Quick answer
The Settlement Permit – Special Cases of Gainful Employment allows third-country nationals to reside and work in Austria for specific occupations exempt from the Employment of Foreign Nationals Act [1]. Eligible activities include scientific, educational, cultural, and social roles in certain institutions, diplomatic missions, pastoral care, managerial staff, foreign media correspondents, and more [6]. Applicants must meet general requirements such as adequate income, health insurance, and accommodation [7], and submit a contract of employment [5]. The permit is issued for a specific employer [1]. For details on validity, see the official information [3]. Application forms and required documents are available online [9]. Examples of eligible occupations include research associates, pastoral care workers, journalists, and employees of international schools . General requirements include proof of adequate means of subsistence, health insurance, and accommodation . Certain applicants may file in Austria . The application fee is €218 .
Key facts
| Visa validity | Varies; see official information[3] |
Am I eligible?
Special Cases of Gainful Employment
- Fulfill general requirements for a residence permit (adequate accommodation, health insurance, sufficient means of subsistence).
- Exercise a specific occupation exempt from the Employment of Foreign Nationals Act, such as foreign media respondent, university professor, or teacher at an international school.
- Provide a contract of employment.
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Requirements in detail
For singles: €2,616.78 per month; for married couples/partnerships: €4,128.24; plus €403.76 per child. Income can come from pensions, profits from enterprises abroad, income from assets, savings, or company shares.
Must have health insurance that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks.
Must provide evidence of a legal title to accommodation (e.g., lease contract) considered adequate for family size according to local standards.
Must provide evidence of German language skills at A1 level, unless exempt (e.g., under 14, health reasons, certain family members).
Accepted diplomas from Austrian Language Diploma German, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, or Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). Diploma must not be older than one year.
Many authorities require a current criminal record extract from the applicant's country of origin or previous habitual residence, no more than three months old.
Application fee of €218 for the residence permit.
Documents you'll need
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Obtain the application form from the official website [9].
- 2
Prepare all required documents, including a valid travel document, photo, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and means of subsistence .
- 3
Submit the application along with the contract of employment [5].
- 4
File the application with the competent Austrian consular representation abroad, unless you qualify to file in Austria .
- 5
Pay the application fee of €218 .
Frequently asked questions
What occupations qualify for the Settlement Permit – Special Cases of Gainful Employment?
Examples include foreign media respondents, university professors, and teachers at international schools.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
It is usually issued for 12 months
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
## You live in Austria with an ID card for displaced persons from Ukraine - Red-White-Red Card plus for Displaced Persons from Ukraine You are a displaced person from Ukraine, have an ID card for disp
Residence permits for third-country nationals in Austria · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
## You live in Austria with a residence permit under the Asylum Act - Change from residence permits under the Asylum Act to a residence permit under the Residence and Settlement Act (German) You have
Residence permits for third-country nationals in Austria · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
Evidence of adequate German language skills does not need to be provided by - Persons who have not completed 14 years of age when applying - Persons who cannot reasonably be expected to provide such e
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
- Family members of holders of a „Red-White-Red – Card” for highly qualified persons, a „Blue Card EU“ or or a „settlement permit – researcher“ - Family members of holders of a „long-term resident – E
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
If this person has lived in another country for more than 6 months prior to their stay in Austria, they will need a criminal record certificate from that country
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
Definition and entitlement
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Eligible activities
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
General requirements
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
Employment contract required
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Application forms and documents
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [12]
Validity period information
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
Examples of eligible occupations
Residence permits for third-country nationals in Austria · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
General requirements for residence title
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [15]
Application filing options
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [16]
Fees
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
Settlement permit special cases of gainful employment can be granted for certain special cases of dependent employment if general requirements are fulfilled
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [18]
Examples include foreign media respondents, university professors or teachers at international schools
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [19]
Required document: contract of employment
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [20]
General requirements include adequate accommodation, health insurance, and means of subsistence
Other forms of settlement · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Austria's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Austria's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.