German Requirements for Austria 2026: A1, A2, B1 and B2 Explained
Written by
Azra Mehanic
Founder, Move to Austria
Reviewed by
Azra Mehanic
Editorial and source review · August 1, 2026
Understand which Austrian residence applications may require A1, how Integration Agreement Modules 1 and 2 use A2 and B1, and why graduate nurses need B2.
Austria Does Not Have One German Level for Every Migrant
A1, A2, B1 and B2 answer different legal or professional questions. The required level depends on nationality, the residence title, whether it is a first application or renewal, long-term plans and the profession. EU, EEA and Swiss free-movement cases do not use the same national residence rules as third-country nationals. A work permit may award points for language without making German a universal entry condition, while a regulated profession can impose a higher level separately.
A1: ‘German Before Immigration’ for Certain First Applications
Third-country nationals generally need A1 German when first applying for titles including Red-White-Red Card plus, Family Member, Settlement Permit, Settlement Permit – Dependant, Settlement Permit – Gainful Employment Excepted, and certain artist or special-employment settlement permits. A1 means basic language use, not workplace fluency. The requirement is title-specific: it should never be copied automatically to every student, EU Blue Card or work-permit case.
How A1 Is Proved and When an Exception May Apply
The federal information page accepts generally recognised diplomas from ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, telc and ÖIF, plus regionally designated providers where applicable. For ‘German before immigration’, the diploma must normally be no more than one year old when submitted. Exemptions include applicants up to age 14, specified physical or mental health cases and defined family groups, including certain families of Very Highly Qualified RWR Card, EU Blue Card or researcher sponsors. The authority—not a course provider—decides whether an exception applies.
A2: Integration Agreement Module 1
Module 1 combines A2 German with knowledge of the fundamental values of Austria’s legal and social systems. It becomes obligatory after first grant of several settlement titles, including RWR Card plus, Family Member and various settlement permits, and the obligation normally runs for two years. A person granted a Red-White-Red Card is legally deemed to have completed Module 1. Holders of stay permits, EU Blue Cards, researcher settlement permits and EU-law residence cards are among those not subject to the Integration Agreement.
B1: Module 2, Long-Term Residence and Citizenship Planning
Module 2 uses B1 German plus advanced knowledge of fundamental values. It is not a universal compulsory next step for every resident, but it is required when applying for Long-term Resident–EU and is generally required for Austrian citizenship. The official rules recognise several equivalent school, apprenticeship and German-language study records in addition to the ÖIF B1 integration exam. Because citizenship has further conditions, a B1 certificate alone never guarantees naturalisation.
B2: The Professional Threshold for Graduate Nurses
Immigration language rules do not replace professional standards. Nursing in Austria states that a nurse with a degree in health and nursing care needs B2 German for entry in the Health Professions Register, and registration is required to work in that profession. This is why a nurse may satisfy an immigration step with A1 or points evidence yet still be unable to practise independently. Recognition or nostrification, professional German and register entry should be planned as separate workstreams.
Certificate Validity and Exam Choice Can Make or Break a File
Choose the exam for the legal purpose, not only the CEFR label. An A1 diploma used for German before immigration is generally limited to one year at submission, while an Integration Agreement Module 1 certificate used in a renewal procedure must not be older than two years. Nursing-register evidence follows professional rules. Confirm the accepted issuer, exam type, issue date and exact spelling of personal data with the responsible authority before paying for an exam.
Build a Language Timeline That Supports the Purchase Decision
Map the target residence title and profession first, then work backwards from the filing or employment date. A family applicant may need a valid A1 certificate before applying, A2 after arrival and B1 for later long-term residence; a graduate nurse should build toward B2 and clinical communication from the start. Combine structured lessons, official model tests, speaking practice and professional vocabulary. The most useful German course is the one aligned with the correct exam, deadline and real workplace goal.
Helpful resources
Official sources
Requirements and fees can change. Verify your individual case with the responsible authority before applying.
- German before immigration — oesterreich.gv.at
- Integration Agreement: Modules 1 and 2 — Austrian Federal Government migration portal
- Family reunification and A1 evidence — Austrian Federal Government migration portal
- German requirements for graduate nurses — Nursing in Austria
- Health Professions Register — Nursing in Austria
