White-Red Card plus.

Official page

Residence permit Residence permits →

Settlement permit – gainful employment excepted

For financially independent people, such as pensioners or people living on investments, who want to live in Austria without working. Issued under an annual quota.

What you need
Regular monthly income of at least 2,616.78 euros for a single person, 4,128.24 euros for a couple and 403.76 euros more per child (2026), full health insurance, suitable housing and German at A1 level. A quota place must be free. Work is not allowed.
Income
from about $3,040 a month
How long
1 year; 3 years after 2 years of continuous residence and integration module 1
Renewable
Yes
Cost
218 euros application fee
How to apply
First application usually at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
Family
Family members can come with you
Path to permanent residence
After 5 years of continuous lawful residence and integration module 2 you can apply for EU long-term resident status.

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

Room in a shared flat$400
One-bedroom flat$830
Two-bedroom flat$1,440
Bills$300
Typical local salary$2,910
Budget for one person$2,100

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

Vienna combines coffee houses, opera and huge parks with a calm, safe rhythm. Lakes and ski slopes are a short train ride away, and cities like Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck feel compact and green.

Day to day

Trains are punctual and connect every major town, and city transit is excellent. Healthcare is high quality through public insurance. Cards are widely accepted though some places prefer cash, internet is reliable, and German is needed for daily life.

Trade-offs

Paperwork is thorough and residence registration is mandatory. Shops close on Sundays, locals can seem reserved at first, and winters are long and grey outside the mountains.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does Austria have a digital nomad visa?

Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.

How much money do I need to live in Austria?

A single person can live on from about $2,100 a month. A one-bedroom flat costs about $830 a month.

How can I move to Austria?

The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Freelancer and self-employed, Residence permit.

Sources and last check

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.

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