Learning German in Austria and the integration agreement

The integration agreement (Integrationsvereinbarung) applies to certain third-country nationals settled in Austria; the residence authority decides whether it applies to you.

• Module 1: German at A2 plus knowledge of Austria's democratic order and basic values. Holders of most settlement and family permits must complete it within 24 months of first receiving their permit. Holders of a Red-White-Red Card are considered by law to have fulfilled Module 1.
• Module 2: German at B1 plus deeper civic knowledge. It is not generally required, but you need it before applying for a Daueraufenthalt – EU permit, and it also counts as proof of German for citizenship. Completing Module 2 also fulfils Module 1.
• How to fulfil it: usually by passing the ÖIF integration exam at the right level. Some school, vocational or university qualifications may also count; the authority decides.
• Not covered: EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, refugees, people with subsidiary protection and displaced persons from Ukraine.

• Federal voucher (Bundesgutschein): issued by the residence authority (MA 35 in Vienna) to people who must fulfil the integration agreement, usually when they collect their first permit. It covers up to 50% of the course costs, at most €750 for 300 lessons (ÖIF, 2026), if you pass the A2 course within 18 months of receiving your permit and attend at least 75% of lessons. Present the voucher when you enrol.
• AK education voucher (AK-Bildungsgutschein): members of the Chamber of Labour in Vienna can use it once a year for courses including German.
• waff: the Vienna Employees Promotion Fund supports vocational training; ask in a consultation whether you qualify.

• The City of Vienna lists certified German course providers near you on the StartWien website.
• The ÖIF Integration Centre Vienna, Landstraßer Hauptstraße 26, 1030 Wien (Monday to Friday 8:00 to 18:00, hotline 050 46 80), informs about German courses and integration exams and runs the values and orientation courses.

StartWien, run by the City of Vienna's integration department (MA 17), offers:

• Orientation meetings (Neu in Wien-Orientierungsgespräche): free one-to-one sessions, in your first language, on housing, work, education and German courses, for people with a valid first residence permit such as a Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card. Refugees, people with short-term permits (such as students) and tourists are not eligible.
• Information events on residence law, work, education, health, housing and living together, in more than 20 languages.
• KonversationsKlub: free guided German conversation practice.

Contact: MA 17, Friedrich-Schmidt-Platz 3, 1080 Wien, +43 1 4000-81510.