Automatically translated with AI
This page was automatically translated using AI and serves as an additional aid and service. For legally binding content, please use the German page.
The integration agreement supports third-country nationals legally residing in Austria in acquiring German language skills and knowledge of the Austrian legal and social system. Its aim is to promote linguistic and social integration and facilitate participation in Austrian life. Upon being granted certain residence permits , third-country nationals commit to acquiring German language skills and knowledge of the democratic order and the fundamental values of coexistence in Austria within specified timeframes.
The integration agreement applies to certain third-country nationals legally residing in Austria. Whether there is an obligation to comply depends on the individual's residence permit and is determined by the competent immigration and settlement authority.
The following are not covered by the integration agreement:
- EU citizens
- EEA citizens
- Swiss people
- Refugees
- beneficiaries of subsidiary protection
- Displaced persons from Ukraine
Different legal regulations and integration measures apply to these groups of people.
Module 1
To fulfill Module 1 of the Integration Agreement, German language skills at level A2, as well as knowledge of the democratic order and the fundamental values of the Austrian legal and social system, must be demonstrated. Third-country nationals with the following residence permits must generally complete Module 1 within 24 months of the initial issuance of their residence permit:
- Red-White-Red Card*
- Red-White-Red Card plus
- residence permit
- Settlement permit – excluding gainful employment
- Residence permit – special cases of dependent employment
- Residence permit – artists
- Residence permit – dependent
- Family member(s)
* For holders of a Red-White-Red Card, Module 1 of the Integration Agreement is already considered fulfilled by law.
Module 2
To fulfill Module 2 of the Integration Agreement, German language skills at level B1 as well as in-depth knowledge of the democratic order and the fundamental values of the Austrian legal and social order must be demonstrated.
There is no general obligation to complete Module 2.
Third-country nationals who wish to apply for a residence permit “permanent residence – EU” must have already fulfilled Module 2 at the time of application.
Completion of Module 2 is therefore a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit “Permanent Residence – EU” and also serves as proof of sufficient German language skills in the procedure for granting Austrian citizenship.
Good to know: Completion of Module 2 also means that Module 1 of the integration agreement is considered fulfilled.
The integration agreement can be fulfilled in various ways. Besides successfully passing an ÖIF integration exam, school, vocational training, or university degrees can also be accepted as proof under certain conditions. Which documents are acceptable in each individual case depends on the specific module and the personal circumstances. The responsible authority will review each case to determine whether the requirements for fulfilling the integration agreement are met.
Module 1 of the integration agreement is considered fulfilled if one of the following proofs is provided:
- Proof from the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) of successful completion of the integration test ("Certificate of Integration Test") at at least language level A2,
- School leaving certificate equivalent to the general university entrance qualification as defined in Section 64 Paragraph 1 of the Universities Act 2002 or a certificate from a vocational secondary school,
- Issuance of a residence permit “Red-White-Red Card” (for holders of a residence permit “Red-White-Red Card”, Module 1 of the Integration Agreement is considered fulfilled ex lege),
- Practicing an artistic activity in one of the art disciplines listed under § 2 para. 1 nos. 1 to 3 of the Arts Promotion Act as the holder of a residence permit “Settlement Permit – Artist” pursuant to § 43a NAG,
- Completion of Module 2.
Please note: A "certificate of integration examination" for completion of module 1 must not be older than two years at the time of submission in the extension procedure.
Module 2 of the integration agreement (and therefore also Module 1) is considered fulfilled if one of the following proofs is provided:
- Certificate from the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) confirming successful completion of the integration test ("Certificate of Integration Test") at language level B1,
- Equivalent proof from the Austrian German Language Diploma Association (ÖSD) of successful completion of the B1 integration test before May 30, 2021,
- Minority and attendance at a primary educational institution (elementary school) within the framework of compulsory education,
- Minority and attendance at a secondary educational institution (e.g., Hauptschule, AHS) with a positive completion of the subject "German" in the most recently issued annual report or school report,
- Proof of at least five years of attendance at a compulsory school in Austria with a positive completion of the subject "German" or a positive completion of the subject "German" at the level of the 9th grade or a positive assessment in the examination area "German - Communication and Society" as part of the compulsory school leaving examination,
- Proof of successful completion of the subject "German" after at least four years of instruction in German at a secondary school,
- Proof of completion of the apprenticeship examination in accordance with the Vocational Training Act or of the skilled worker examination in accordance with the agricultural and forestry vocational training laws of the federal states,
- Proof of two years of enrollment at a post-secondary educational institution (e.g. university) in a course of study with German as the language of instruction and academic success amounting to at least 32 ECTS credit points or 16 semester hours, or proof of a corresponding post-secondary degree.
Certain third-country nationals can receive the blue ÖIF federal voucher, with which the federal government reimburses up to 50% of the integration course costs (max. €750 for 300 teaching units). The voucher is issued by the responsible immigration authority (municipal or district administration). Eligibility requires successful completion of an A2 integration course within 18 months of receiving the residence permit and attendance at at least 75% of the course units. Further information can be found in the information sheet on the federal voucher (PDF, 1 MB).
Here's how the support works: You attend an integration course at level A2 with 300 lessons, for which you paid €1,000. Your voucher was issued on November 1, 2024. On April 20, 2025, you passed your ÖIF integration exam at level A2. Since you successfully completed the course and exam within 18 months, your voucher was still valid. In addition to your certificate, you will receive a 50% refund of your course fees, i.e., €500 (50% of €1,000). Please note: If you pass the ÖIF integration exam on or after May 2, 2026, your voucher will have expired and you will not receive a refund of your course fees.
Information for course providers
Information on the certification of course institutions, on course processing with IV@online, as well as important forms and documents.
Information for examiners
Information on requirements, examiner training and examiner licenses for ÖIF exams.
The integration agreement applies to certain third-country nationalslegally residing in Austria. Whether an obligation exists depends on the respective residence permit and is determined by the competent residence and settlement authority.
Module 1 requires proof of German language skills at level A2 and knowledge of the Austrian legal and social system. Module 2 requires corresponding language skills at level B1 and in-depth knowledge of the legal and social system.
Third-country nationals who are required to complete Module 1 must generally do so within 24 months of the initial issuance of their residence permit. There is no general obligation to complete Module 2.
Fulfillment of the requirements can be demonstrated, among other things, by successfully passing the ÖIF integration test. Under certain conditions, school, vocational training, or university degrees may also be recognized. The responsible authority will review whether a qualification will be accepted.
Third-country nationals who have received an ÖIF federal voucher from the relevant settlement authority may, under certain conditions, be reimbursed for up to 50 per cent of the cost of an A2 integration course.
Important: The federal voucher must be presented to the course provider when registering for the German course. Before the course begins, you must also check whether the chosen course is classified as an integration course and whether the federal voucher can be used for it.