Settlement Permit – Researcher
Austria
Last updated: December 19, 2025
2 years (renewable)
$231
8 weeks
Medium
About this Visa
This visa lets you live and work in Austria as a researcher. You need a doctoral degree or a master's degree to apply. Once approved, you can work in your research field without getting special permission from employers. The visa is special because any person from any country can apply—there are no nationality restrictions. It's also a first step toward staying permanently in Austria or becoming an Austrian citizen.
Key Benefits
- Work in research without needing a job permit
- Bring your spouse and children (they get work permits too)
- Get health insurance automatically if you earn over $600/month
- Travel freely in European countries
- After 2 years: Switch to work anywhere in Austria (not just research)
- After 5 years: Get permanent residence
- After 10 years: Apply for Austrian citizenship
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- You have a doctoral degree (PhD) OR a master's degree
- You speak beginner German (A1 level—basic words and sentences)
- Your German certificate is less than 1 year old
- You have no serious criminal record
- You have a confirmed job from an Austrian research institution
- Private universities hiring you must be officially certified
- Public universities do not need certification
Financial Requirement
Show you have about $1,493 per month if you're single, or $2,355 per month combined if married. Add $230 per month for each child. You can subtract your rent or loan payments (if over $410/month) from this amount.
Documents
- Valid passportRequired for entry
- Bank statementsProof you have enough money
- Health insuranceCovering everything (minimum $33,000)
- Rental agreement or proof of housingIn Austria
- Police clearance certificateFrom your country (less than 3 months old)
- Degree certificateDoctoral or master's degree
- Hosting AgreementFrom an Austrian university or research center
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.