Those people who hold the nationality of a country outside the EU and the EEA are called third-country nationals. 

Attention: Fundamentally, Swiss nationals are also third-country nationals. However, as they are legally equivalent to EEA/EU citizens in many areas, the regulations on third-country nationals do not apply to them. 

Basic principles of cross-border social security

In order for third-country nationals to be insured in Austria, they must first be legally resident in Austria. You can find out about the conditions under which this is possible in the visa & residence section. 

As soon as third-country nationals are legally resident in Austria, they are covered by social security to the same extent as Austrians.  

Attention: Please note that your insurance periods completed in third countries will only be recognised in Austria if there is a mutual agreement on the recognition of insurance periods in third countries. See the relevant chapter. 

Insurance benefits

Unlike Austrians, third-country nationals may only receive certain insurance benefits after a certain period of residence in Austria:

  • If you want to draw a pension in Austria, you must have been insured for more than one year in Austria. If you fulfil this minimum period of residence, you can claim pension benefits under the same conditions as Austrian nationals. See the chapter on pensions.
  • If you would like to receive minimum income benefits—state financial support in social emergencies—you must have been legally resident in Austria for at least five years. See the chapter on social emergencies.