Proof of German knowledge for residence permits
- Graham Crewe
- Feb 14, 2023
- 1 min read
Updated: Jan 2
Third country nationals must prove their level of German when applying for the following Austrian residence permits (further information on proof of knowledge of German):
red-white-red card plus
settlement permit
settlement permit except gainful employment
settlement permit - relative
family member
settlement permit – artists
settlement permit – special cases of gainful employment
First applications for residence permits must be issued from abroad BEFORE you move to Austria, so you will need to take a recognised exam abroad.
CEFR European Language Framework
Immigrants are required to achieve level A1 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) on their first application for a residence permit. This is the lowest level ("basic user") so the challenge is not too high.
You can self-assess your CEFR level for any language you speak (other than a mother tongue) using this self-assessment grid: https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=090000168045bb52
Recognised exams
The following exams are recognisedly the Austrian immigration authorities:
Your certificate must not be more than one year old.
AS EVER THIS IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN IT SEEMS! - exams are only one route to proof of knowledge. For more information please consult the official source: https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/en/themen/menschen_aus_anderen_staaten/aufenthalt/3/Seite.120260
Sources and further information
There's actually a good explanation here as well: https://www.workinaustria.com/en/living-working/german-language-skills/ This one also has a very good explanation of the Integration Agreement: https://workinloweraustria.com/en/good-to-know/
This explains the integration agreement https://www.migration.gv.at/en/living-and-working-in-austria/integration-and-citizenship/integration-agreement/