Settlement permit except gainful employment
The “settlement permit except gainful employment” entitles the holder to settle in Austria without gainful employment. The exercise of an (employed or self-employed) gainful employment is not permitted. It is therefore the correct residence permit for third-country nationals who are financially independent.
The “settlement permit except gainful employment” is usually issued for 12 months. You can find more information on the validity period of residence permits here.
Who can receive a "settlement permit except gainful employment"?
The general conditions for the granting of the settlement permit must be fulfilled and a quota place must be available. The number of these settlement permits issued annually is limited. There must be a place within the quota for the application to be approved. Quota places are assigned on a first come first served basis starting at the beginning of the year.
Please note: The amount of regular monthly income (e.g. domestic or foreign pensions, company profits earned abroad, income from assets or company investments) must be twice the normal reference rates.
The monthly reference rates to be fulfilled are for the year 2025:
- For singles: € 2,547.98
- For couples: € 4,019.70
- For each child additionally: € 393.14
What are the requirements for a “settlement permit except gainful employment"?
The general and special conditions for the granting of a residence permit must be fulfilled.
Further information on the general requirements can be found here. You will find a list of the necessary documents in the respective application form.
Last update: 30 January 2025