Tightening immigration in Austria: Lower Austria and Styria reduce the number of migrants
Both Lower Austria and Styria have taken a significant step to reduce the number of migrants allowed to enter through the Niederlassungsverordnung (Settlement Regulation). The two states have officially requested a reduction of their quotas from the Ministry of the Interior, and the ministry has now adopted notable cuts for 2025.
In the draft of the new regulation, Styria will receive a reduction of about 26 percent of its share, while Lower Austria will see a reduction of about 22 percent. However, the Ministry of the Interior rejected Lower Austria's request to impose a 0-Quote (zero quota), considering that the laws do not allow for the complete cancellation of family reunification.
The Niederlassungsverordnung allocates residence places primarily for the family members of workers residing in Austria, and it also allows financially capable individuals to enter without the intention to work within specified quotas. Although the year is nearing its end, the new regulation will officially apply to 2025, and its values will remain in effect in 2026 until a new regulation is issued.
The total number of available places will be 5,616, which is less than the previous quota of 5,846. Styria bears the largest shortfall, as its share drops from 588 to 433, which the ministry justified by the significant pressure on the education sector. Lower Austria, despite its demand for a complete freeze on family reunification, will receive 273 places instead of 348, of which 225 are allocated for family reunification.
Other states where the FPÖ party oversees this area have accepted to maintain their quotas unchanged. Upper Austria maintains 795 residence permits, which is the second highest quota after Vienna, which leads with 2,865 places.