🇦🇹 Austria · Entrepreneur
Stay permit self-employed — requirements, costs & how to apply
Who is eligible
| Minimum investment | €100,000 |
| Health insurance | Required (valid in-country) |
| Criminal record | Clean record / police clearance |
| Age range | 18–65 |
Costs
| Application / consular fee | €218 |
Duration & renewal
Initial stay: 24 months.
Documents
- Valid travel document (e.g. passport)
- Photo (dimensions: 45x35mm) not older than six months
- Evidence of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or equivalent insurance policy)
- Documents which allow an analysis and evaluation of the market and competitive situation and the headquarter location, including a detailed description and the objectives of the intended professional undertaking (business plan)
- Evidence of the transfer of investment capital to Austria and of the intended creation of new jobs or securing of existing jobs in Austria
- Evidence of the qualification necessary for the self-employed professional activity
- Company agreements and/or craft authorisations (Gewerbeberechtigungen), where necessary
- Current criminal record extract from the applicant's country of origin or previous habitual residence (as recommended)
Who can apply
Open to all nationalities.
How to apply
- Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
- Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/self-employedkeyworkers.
- Typical processing: ~21 days.
Frequently asked
Do I need health insurance?
Yes — valid health insurance in the country is required.
Sources & verification
Every figure on this page is taken from an official government source and dated. Nothing is inferred.
“your intended occupation involves a sustained transfer of investment capital to Austria amounting to € 100.000 minimum”
“Evidence of health insurance covering all risks”
“current criminal record extract from the applicant's country of origin or previous habitual residence”
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Informational only, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change — always confirm on the official government source linked above before applying. Last verified 2026-06-09.