Austria start-up residence permit

Legal grounds

The Austrian start-up residence program is designed for entrepreneurs from outside the European Union who want to build an innovative company in the country. To get the permit you have to meet several conditions.

Requirements for the project and the capital

• An innovative idea. The company has to develop and bring to market new products, services, processes or technologies.
• A business plan. You need a convincing plan for setting up and running the business.
• Active management. The applicant has to have significant influence over the management of the company.
• Capital. At least €30,000, of which at least half has to be your own funds.

The points system

The applicant has to score at least 50 points under the assessment system, which takes into account education, work experience, language skills and other factors.

Points: how to reach 50 of 85

Example: a degree (20), five years' experience (10), English B2 (10) and being under 35 (10) give exactly 50 points. Language certificates must be under 5 years old.

What it costs, item by item

Dollar amounts at the European Central Bank rate of 05.10.2026, rounded up.

Documents and where to get them

• Passport and a 45 x 35 mm photo under 6 months old.
• Health insurance covering Austria.
• Diplomas and proof of work experience.
• Language certificates under 5 years old.
• Proof of capital: statements, loan or investment agreement.
• Business plan and company articles.
• Police clearance under 3 months old.

Documents are filed as originals and copies, foreign ones translated into German or English.

Steps and timeline

1. Business plan and points, 2-4 weeks. We check whether the project passes as innovative.
2. Capital and company. Proof of funds and articles.
3. Filing. At an Austrian embassy or consulate, or at the local authority in Austria after lawful entry.
4. Labour market service review, up to 3 weeks. It assesses the project's benefit to the economy.
5. Decision and card. Usually 6-8 weeks from filing.
6. After 2 years. Switch to the card plus.

How to get approved the first time

• the project is not innovative: ordinary trade, a café, an agency;
• the business plan does not explain how the company will earn money;
• capital below €30,000 or less than half own funds;
• too few points due to expired language certificates;
• the applicant does not control the company.

Family

A spouse and minor children can get residence as family members. They need housing, health insurance and proof of means. They can take up employment once they hold the relevant permit.

Founder's taxes

You become an Austrian tax resident if you have a home there or spend more than 183 days. Income tax runs 0-55%, with income up to €13,539 a year tax-free. Companies pay 23% on profit, and dividends a further 27.5%. More on the Austria taxes page.

What counts as innovative

Reviewers look not at buzzwords but at what the company actually does that is new. Own software products and platforms, medical and biotech developments, new production processes, energy and climate solutions pass. Resale of goods, consulting without a product, restaurants and agencies do not. The strongest evidence is a letter from an Austrian business incubator, a patent or patent application, a cooperation agreement with a university or first paying customers.

A company in Austria

Founders usually register an Austrian limited company. Its minimum share capital is €10,000, but for the start-up card what matters is total project capital from €30,000, at least half your own funds, with the rest from investors or a loan. Registration goes through a notary and the commercial register, followed by a bank account and tax registration.

Card plus and permanent residence

The start-up card is issued for up to 24 months. If the company follows the business plan, after two years you can switch to the card plus, which allows any employment and self-employment. After 5 years of continuous residence you can apply for permanent residence, which requires stable income, housing and German at B1. Citizenship follows general naturalisation rules; see Austrian citizenship.

Comparison with other start-up visas

Austria asks for more capital but needs no separate accelerator approval and leads to permanent residence after 5 years. Without capital, France or the Netherlands is easier.

What we do

We calculate your points, help frame the project as innovative, prepare the business plan and documents, register the company, and support filing, the labour market review and the switch to the card plus. We fix our fee in writing after a free consultation.

Advantages of the Austrian start-up residence permit

How to get the Austrian start-up residence permit step by step

FAQ