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The integration agreement applies to certain immigrants from countries outside the EU. They must have a certain level of German language proficiency and be familiar with important values and rules for life in Austria. The integration agreement helps them to better navigate everyday life in Austria.
Who is covered by the integration agreement?
The integration agreement applies to persons with these residence permits:
- Red-White-Red – Map
- 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)
- Permanent residence – EU
Whether you are required to fulfill the integration agreement depends on your residence permit. The relevant authority will determine this.
Module 1
For Module 1 you will need:
- German language skills at level A2
- Knowledge about important values and rules in Austria
You generally have 24 months to complete Module 1. This period begins when you first receive your residence permit.
Module 1 applies to these residence permits:
- Red-White-Red – Map
- 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)
Good to know: With a red-white-red card, module 1 is already considered fulfilled.
Module 2
For Module 2 you will need:
- German language skills at level B1
- More knowledge about important values and rules in Austria
Module 2 is not mandatory for everyone .
You need Module 2 if you wish to apply for the residence permit “Permanent Residence – EU” .
Module 2 can also serve as proof of German language skills when applying for Austrian citizenship.
Good to know: If you have fulfilled Module 2, Module 1 is also considered fulfilled.
You can fulfill the integration agreement in various ways. One option is passing the ÖIF integration exam . Certain school, apprenticeship, or university degrees can also be recognized. The responsible authority will determine which proof is acceptable for you.
Module 1 is considered fulfilled if any of these points apply to you:
- They have passed the ÖIF integration test at least at A2 level .
- They have a school leaving certificate that qualifies them to study at a university .
- They have completed a vocational secondary school .
- You have a red-white-red card . In this case, Module 1 is already considered fulfilled.
- They have a "permit for residence - artist" and meet the necessary requirements.
- You have already completed Module 2 .
Important: If you are using the ÖIF integration test certificate to extend your residence permit, then the certificate must not be older than two years .
Module 2 is considered fulfilled if any of these points apply to you:
- They have passed the ÖIF integration test at B1 level .
- They passed an equivalent B1 integration test of the ÖSD before May 30, 2021.
- As a minor, you attend a primary school as part of compulsory education.
- You are a minor attending a secondary school and have received a positive assessment in German.
- They have attended compulsory schooling in Austria for at least five years and have passed German language tests.
- They have successfully completed German at the level of the 9th grade .
- They successfully completed the subject area "German - Communication and Society" in their compulsory school leaving examination .
- They have attended a school with instruction in German for at least four years and have successfully completed the subject of German.
- They have passed their apprenticeship examination .
- They have passed a skilled worker examination in agriculture and forestry.
- They have studied in German for at least two years and completed at least 32 ECTS credits or 16 semester hours.
- They have successfully completed their studies in German .
Good to know: If you have fulfilled Module 2, Module 1 is also considered fulfilled.
Certain third-country nationals can use the ÖIF federal voucher to get part of the cost of their A2 integration course reimbursed. They can receive up to 50 percent of the course fees back, which is a maximum of €750 .
Example: Your A2 integration course costs €1,000 . If you meet all the requirements, you can get €500 back.
To do this, you must successfully complete the A2 integration course within 18 months and attend at least 75 percent of the course.
Important: Please present your federal voucher to the course provider when you enrol on the German course. You should also ask whether you can use the voucher for this course.
You can obtain the federal voucher from the relevant authority, for example, the municipal office or the district administration. Further information can be found in the information sheet on the federal voucher (PDF, 1 MB) .
The integration agreement applies to certain individuals from countries outside the EU. Whether it applies to you depends on your residence permit. The relevant authority will check this.
You generally have 24 months to complete Module 1. This period begins when you first receive your residence permit.
No. You do not need to attend a German course. What is important is that you fulfill the requirements of Module 1 or Module 2 with valid proof. This could be, for example, an integration exam or a specific school, vocational, or university degree.
If you are using the certificate of an ÖIF integration test for the extension of your residence permit, it must not be older than two years .
Yes. Certain third-country nationals can get part of their course fees reimbursed with the ÖIF federal voucher . They can receive up to 50 percent of the course fees , with a maximum of 750 euros . To qualify, they must successfully complete the A2 integration course within 18 months and attend at least 75 percent of the course.
Important: Please present your federal voucher to the course provider when you enrol on the German course. You should also ask whether you can use the voucher for this course.
You can obtain the federal voucher from the responsible authority, for example at the municipal office or the district administration.
Yes, under certain conditions. If you are unable to complete Module 1 on time for personal reasons, you can apply for an extension with the relevant authority. Reasons could include pregnancy or a temporary illness. Each extension can be for a maximum of 12 months .
You can apply for a new voucher. You will need:
- a loss report from the lost and found office or a police station and
- a copy of the voucher from the relevant authority.
Please send the documents to the Austrian Integration Fund at integrationskurse@integrationsfonds.at . Issuing a new voucher is subject to a fee.
The ÖIF team will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please send an email to integrationskurse@integrationsfonds.at .