Daueraufenthalt nach der RWR-Karte

Nach der Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte — was kommt als Nächstes? Die genauen Schritte zur Daueraufenthaltsgenehmigung und Staatsbürgerschaft.

From a Tied Card to the Red-White-Red Card Plus

A Red-White-Red Card is normally linked to a specific employer. A holder may qualify for the Red-White-Red Card Plus after at least 21 months of qualifying employment during the preceding 24 months, provided the other requirements are met.

Do not wait until the permit has expired. File a timely renewal or change application with the competent residence authority and keep evidence of employment and insurance periods.

Long-Term Resident – EU

A third-country national may apply for Long-Term Resident – EU after five years of lawful, uninterrupted settlement when the general requirements and Module 2 of the Integration Agreement are fulfilled. The status permits long-term settlement and free access to the Austrian labour market.

The residence status is long-term, but the physical card is issued for a limited validity period and must be renewed. Absences and the type of prior residence can affect the calculation, so obtain case-specific advice before prolonged travel.

Integration Requirements

Module 1 concerns A2-level German and knowledge of the legal and social system; Module 2 concerns B1 and advanced values knowledge. Which obligation applies, the deadline and accepted evidence depend on the residence title and statutory exceptions.

Module 2 is required for Long-Term Resident – EU and is generally relevant to citizenship. Use the current Integration Agreement guidance rather than relying on a fixed timeline copied from another person's permit.

Citizenship Is a Separate Procedure

Ten years of lawful and uninterrupted residence, including five years settled, is one common route to naturalisation, but residence time alone does not create an automatic right. Integrity, secure livelihood, German and civic knowledge, and other statutory conditions must also be met.

Some six-year routes exist under specific conditions. Austria generally requires leaving the previous nationality, subject to exceptions and feasibility rules. Confirm the individual case with the provincial citizenship authority before making nationality decisions.