Austria’s Interior Ministry has quietly raised the so-called “secure-livelihood” threshold that retirees, digital nomads and other third-country nationals must meet when applying for a Residence Permit – Without Gainful Employment. A circular released on 8 January but published on 11 January confirms that, with immediate effect, single applicants must now show net, disposable income of at least €1,273.99 per month; married couples need €2,009.85, while each dependent child adds €196.57. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/austria-raises-subsistence-income-test-for-2026-non-work-residence-permits/))
The figures follow the annual indexation of the Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz (the Austrian social-assistance benchmark) and represent roughly a four-percent rise on 2025 levels. While the hike looks modest on paper, it can trip up self-funded expatriates who rely on pensions, dividends or rental income paid outside Austria; only cash that has actually been credited to an Austrian or EU bank account during the three months before filing counts towards the test. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/austria-raises-subsistence-income-test-for-2026-non-work-residence-permits/))
![Austria tightens income proof for ‘non-work’ residence permits]()
Unsure whether your passive income will pass muster? VisaHQ’s Austria team can review your statements, flag shortfalls and provide a checklist of acceptable proof before you lodge your file. Their portal (https://www.visahq.com/austria/) also tracks mid-year indexations and lets you book expedited courier or in-person submission services—handy when a July adjustment is looming.
HR teams are largely unaffected because salaried assignees on Red-White-Red or EU Blue Cards typically earn well above the new minima. The real pain point is for trailing spouses, sabbatical workers and parents taking career breaks, whose renewal applications could now be refused—suspending legal stay and jeopardising future Schengen visa applications. Immigration advisers therefore recommend “stress-testing” household income before employees request unpaid leave or part-time arrangements in 2026. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/austria-raises-subsistence-income-test-for-2026-non-work-residence-permits/))
Practically, applicants must document the income with bank statements or payslips and show that it remains available after fixed monthly costs such as rent, loans or maintenance that exceed €386.43. Because most Austrian employers pay salaries in fourteen instalments, payroll teams have to ensure every monthly payment still satisfies the rule. Advisers also warn that July can bring a mid-year indexation, so filing early could avoid a second jump. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/austria-raises-subsistence-income-test-for-2026-non-work-residence-permits/))
The figures follow the annual indexation of the Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz (the Austrian social-assistance benchmark) and represent roughly a four-percent rise on 2025 levels. While the hike looks modest on paper, it can trip up self-funded expatriates who rely on pensions, dividends or rental income paid outside Austria; only cash that has actually been credited to an Austrian or EU bank account during the three months before filing counts towards the test. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/austria-raises-subsistence-income-test-for-2026-non-work-residence-permits/))
Unsure whether your passive income will pass muster? VisaHQ’s Austria team can review your statements, flag shortfalls and provide a checklist of acceptable proof before you lodge your file. Their portal (https://www.visahq.com/austria/) also tracks mid-year indexations and lets you book expedited courier or in-person submission services—handy when a July adjustment is looming.
HR teams are largely unaffected because salaried assignees on Red-White-Red or EU Blue Cards typically earn well above the new minima. The real pain point is for trailing spouses, sabbatical workers and parents taking career breaks, whose renewal applications could now be refused—suspending legal stay and jeopardising future Schengen visa applications. Immigration advisers therefore recommend “stress-testing” household income before employees request unpaid leave or part-time arrangements in 2026. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/austria-raises-subsistence-income-test-for-2026-non-work-residence-permits/))
Practically, applicants must document the income with bank statements or payslips and show that it remains available after fixed monthly costs such as rent, loans or maintenance that exceed €386.43. Because most Austrian employers pay salaries in fourteen instalments, payroll teams have to ensure every monthly payment still satisfies the rule. Advisers also warn that July can bring a mid-year indexation, so filing early could avoid a second jump. ([visahq.com](https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-01-10/at/austria-raises-subsistence-income-test-for-2026-non-work-residence-permits/))
