How To Get PR in Austria After Study?

After years of studying in Austria, you’re ready to call it home. But how?

Many international students aspire to settle in this area after graduation. Austria has a strong economy, beautiful cities, and a peaceful lifestyle. However, to stay long-term, you need to obtain permanent residency (PR).

If you’re a student, don’t worry. You don’t need to leave after you graduate. There are straightforward steps to apply for permanent residency in Austria for students. From a post-study work visa in Austria to a full PR card, the process is planned. It also opens the door to Austrian citizenship after PR.

In this guide, we’ll talk about how to get PR in Austria after study. We’ll discuss all the rules, documents, and job needs.

Eligibility Criteria for PR After Studying in Austria

Before you apply, please ensure you meet the following requirements. These rules are called the Austria PR eligibility criteria. They check if you’ve lived, worked, and earned enough in Austria.

This section explains the duration of stay, required income, and additional details.

Minimum Residency Period: How Long Must You Stay?

You must have lived in Austria for at least five consecutive years. These years must be legal. That means you had a valid visa during your stay. For most students, the five years start from the date of their student visa. But only full-time study counts. Time on tourist or short-term visas doesn’t help.

You also need to demonstrate that you spent most of your time in Austria. If you leave for too long, the count may restart. This rule is part of your residency period after study.

Do You Need a Job Offer to Qualify for PR?

Yes, in most cases, you need a job. After you graduate, you must extend your stay for up to 12 more months. This extra time allows you to explore job opportunities related to your degree.

Once you get a job in a sector you studied, you may apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This work card helps you start your PR journey. Later, when you meet the five-year rule, you can apply for PR.

Financial Stability Requirements (2025 Updates)

In 2025, the updated monthly requirement is:

• €1,273.99 for single applicants
• €2,009.85 for couples
• Add about €196,57 per child.

You can prove this in two ways:

• A job contract with a stable salary
• Or bank savings in your Austrian account

Additionally, you are required to have health insurance. Whether public or private, it should cover your entire stay. These updates were introduced in accordance with the PR requirements of Austria 2025.

Eligibility Checklist for Austria PR

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Permanent Residency

Applying for permanent residency (PR) in Austria involves several steps.

Step 1: Extend Your Stay for Job Search After Graduation

After completing your studies in Austria, you can apply for a legal confirmation of your stay for 12 months. During this time, you can look for employment related to your qualifications.

To apply, you need:

• A valid passport
• Proof of completed studies in Austria
• Health insurance coverage
• Proof of sufficient monthly income

Step 2: Securing a Job Based on Your Qualification Level

Once you have the stay permit in Austria, your next goal is to find a job in a high-demand sector. These sectors often include technology, healthcare, and engineering.

After securing a job, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card. This card allows you to work and reside in Austria. Requirements for the Red-White-Red Card include:

• You must have a valid job offer in Austria.
• Your salary should align with what Austrian graduates typically earn for similar positions.
• You also need to meet the general requirements for living in Austria.
• You must have health insurance and a clean background.

Step 3: Submitting Your PR Application

After working in Austria for 5 years, you can then apply for permanent residency. Here’s a checklist of documents you’ll need:

• Valid passport
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• Proof of continuous residence in Austria
• Employment contract and salary slips
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance coverage
• Proof of German language proficiency (minimum A2 level)
• Clean criminal record certificate

2025 Document Checklist

Top In-Demand Jobs in Austria for PR Applicants (2025 Data)

Finding a job in Austria after your studies is crucial for obtaining permanent residency (PR). In 2025, Austria has identified several occupations that are in high demand. This makes it easier for international graduates to secure employment and eventually apply for PR.

STEM, Healthcare, and IT: Fast-Track Sectors

Austria is actively seeking professionals in various sectors. Some of the most in-demand fields include:

• Engineering: Specialists in electrical, mechanical, power and chemical engineering are in high demand.
• Healthcare: Doctors and nurses are needed to support Austria’s healthcare system.
• Information Technology (IT): Software developers, cybersecurity experts, and AI specialists are in demand.
• Skilled Trades: Electricians, technicians, and mechanics are essential for various industries
• Hospitality and Tourism: Chefs and tourism clerks are needed to support Austria’s tourism sector.

Part-Time Work and Internships: Do They Count Toward PR?

