Additionally, with this permit, you can leave Austria but stay in the EEA (and Austria) for up to six years without losing your right to residency in Austria. If you already have a Red-White-Card Card, a Red-White-Red Card Plus or a settlement permit, and are hoping to apply for the long-term resident - EU permit in the future, you can leave Austria for up to 10 months in a five-year period, or for six months consecutively. With the five-year card, it is possible to leave Austria for up to six months throughout the duration of the permit, or up to 12 consecutive months in certain situations.