EuropeSelect the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Austria.
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Japan). Valid 3 years for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We apply on your behalf end-to-end. Fees illustrative.
Tourist Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare your forms and documents; you attend the consulate/VFS appointment to submit biometrics. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Transit Visa
Required by some nationalities to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering. Whether you need one depends on your nationality. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Business Visitor Visa
Short-stay visa for business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations): up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare forms and documents; you submit at the consulate/VFS. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Not yet researched
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
For stays over 90 days to study. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. We guide you; submission is in person. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Student Visa
For admitted students at Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences and accredited private universities. Requires proof of funds (2026: EUR 777.58/month under age 24, EUR 1,308.39/month from 24; higher if rent exceeds EUR 386.43/month). Usually issued for 12 months (24 for mobility programmes), renewable; students may work up to 20 hours/week with an AMS permit, and graduates can extend 12 months to seek work or found a business, then switch to a Red-White-Red Card with relaxed criteria.
Language Course Visa
Austria has no dedicated language-student residence permit; third-country nationals attending a German course of 91 days to 6 months apply for a national Visa D (standard fee EUR 195) showing course enrolment, funds, accommodation and insurance. The Visa D cannot be extended inside Austria; stays beyond 6 months require a residence permit purpose such as student or pupil.
Exchange Program Visa
Cultural-exchange employment for 18-28 year-olds living with an Austrian host family; the family must notify the AMS at least two weeks before work starts and the au pair needs A1 German. Third-country nationals use a Visa D for stays up to 6 months or a residence permit for up to 12 months; maximum one year as au pair within five years. Minimum monthly pay is EUR 551.10 (2026) for about 18 hours/week.
Not yet researched
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Austria offers no digital nomad or remote-work visa as of June 2026; remote workers must qualify under regular residence purposes.
Self-Employment Visa
For self-employed third-country nationals whose activity creates macroeconomic benefit, e.g. a sustained transfer of at least EUR 100,000 investment capital to Austria, job creation/preservation, technology transfer or regional significance. No points system. Issued for 24 months; after two years holders can move to a settlement permit valid three years.
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
For founders of an innovative company who hold a controlling influence, prove capital of at least EUR 30,000 (minimum 50% equity) and score at least 50 of 85 points (qualification, experience, languages, bonus for extra investment, incubator admission or age under 35). Issued for up to 24 months; after two years of successful operation founders receive a Red-White-Red Card plus with unlimited labour market access.
Skilled Work Visa
For stays over 90 days to work. Requires employer sponsorship / a work permit before you can apply, so eligibility is conditional. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Skilled Work Visa
For third-country nationals with completed vocational training in an occupation on Austria's annual shortage list who have a binding job offer paying at least the collective-agreement minimum. Requires at least 55 of 90 points (qualification, experience, German/English skills, age). Issued for 24 months with a specific employer; renewable into the Red-White-Red Card plus.
Skilled Work Visa
For graduates of a tertiary programme of at least 3 years (or comparable ICT/managerial experience gained within the last 7 years) with a binding job offer of at least 6 months paying a minimum gross annual salary of EUR 55,678 (2026, incl. special payments). Subject to an AMS labour market test; no points system. Issued for 24 months; time on the Blue Card counts toward EU long-term residence.
Skilled Work Visa
Points-based permit for very highly qualified third-country nationals scoring at least 70 of 100 points (qualifications, salary history, experience, languages, age, studies in Austria). Applicants without a job offer can first obtain a 6-month Job-Seeker Visa (EUR 195), then the card once employed. Issued for 24 months tied to one employer; leads to the Red-White-Red Card plus with free labour market access.
Skilled Work Visa
Points-based route (minimum 55 of 90 points) for key workers with a job offer paying at least EUR 3,465 gross per month (2026) where a labour market test shows no equally qualified registered jobseeker is available. Bonus points exist for professional athletes/coaches and English-language companies. Issued for 24 months with the specified employer.
Seasonal Work Visa
Quota-based employment in tourism and agriculture/forestry: the employer obtains a quota permit (Kontingentbewilligung) from the regional AMS after a labour market test, then the worker gets a Visa C (up to 90 days, ~EUR 90) or Visa D (EUR 195) for longer seasons. Quota permits run up to 6 months, with a maximum 9 months' seasonal employment in any 12; harvest helpers max 6 weeks. 'Regular seasonal workers' (3+ months in 3 of the last 5 years) can register for permits outside the quota.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
EU ICT Directive permit for managers, specialists and trainee employees transferred from a group company outside the EU to an Austrian branch. Requires 9 months' prior group employment (6 for trainees), Austrian-level pay and an AMS labour market review. Issued for up to 3 years for managers/specialists and 1 year for trainees; a 'mobile ICT' variant covers transferees already holding another EU member state's ICT permit.
Not yet researched
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Austria has never operated a golden visa or residence-by-property program. The closest route is the quota-limited Settlement Permit – Gainful Employment Excepted (passive income, no investment option), or the Red-White-Red Card for self-employed key workers (active business, EUR 100,000+).
Citizenship by Investment
Austria has no formal citizenship-by-investment program. § 10(6) of the Citizenship Act (naturalization for extraordinary achievements in the Republic's interest, sometimes used by major investors) remains in force as of June 2026 — verified NOT abolished — but it is fully discretionary, rare, and not a purchasable programmatic route, so it is not listed as a product.
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Austria's passive-income residence route for financially independent persons and retirees; no work in Austria is permitted. Requires regular monthly income of twice the ASVG standard rates (2026: EUR 2,616.78 single, EUR 4,128.24 couple, plus EUR 403.76 per child), A1 German before application, and a quota place — the small annual quota is typically exhausted within days each January. Issued for 12 months, renewable (3-year cards after 2 years with integration); counts toward EU long-term residence after 5 years.
Not yet researched
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Working Holiday Visa
Bilateral working-holiday scheme for 18-30 year-olds from partner countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Israel, Chile, Argentina, the USA and India. Issued as a Visa D annotated 'WHP' for 6-12 months depending on the agreement, allowing any incidental employment; apply 3 weeks to 6 months before travel. Not extendable or convertible in-country.
Not yet researched
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Spouses/registered partners (both aged 21+) and unmarried minor children of Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card, settlement-permit and long-term residents can join the sponsor; family of RWR Card and Blue Card holders get a quota-free Red-White-Red Card plus with free labour market access, while some other categories are quota-limited. Requires A1 German before immigration and household income meeting 2026 ASVG rates (EUR 2,064.12 for a couple plus EUR 201.88 per child). Titles are issued for 12 months, then 3 years once integration requirements are met.
Spouse / Partner Visa
For third-country spouses/registered partners (both aged 21+) and minor children of Austrian, EEA or Swiss citizens settled in Austria; quota-free with unrestricted labour market access. Requires A1 German with the first application, secured subsistence (2026 couple rate EUR 2,064.12/month) and adequate housing. Issued for 12 months, renewable, leading to permanent residence after 5 years.
Not yet researched
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Dedicated settlement permit for professional artists working in Austria either as employees (with employer declaration) or self-employed (contract(s) covering more than 6 months plus proof of artistic credentials). General settlement conditions apply (subsistence, insurance, housing). Issued for 12 months, renewable; a 3-year card is possible after 2 years with integration requirements fulfilled.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
For third-country researchers with a hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) with a certified Austrian research organisation; no labour market test or points system, and no separate accommodation proof needed. Issued for 2 years (or the hosting agreement duration plus 3 months); decisions within about 8 weeks when files are complete. After 2 years researchers can switch to a 3-year Red-White-Red Card plus; family members receive RWR Card plus with free labour market access.
Long-Term Residence Permit
EU long-term resident status after 5 years of continuous lawful settlement in Austria, requiring secured subsistence, health insurance, housing and completion of Integration Agreement Module 2 (German B1 integration exam). The right of settlement is open-ended; the card document is reissued every 5 years and holders gain free labour market access and intra-EU mobility rights. Fees total roughly EUR 210 for adults.
Not yet researched
Data verified against official sources — see how.
Completed application form
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration portal |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free (the visa fee is separate) |
| Typical time | 30–60 minutes to complete |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
| Issued by | National passport authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$150 |
| Typical time | 1–6 weeks (expedited often available) |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photo
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
| Issued by | Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $5–$15 |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Travel medical insurance
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
| Issued by | Any approved insurer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$60 per trip |
| Typical time | Immediate |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of accommodation
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
| Issued by | Landlord / host / municipality |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Return / onward ticket
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
| Issued by | Airline / travel agent |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 for a reservation |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of sufficient funds
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
| Issued by | Your bank / employer / sponsor |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$20 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
University admission confirmation
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
| Issued by | School / university (admissions office) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free |
| Typical time | A few days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Declaration of liability
Have documents translated by a sworn or certified translator and, where required, notarised. For cross-border use obtain an apostille (in Hague Convention countries) or consular legalisation from the competent authority in the country that issued the original.
| Issued by | Sworn translator / notary / apostille authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$60 per page |
| Typical time | Days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Au pair contract
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
German A1 certificate
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
| Issued by | Accredited test provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $100–$300 |
| Typical time | 2–6 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of age
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
| Issued by | Civil registry / interior ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–several weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Business plan
Prepare a business or project plan describing the activity, market, financial projections and job creation. You usually write this yourself; some startup or investor visas require it to follow a set template or be reviewed by an approved incubator.
| Issued by | Self-prepared (sometimes incubator-endorsed) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–consultant fee |
| Typical time | Varies |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Professional qualifications
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
| Issued by | Issuing institution / education ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 (plus apostille) |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Criminal record extract
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
| Issued by | National police / justice ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | A few days–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Articles of association
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
| Issued by | Commercial register / chamber of commerce |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Binding job offer
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer (HR) / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Marriage/partnership or birth certificate
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry / vital records |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Marriage or partnership certificate
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
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