Austria Sets Income Threshold for Residence Permits

Austria has announced the income requirements for foreigners applying for residence permits, establishing clear financial benchmarks under the "adequate means of subsistence" guideline. Applicants must show a fixed and regular personal income sufficient to cover living costs without relying on local welfare support.

For a single applicant, the required monthly income is €1,308.39 (approximately N2,024,341), while couples must demonstrate a joint monthly income of at least €2,064.12 (around N3,193,606). This income must be consistent and recurring, as irregular earnings will not meet the criteria.

The benchmarks are based on the equalisation supplement reference rate, known in German as the Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz, which is part of the General Social Insurance Act (Allgemeines Sozialversicherungsgesetz, or ASVG). Foreigners are advised to consider these figures early in their planning, as failing to meet the income threshold at the application stage could lead to rejection, regardless of other qualifications.