Immigration
Latest news and information from Austria on immigration, migration, immigrants, asylum seekers and refugees.
Is it best to aim for permanent residency or citizenship in Austria?
Foreigners who plan on spending several years in Austria often wonder whether they should aim to become a permanent resident or Austrian. We weigh up the pros and cons of each.
'Graz is your city': Tens of thousands of foreigners urged to vote in Austrian election
Graz is heading for city elections. But did you know that the 40,000 foreign residents who live there have an opportunity to have their say, too? We spoke to an international standing in the Migrant Advisory Council vote to find out more.
UN rights chief troubled by new EU migrant return rules
The UN rights chief said on Saturday he deeply regretted the European Union's new migration rules, which allow much broader detention powers and the creation of deportation centres outside the bloc.
EU lawmakers give final approval for deportation centres outside bloc
European lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to tougher migration rules that will grant authorities much broader detention powers and allow for the creation of deportation centres outside the bloc.
'I miss friendly people': The reasons foreigners in Austria choose to leave
Austria has a lot to offer foreign residents but not everyone wants to stay forever. Whether its family, taxes or politics, many foreigners reach a point when they decide it's better to leave.
Can children under the age of 18 be naturalised in Austria?
Being born in Austria doesn’t by itself confer Austrian citizenship, but children can naturalise as Austrian - here's how.
Are language tests in Europe a valuable integration policy or just political posturing?
With governments across Europe tightening citizenship and residency requirements, language and country knowledge tests are often framed as measures of integration. But are governments really talking to domestic political audiences?
Remigration: Why Austrian far-right leader is under fire over 'mass deportation' rhetoric
Herbert Kickl, leader of Austria’s populist Freedom Party, has been reprimanded in parliament over his use of the term “remigration” – a phrase associated with the mass deportation of people with migrant backgrounds.
'Trend will continue': Number of people refused entry to Europe sees sharp rise
The number of people refused entry to the EU and Schengen area has risen dramatically, according to new statistics, while thousands of US, UK and Indian nationals have been found to be illegally present in EU/Schengen countries.
What's behind the rise of naturalisations in Austria?
Austria saw a 21.2 percent rise in the number of people gaining citizenship in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year. We spoke to an immigration lawyer to look at the reasons behind the increase.
Who are the foreigners that stay in Austria after moving here and why?
Austria’s population growth now depends heavily on migration, but a new report shows that moving to the country and staying there are two different things.
Austria plans deal with Uzbekistan on Afghan deportations
Austria will sign an agreement with Uzbekistan next month to facilitate deportations, including to Afghanistan via the central Asian country, the interior ministry said.
EXPLAINED: What is Austria’s minimum income support and who can get it in Vienna?
Austria’s minimum income benefit is always under scrutiny. But for thousands in Vienna, it’s a lifeline - here’s how the system really works.
What does it mean to be fully integrated in Austria?
International residents who come to Austria are encouraged to fully integrate. When it comes to bureaucracy, there are concrete requirements. But is this enough?
'A nightmare': Lives of foreigners across Europe hit by residency card delays
Bureaucratic backlogs and rule changes on residency rights are having an increasing impact on the lives of foreigners living around Europe. Many say they have been left in legal limbo with their lives effectively on hold.
REVEALED: Austria's most in-demand jobs in 2026
Looking to move jobs or switch careers in Austria? We've compiled the latest list of in-demand jobs and how to get a work visa to access them.
How many people hold residence permits in Austria and where are they from?
Austria offers a number of residence permits for people to live and work in the country. We look at recent figures that shed light on how many people have them at the moment and their origin country.
Reader question: Do I need special permits to buy a home in Austria?
Austria’s rules for buying property differ depending on your nationality. Learn what permits are needed, and what taxes to expect.
INTERVIEW: 'Austria's citizenship rules are already tough – and will likely get stricter'
Foreign residents in Austria face a difficult path to naturalisation. We spoke to a Vienna-based immigration lawyer to find out the biggest challenges and what internationals can expect in the coming years.
The vocabulary you need to understand the Austrian citizenship process
Applying for citizenship in Austria can be a lengthy and daunting process - and understanding the lingo is like learning a new language in itself. These are the top words and phrases you're likely to hear along the way.
EXPLAINED: Why the far right expects early elections in Austria and could they win?
Herbert Kickl, leader of the populist Freedom Party (FPÖ) says he expects Austria to head to early national elections in 2028 and claims he is already laying the groundwork for new coalition talks. We look at what foreign residents need to know.
INTERVIEW: 'Receiving Austrian citizenship was an emotional moment'
Applying to become an Austrian citizen is a difficult process and usually involves foreigners having to renounce their original nationality. One reader shares her naturalisation journey and the complicated feelings that go with it.
What do Europeans really think about immigration?
Growing political polarisation means that debate about immigration is boiled down to 'pro' or 'anti'-immigration positions, but new surveys reveal that European public opinion is a little more nuanced than that.