Third-country nationals

Third-country nationals are individuals who are

  • neither EU citizens
  • nor citizens of other EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway)
  • nor Swiss citizens.

Third-country nationals who intend to stay in Austria for more than six months require a residence permit. However, if they are authorized to reside there under EU law, they do not need a residence permit.

Temporary residence permits are typically issued for a duration of twelve months. However, there are exceptions:

  1. EU Blue Card: This permit is valid for two years, unless the employment contract has a shorter duration. In such cases, the residence permit is extended for an additional three months beyond the duration of the employment contract.
  2. Red-White-Red Card: This card is also issued for two years, unless the employment contract has a shorter duration. Again, in such cases, the residence permit is extended for an additional three months beyond the duration of the employment contract.
  3. Permit for researchers: This permit is issued for up to two years.
  4. Certain residence permits are granted for three years if the third-country national has completed Module 1 of the Integration Agreement and has continuously resided legally in Austria for the previous two years. These include: 
    1. Red-White-Red Card plus
    2. Settlement permit
    3. Settlement permit – family members
    4. Settlement permit – excluding gainful employment
    5. Settlement permit – artists
    6. Settlement permit – researchers
    7. Settlement permit – special cases of dependent employment 
    8. Residence permit for “family members”

Please note that the “residence permit for researchers – mobility” is also an option.

Legal reference: