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Permanent residence (Long-Term Residence — EU) is generally available after five years of continuous lawful residence, once you've completed Module 2 of the Integration Agreement. Citizenship is separate and usually needs ten years of lawful residence.
Austria's permanent-residence status is called Long-Term Residence — EU, and it's generally available after five years of continuous, uninterrupted lawful residence. Before applying you must complete Module 2 of the Integration Agreement, which includes a German-language and integration requirement, and you'll also need to show stable, regular resources, all-risks health insurance and a valid travel document. The status grants near-equal treatment with Austrian nationals and the right to move to other EU states under certain conditions.
Citizenship is a separate and longer step. The general requirement is ten years of lawful, continuous residence in Austria, with at least five of those years spent holding a residence permit, plus stable income, proof of German and a citizenship test covering Austria's democratic system and history.
One important caveat: Austria is restrictive about dual citizenship, so you may have to give up your current nationality to naturalise. It's worth checking how that would affect you before you commit to that path.
Residence and integration rules are periodically updated, so confirm the current requirements on the official Austrian portals before you apply.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.