Key Points
- Austria will implement new income thresholds for residence permit eligibility in January 2025.
- Applicants must meet the Equalisation Supplement Reference Rate under ASVG.
- Monthly income must be fixed, regular, and available at the time of application.
- Future entitlements or social benefits cannot be used to satisfy the threshold.
Overview
Austria’s Residence Permit Income Thresholds will be revised starting January 1, 2025, according to the country’s General Social Insurance Act (ASVG). Applicants seeking residence permits must demonstrate a fixed and regular income sufficient to cover personal and family living costs, independent of public assistance.
The new minimum monthly income levels are tied to the Equalisation Supplement Reference Rate (Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz) and will be:
- €1,273.99 for single individuals
- €2,009.85 for couples
- €196.57 for each dependent child
Crucially, only income available at the time of the application will be considered valid. Entitlements to future welfare payments, pensions, or supplements will not count toward meeting this financial requirement. This policy ensures that applicants can support themselves without reliance on Austria’s social system.
This update aligns with Austria’s efforts to maintain fiscal responsibility while upholding immigration standards based on self-sufficiency.
For background on other residence-related policies in Europe, see France: Eases EU Blue Card Rules for Skilled Workers, and Germany: Requirements for EU Blue Card Holders.
Looking Ahead
Employers and immigration stakeholders should ensure that residence permit applicants are financially prepared in accordance with the 2025 thresholds. Documenting verifiable income at the time of application will be critical to avoid delays or denials. Monitoring future updates to ASVG benchmarks may help streamline planning and maintain compliance.
