Full edition for public use. The dataset provides insights into the integration process after a permanent or temporary lifestyle-related relocation to remote Alpine regions of Austria. It highlights factors which are decisive for staying or relocating again, and how staying affects space and society. This Qualitative Longitudinal Research (QLR) is based on a cross-sectional study from 2015/2016, which was extended to a catch-up study in 2020/2021. The analysis of a total of 53 semi-structured as well as problem-centred interviews with communal experts and newcomers in the Vorarlberg Montafon and Tiroler Gailtal was supported by the Grounded Theory. The dataset primarily contains a code table with a total of 272 codes and subcodes on migration triggers and the integration process of newcomers, but due to research ethics do not include related interview transcripts or direct quotes. Additional information is also added to the data set to provide a better understanding of the results and data: i.e. illustrations, interview guidelines, the current data management plan, an informed consent form and the metadata of interviews and illustrations.