How to Qualify for Austrian Residency — No Investment, No Business Setup

What Is Austria’s Independent Means Visa?


The Independent Means Visa is a residency option for non-EU citizens who can show they have enough income to live in Austria without taking a job. It’s a perfect fit for retirees, remote earners, or anyone with steady passive income who’s ready for a fresh start.

The best part? No investment, no donation, and no company formation required. It’s all about showing you can live well without working locally.

Basic Requirements


• Show You’re Financially Set

  You’ll need to prove a stable annual income of about $25,800 USD for an individual. Couples should expect to show closer to $39,000 USD combined, and if you're bringing kids, you’ll need a bit more per dependent. Passive income sources like pensions, dividends, rental properties, or investments are all fair game — just not income from a job inside Austria.

• Have a Place to Stay
  You’ll need to line up long-term housing before you apply — think a rental lease or proof of property ownership. Austria wants to know you’ll have a solid roof over your head once you arrive.

• Get Health Insurance

  Applicants must have comprehensive health insurance that’s valid in Austria, usually covering at least one year (ideally longer). Expect to spend around $150 to $300 USD per month depending on your age and health situation — a small price for full access to Austria’s world-class healthcare system.

• Learn Basic German

  You’ll need to show basic A1-level German skills when you apply. It’s nothing intense — simple conversations, greetings, ordering food — but you’ll need a certificate from a recognized language school like the Goethe-Institut or Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF).

How to Keep Your Residency


Once you have the visa, you’ll need to actually live in Austria — not just visit. You’re required to stay at least 183 days a year to maintain your residency.

Bonus? When you're not exploring Austria, you can hop around the rest of Europe’s Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period — no extra visa needed.

How to Go from Resident to Citizen

• Year 1: You’ll get a one-year residence permit.

• Years 2–5: Renew your permit annually by showing you still meet the income, housing, and insurance requirements.

• After 5 Years: You can apply for permanent residency if you demonstrate intermediate German skills (B1 level) and meet integration standards.

• After 10 Years: You may become eligible for Austrian citizenship — one of the strongest passports in the world.

Why It’s Worth Considering

• No investment required — just proof you can support yourself.

• Live in Austria with its postcard-perfect scenery, safe cities, incredible healthcare, and top-tier education.

• Travel across Europe with ease, thanks to full Schengen access.

• A clear, realistic path to permanent residence and citizenship — no gimmicks or giant price tags.

How Long Does the Process Take?

From start to finish, expect the full application process to take around 3 to 5 months. Steps include collecting documents, passing the German test, securing health insurance, arranging housing, and submitting everything at your local Austrian embassy or consulate.

Is This the Option For You?

If you’re looking for a no-fuss path to European living, Austria’s Independent Means Visa is seriously hard to beat. With no need to invest hundreds of thousands upfront, it’s one of the most accessible residency options in Europe for financially independent individuals.

Just show you’re financially secure, get your paperwork in order, and pack your hiking boots — because life surrounded by mountains, museums, and Mozart is closer than you think.

Sources:

* Living and Working in Austria – Immigration & Residence

* Goethe-Institut – German Language Certificates

* Henley and Partners - Immigration to Austria