Visas for Austria

Nationals of an EU- or EEA-member state can enter Austria without a visa. Those from other countries will require a visa, unless they're from a country that has a visa-free agreement with Austria.

Typically, you will need to provide a range of documents with your visa application, and these include: 

• valid passport (must remain valid for at least three months after your departure from Austria)
• proof of health insurance
• proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
• proof of onward travel

Non-EU citizens who plan to live or work will need to take the necessary steps to obtain either a work or residency permit. 

For more on visa types and requirements, visit the Austrian Federal Government Migration Platform. 

Short-term visas for Austria (Visa C)

Citizens of certain countries must apply for a travel visa (also known as a category C visa) ahead of time, while others can enter visa-free. Once the travel visa is granted, holders can be in Austria for up to three months within any given six-month period. 

Holders of this visa are not granted permission to work or carry out any business activity. Alternatively, you can apply for a short-stay business or student visa, which allows you to carry out business activities or do a short-term course. The requirements for these types of short-term visas will include an invitation letter or confirmation of enrolment at an educational institution. 

The processing time for a travel visa is usually 15 days or fewer, but during busy periods, the wait can be longer. It's best to apply well ahead of time. You can make your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.

As Austria is part of the Schengen territory, once you are granted a travel visa, you can visit multiple destinations that are signatory to the agreement. If planning to travel to several Schengen countries, it's best to apply at the consulate of the country in which you'll be spending the most time. 

Long-term visas for Austria (Visa D)

Resident visas (category D visas) fall somewhere between travel visas and residence permits. If you are staying in Austria for between three and six months – for example, to study or do business – you should apply for this visa. In addition to regular visa requirements, you may need to prove your German proficiency for certain types of long-term visas for Austria. 

Residence permits for Austria

A residence permit is required for stays of longer than six months for work, study, or family reunification. To obtain a residence permit, the applicant must demonstrate that they have health, travel, and accident insurance and sufficient funds to support themselves while in Austria. Proof of their proposed reason for entry must also be submitted.

Those intending to work in Austria should apply for a combined work-and-residence permit. There are three types of work-and-residence permits: the EU Blue Card, the Red-White-Red Card, and the Red-White-Red Card Plus. 

The EU Blue Card is for highly qualified people from outside the EU who have a university degree and a job offer in their field. To get it, your job must meet Austria's minimum salary requirements. The card is valid for two years and is usually tied to one specific job.

The Red-White-Red Card lets non-EU citizens live and work in Austria for a possible two years. You can get this card if you earn enough points based on your qualifications and special skills. Similarly to the EU Blue Card, the Red-White-Red Card is tied to a specific employer. 

The Red-White-Red Card Plus is granted to those who have held an EU Blue Card or a Red-White-Red Card for 21 months and their family members. This card is valid for a year and grants holders unlimited access to the Austrian job market. 

Work Permits for Austria

*Visa requirements can change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.