Austria: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Austrian citizenship as a rule requires renouncing previous citizenship and proving income above the statutory minimum for 3 years. You may spend no more than 20% of the period abroad.
- • 10 years of lawful stay, 5 of them settled
- • 6 years with German
- • 6 years for EEA citizens
- • 6 years for the spouse of an Austrian (5 years of marriage)
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.9–2.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Vienna | €1,810 | €4,050 |
| Salzburg | €1,720 | €3,890 |
| Graz | €1,400 | €3,270 |
| Linz | €1,440 | €3,350 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety82
- Earning potential91
- Healthcare90
- Path to citizenship59
- Schools and education69
- Environment80
- Warm, sunny climate53
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Austria, and how long does it take?
10 years of lawful stay, 5 of them settled; 6 years with German B2; 6 years for EEA citizens; 6 years for the spouse of an Austrian (5 years of marriage). Processing takes 0.9–2 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Austria?
The main routes we cover: EEA citizen residence; Temporary protection; Red-White-Red Card or family permit; Study permit. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
How much does it cost to live in Austria per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Vienna ≈ €1,810 / €4,050; Salzburg ≈ €1,720 / €3,890; Graz ≈ €1,400 / €3,270; Linz ≈ €1,440 / €3,350. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Austria?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Vienna €788–€1,240; Salzburg €740–€1,160; Graz €517–€813; Linz €543–€853.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.