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.
Why is Austria so resistant towards relaxing dual citizenship rules?
Germany's 2024 citizenship reform made it easier for people to hold two nationalities, but Austria has kept its restrictive approach. Why has Austria been so reluctant to follow its neighbour?
How entrepreneurs can get Austria‘s 'Red-White-Red' card
Austria's Red-White-Red Card offers two routes for non-EU entrepreneurs who want to set up or run a business without first securing a job offer. Here's what they need to qualify.
'I chose to naturalise': How life in Austria has changed for Brits since Brexit
The Brexit vote happened more than 10 years ago, with the UK leaving the EU in 2020. However, the effects are still being felt across Europe, including in Austria. British residents told us how life has changed for them in the last decade.
Does Austria limit family reunification for foreign residents?
Austria is putting in place quotas for family reunification for refugees. We look at whether limits also apply to other foreign residents who want to bring family members to the country, and explain the rules you need to know.
What foreign residents in Austria should know about planned 'integration map'
The Austrian government is planning to introduce an "Integrationslandkarte" or integration map modelled on Denmark, which would identify areas where foreign residents are deemed to not be integrating well.
'Deportation is last resort': What problems are Brits in Austria facing over Brexit residence permits?
Brits who lived in Austria before the end of the Brexit transition period were able to keep their residency rights, but many people have faced hurdles. We spoke with rights' groups and the Interior Ministry to look at what's happening in Austria.
How can foreign nationals bring their family members to Austria?
If you are a non-EU national with a valid residence permit in Austria – or indeed Austrian yourself – your partner, children, and some other family members depending on circumstances, can join you. We explain the hurdles they will have to clear.
Vienna's immigration authority dismisses employee amid residence-permit corruption probe
An employee already suspended has now been dismissed in Vienna's immigration and citizenship authority. Prosecutors continue investigating suspected corruption in residence-permit procedures at Vienna's MA 35.
EU Commission mulls revision of Schengen visa rules and fees
The European Commission is planning a revision of Schengen rules on short-stay visas to make the EU’s visa policy "more coherent, secure and effective, while facilitating legitimate travel".
Six things Austria’s new migration report reveals about life for immigrants
Austria’s migration-background population has grown to 2.55 million even as net migration slows. The latest official yearbook also offers a closer look at where people come from, how much German they use, their place in the labour market and how migrants themselves view life in Austria.
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.
Majority of foreign residents in Austria want citizenship, survey finds
More than two thirds of foreign residents living in Austria want to naturalise, a new survey suggests. However there are strict barriers.
Five EU countries aim to send rejected migrants to 'return hubs' by 2027
Five European Union countries are seeking a deal with an unnamed non-EU country to host a "return hub" for migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected, with a targeted start date of January 1, a Danish minister said Friday.
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.
EU nations patch things up after Ceuta migration discord
Spain and fellow EU nations moved to bury the hatchet Tuesday after a mass influx of migrants into the North African enclave of Ceuta laid bare fault lines on migration within the 27-nation bloc.
EU countries call for talks over migrant influx into Spanish enclave
A majority of EU countries called on Saturday for emergency talks on the sudden inflow of tens of thousands of migrants into Spain's enclave of Ceuta in North Africa.
Can an EU member state be kicked out of Schengen zone?
Several EU countries have caused a stir when they called to shut Spain out of the EU's visa-free Schengen travel zone after the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in Morocco was overwhelmed this week by thousands of migrant arrivals. Is that possible?
EU extends right to stay for Ukrainians but excludes military-age men
EU countries on Wednesday agreed to extend the right for Ukrainians fleeing the war to stay until 2028, but excluded military-age men arriving in the bloc.
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.
'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.