While studying, you may have engaged in part-time work or internships. It’s important to note that only full-time employment after graduation typically counts toward the residency period required for PR.

However, part-time work and internships can provide valuable experience and may lead to full-time job offers. 

Table: High-Demand Jobs vs. Average Salaries

Language Requirements: Which Tests Are Accepted in 2025?

If you want to apply for PR in Austria, you must prove your German language skills. Austria requires a minimum A2 or B1 level, depending on the type of visa or residency pathway.

Let’s break it down in a simple way.

German B1 Requirement: Exceptions for EU Graduates

In most cases, international students are required to demonstrate a B1 level of German proficiency. This is necessary primarily when applying for long-term residency or the Red-White-Red Card Plus.

If you are a graduate from an Austrian university and you’ve studied German thoroughly, you may not need to take a separate language test. Additionally, if you are from the EU or EEA, the requirements may be less stringent.

Still, it’s always best to double-check with MA 35 or your local immigration office.

Approved Language Tests (Goethe vs. ÖSD)

Austria accepts only a limited number of official German tests. Make sure to take the right one. Here are the most trusted ones:

• ÖSD Zertifikat A2 or B1
• Goethe-Zertifikat A2 or B1
• telc Deutsch A2 or B1
• ÖIF-Test A2 or B1 (by the Austrian Integration Fund)

Make sure your test is not too old. Most of them must be taken within the last 5 years.

If you need further assistance with preparation, many universities offer free or low-cost German language classes. There are also online courses and apps available to help you prepare.

Financial Proof: How Much Savings Do You Need?

When you apply for PR in Austria, you don’t need to show any financial proof. But you must have a regular monthly income. It’s one of the most crucial components of your Austrian PR application.

2025 Financial Thresholds for Single Applicants vs. Families

As of 2025, the monthly minimum requirement for a single person is around €1,273.99. If you are applying with your spouse, the monthly requirement is approximately €2,009.85. For each child, you have to add €196.57 per month.

Using a Job Contract as Financial Proof

You don’t always need to show money in a bank. If you have a job offer, that counts too. A full-time job contract with a salary above the threshold is enough. You must also submit salary slips or tax documents to support your claim.

Can Part-Time Work During Studies Help?

Yes, it can help a little. While you study in Austria, you’re allowed to do part-time work. But part-time income alone is not enough for PR. You still need a full-time job or sufficient savings.

However, working part-time helps build experience. It may lead to a permanent job later.

Processing Time and Costs: What to Expect in 2025

Applying for permanent residency (PR) in Austria requires patience and diligence. The processing time for PR applications typically ranges from 3 to 6 months. This duration can vary based on the complexity of your case and the completeness of your application.

Hidden Fees

Beyond the standard application fees, there are additional costs to consider:

• Translation Fees: If your documents are not in German, certified translations are required.
• Certification Fees: Some documents may require notarization or an apostille.
• Legal Assistance: While optional, hiring an immigration lawyer can help navigate complex cases.

PR Application Cost Breakdown

Benefits of Austrian PR: Healthcare, Education, and Travel

Obtaining permanent residency in Austria comes with numerous advantages:

• Healthcare: Access to Austria’s high-quality public healthcare system.
• Education: Free or low-cost education for children, including university-level studies.
• Travel: Freedom to travel within the Schengen Area without additional visas.
• Employment: Unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.

While PR offers many benefits, citizenship provides additional rights, such as the right to vote and obtain an Austrian passport.

PR vs. Red-White-Red Card vs. Citizenship

Expert Tips to Avoid Common PR Application Mistakes

• Incomplete Applications: Ensure that you submit all required documents. Missing any information might lead to delays or rejections.
• Expired Documents: Check that all documents, especially language certificates, are valid and up-to-date.
• Incorrect Translations: Use certified translators for any non-German documents.
• Ignoring Deadlines: Submit applications within the specified timeframes to avoid complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So now you know almost everything about how to get PR in Austria after study. For alternative options, explore streamlined PR pathways in Canada for international graduates. It’s not quick, but it’s 100% possible with the proper steps. Your first step is to find a full-time job and get a Red-White-Red Card. After five years of legal stay, you can apply for permanent residency. Austria rewards individuals who study diligently, work hard, and integrate effectively. If you’re planning to stay long-term, this is an ideal location. Once you obtain PR, it opens many doors, including the possibility of obtaining Austrian citizenship in the future.