Settlement Permits – Super Key Employees & Researchers
Austria offers specialized Settlement Permits for exceptional professionals in two distinct categories: Super Key Employees holding senior positions in internationally active corporations, and Researchers engaged in scientific work at certified research institutions. Both categories provide exceptions to standard work permit requirements under the Alien Employment Act (AuslBG).
These permits provide:
- Combined work and residence authorization for long-term employment
- Exception from standard work permit requirements
- Pathway to permanent residence and Austrian citizenship
- Family reunification rights
Super Key Employees
Who Qualifies:
- Senior position at board or management level in internationally active corporation
- Employment serves to develop or expand sustainable economic relations OR create/secure skilled jobs in Austria
- Minimum gross monthly salary of €8,316 (plus 13th and 14th special payments)
Permit Type: Settlement Permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung)
Key Advantage: Exception in the Alien Employment Act (AuslBG)—no standard work permit required for this category.
Researchers
Who Qualifies:
- PhD degree OR suitable university degree allowing enrollment in PhD studies
- Engaged in scientific work at a research institution where such degree is normally required
- Hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) with certified research institution or public institution
- Research institution must be certified (all Austrian state universities qualify; private universities and private research institutions require certification)
Permit Type: Settlement Permit – Researcher (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Forscher)
Key Advantage: Exception in the Alien Employment Act (AuslBG)—streamlined process for scientific research positions.
How we help
Initial Consultation & Eligibility Check
Employer or Research Institution Coordination
Document Preparation
Application Submission
Follow-up & Representation
Post-Arrival Services
For Employers & Research Institutions
For Employers hiring Super Key Employees:
- Legal consultation on Super Key Employee requirements
- Preparation of necessary documents
- Compliance verification with minimum salary requirements
For Research Institutions hiring Researchers:
- Guidance on hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) requirements
- Verification of research institution certification status
- Preparation of research institution documentation
- Coordination of Settlement Permit – Researcher application process
We ensure your organization can attract exceptional international talent—whether senior executives or scientific researchers—while meeting all Austrian legal requirements.
Advantages
For Employees
- Legal residence and employment in Austria without standard work permit
- Exception from Alien Employment Act
- Pathway to permanent residence and Austrian citizenship
- Family reunification rights
- Recognition of senior executive status (Super Key Employees) or access to Austrian research institutions (Researchers)
For Employers & Research Institutions
- Streamlined process for exceptional international talent
- Legal assurance that hires meet Austrian and EU standards
- Faster processing through AuslBG exception framework
- Immigration law compliance managed by specialists
- Support for strategic recruitment of senior leadership or research talent
Why Choose Oberhammer Immigration Advocates
Specialized expertise
Corporate and research immigration experience
Dual representation
Multilingual team
Transparent pricing
High approval rate
Ready to secure your Settlement Permit?
Office