Austria for Ukrainians in 2025: new rules, payments, temporary protection
From the beginning of 2025 in Austria came into force changes concerning social payments, conditions of temporary protection and residence for Ukrainians.
How to get temporary protection in Austria for Ukrainians?
Ukrainian citizens arriving in Austria can receive temporary protection, which is extended until March 4, 2026. To do this, it is necessary to apply to the registration offices of the police. The addresses of the institutions can be found at the link. After registration, you will receive an identity card for displaced persons (“Blue Card”), which will arrive by mail to your address.
What has changed in 2025 for Ukrainians in Austria?
- Social benefits have been indexed in line with inflation - +4.6%. Family allowances, multi-child allowances, childcare payments, and starting aid for schoolchildren have been increased.
- The income threshold for benefits has been increased to €17,212 per year (previously €16,455).
- Restrictions for car owners: in some regions of Austria, Ukrainians who own cars may be deprived of social benefits and the right to public housing. The decision is made at the level of federal states.
- For example, Vienna refused to implement this rule, while in other regions it may be active.
Is it possible to travel with temporary protection in the EU?
Yes, Ukrainians who have received temporary protection can travel within the EU for up to 90 days without losing their right to reside in Austria. If you plan to return to Ukraine for permanent residence, you should go through the deregistration procedure.
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Where can I get accommodation and what are the living conditions in Austria?
Upon arrival in Austria, you will be placed in temporary accommodation and provided with food and health insurance. Long-term accommodation is provided free of charge throughout the country. There is no choice of region, but you will not share a room with other people. If you want to live with relatives, this can be coordinated with the staff.
How do I find accommodation in Austria through private individuals?
Many Austrians offer their houses to accommodate Ukrainians. To take advantage of this opportunity, contact the Federal Agency for Care and Support (BBU) or the housing agency Diakonie. You can also rent a home on your own, while maintaining your food and care benefits.
Can children of Ukrainians study in Austria?
Yes, children arriving in Austria with their parents are entitled to free education. To register your child for kindergarten or school, contact your local municipality. The school year begins on September 1, and compulsory education lasts for 9 years.
Can Ukrainians work in Austria?
After receiving the Blue Card, Ukrainians have access to the Austrian labor market. Registration and job search is done through the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). You can find a job on your own or through the AMS, which will offer vacancies based on your qualifications.
What is the Red-White-Red Card Plus (“RWR+”) for Ukrainians?
As of October 1, 2024, Ukrainians who have temporary protection in Austria can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus (“RWR+”). This is a temporary residence permit in Austria that can be extended. It allows the holder to stay and work in the country without the need for an additional work permit.
For how long is the red-white-red card plus issued?
This permit is valid for up to 12 months with the possibility of renewal. If you meet all the requirements and have resided in Austria continuously for at least two years, you can receive the card for 3 years.
What are the requirements to obtain a RWR+ card?
To get the RWR+, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You have been working in Austria for at least 12 months with full insurance for the last 24 months.
- You were self-employed and have insurable income, or you have private health insurance that meets Austrian standards.
What income is required to obtain RWR+?
For employees: minimum income must exceed €518.44 per month (for 2024).
For the self-employed: the annual income must exceed €6,221.28.
💡 Looking for legal support in Austria? Our specialists will help you with all issues related to your stay and residence in the country. You can choose from the following consultation options:
Our team is ready to support you every step of the way!
What German language skills are required for the RWR+?
You need to prove your German language skills at A1 level. The certificate must have been issued no more than one year ago and is only accepted from certain organizations such as the ÖIF, ÖSD or Goethe Institute.
Are there any exceptions to the German language requirement?
Yes, if you provide a written statement that you will stay in Austria for no more than 24 months within 3 years, you do not need to prove your German language skills. However, this makes it impossible to renew the card.
How do I determine if you have sufficient means of subsistence to obtain a Red-White-Red Plus Card?
You must prove sufficient funds for yourself and your family members. Here's how to do it:
How do you calculate your average monthly net income?
- Take your monthly net income (after taxes and social security contributions).
- Multiply it by 14 (in Austria, salaries are often paid 14 times a year).
- Divide the result by 12 to get your average net income per month.
Example: If you earn €1,500 net monthly:
€1,500 × 14 = €21,000;
€21,000 ÷ 12 = €1,750.
So, your average monthly net income is €1,750.
Is the income of other family members taken into account?
Yes. The income of your spouse or registered partner is also taken into account, as are transfers from them. For children, the income of the parents is taken into account. Transfers from other relatives such as grandparents are not taken into account.
Are savings counted?
Yes. Add the amount of savings or other assets (such as savings contracts or insurance policies). Divide the amount of your savings by 12 and add it to your monthly net income.
Example: If you have €1,200 in savings:
€1,200 ÷ 12 = €100;
€1,750 + €100 = €1,850 monthly income.
How do I account for rent, loans and alimony expenses?
Calculate the regular expenses (rent, loans, alimony).
If these expenses exceed €359.72, subtract this amount from your total expenses and deduct the balance from your income.
Example: If your rent is 500 euros and your loan payments are 200 euros:
Expenses: €500 + €200 = €700;
€700 - €359.72 = €340.28;
€1,850 - €340.28 = €1,509.72 net income.
What are the minimum incomes required for secured livelihoods?
For 2025, these requirements are as follows:
- Individual: at least €1,217.96 per month.
- Spouses or registered partners: €1,921.46 per month.
- Children: an additional €187.93 per month.
Example: You are an individual with one child. For a secure livelihood you need:
€1,217.96 + €187.93 = €1,405.89 per month.
What are the costs associated with getting the red-white-red plus card?
You will need to pay:
- 160 euros for each red-white-red plus card.
- An additional €14.30 or €7.20 for travel documents or civil status certificates, depending on the type of document.
What rights does the red-white-red plus card grant?
This card allows you to reside in Austria and work as a self-employed or employed person.
Where do I apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus?
The application must be submitted in person, and for persons under 18 years of age it must be submitted by a parent or guardian.
What documents are required to apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus?
- A completed and signed application form in German or English.
- ID card for displaced persons.
- A valid travel document (passport).
- An up-to-date photograph (for biometric passport, taken no more than 6 months ago).
- Proof of health insurance, which covers all risks.
- Proof of housing (rental agreement, sale and purchase agreement).
- Proof of livelihood (salary certificate, employment contract, pension payments or explanation of the origin of savings).
- Proof of regular expenses (rent, utility bills, loans, alimony).
What additional documents are required for self-employed persons?
- Authorization to conduct business activities.
- Income and expense report or manager's salary report.
- Confirmation from a tax consultant about the accrual of income taxes.
Are additional documents needed for persons over 14 years of age?
- A certificate of criminal record from the country of origin (issued not more than 3 months ago).
- If you have lived in another country for more than 6 months before coming to Austria, you must also provide a certificate from that country.
Do I need a translation of my documents?
If your documents are in a language other than German or English, they must be translated into German and certified by a sworn court translator. International multilingual documents do not need to be translated.
What is the cost of obtaining a red-white-red plus card?
- 160 euros for each red-white-red plus card.
- 14.30 or 7.20 euros for travel documents or certificates of citizenship, depending on the type of document.
