Austria has updated its minimum income requirements for residency permits in 2025. Here’s how much you need to earn to qualify.
Are you planning to apply for a residency permit in Austria in 2025? One of the main requirements is proving you have enough income to support yourself and your family.
What is the minimum income required?
For most residency permits, Austrian authorities require applicants to meet the so-called “equalisation supplement reference rate”, which ensures they have enough income to cover living costs without relying on social benefits. As of January 1st, 2025, the required monthly income is:
- €1,273.99 for a single person
- €2,009.85 for a married couple
- €196.57 extra for each child
These amounts represent net income, meaning after taxes and deductions. Social benefits that would only apply after receiving a residence permit, such as social ***istance, do not count toward this requirement, according to the Austrian federal government.
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Do Red-White-Red Card holders need to meet this income requirement?
The Red-White-Red Card (RWR) is a special residence and work permit for highly qualified workers, skilled labour in shortage occupations, and other key workers.
Unlike most residency permits, it does not require proof of means of subsistence under Austria’s settlement and residence law.
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However, applicants must still meet the minimum salary requirements of Austria’s Aliens Employment Act. The required salary depends on the applicant’s category. In 2025, EU Blue Card holders must earn at least €51,500 per year (gross), while other key workers must meet a minimum gross salary of €3,225 per month.
Do you need proof of health insurance and housing?
In addition to meeting the income requirement, residency applicants must provide proof of health insurance and suitable accommodation.
Applicants must have comprehensive health coverage that is valid in Austria. If employed, they will be covered by Austria’s social security system once they start working. Those applying before securing a job may need temporary private health insurance with at least €30,000 coverage.
Applicants must provide proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract or proof of homeownership. However, this requirement does not apply to RWR cardholders. A rental contract or proof of homeownership is also required for some permits but not for the RWR. Free accommodation is only accepted if the permanent housing arrangement cannot be revoked without notice.
What if you don’t meet the income requirement?
If an applicant falls slightly short of the income requirement, they may be able to use third-party financial support. A declaration of liability from a financially stable person can supplement income, but this is only possible if blockly allowed for the residency category.
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How can you apply?
Applications for residency permits in Austria can be submitted at an Austrian emb***y or consulate in the applicant’s home country or directly to the residence authority in Austria, such as the provincial governor, district authority, or municipal authority, if the applicant is already in the country legally.
For the Red-White-Red Card, an employer can apply on behalf of the applicant, provided the applicant has a job offer that meets the salary requirements.
READ ALSO: Austria’s most in-demand jobs in 2025 and how to get a work permit for one
How long does the process take?
The processing time for residency permits varies, but applications typically take around eight weeks to be approved, depending on the “completeness of do***ents and the workload of the authorities”, according to the Austrian federal government.
What to consider before applying
Proving financial stability is key to securing a residency permit in Austria. While the Red-White-Red Card focuses on salary thresholds, most permits require applicants to show a steady income above the yearly minimum.
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To avoid delays in the application process, applicants should ensure they meet the latest requirements, prepare all necessary do***ents, and confirm their income level.
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