Immigration
Entry Requirements
Because Austria is part of the Schengen agreement, its travel policies are shared by the majority of countries in the European Union. U.S. citizens are allowed entry into the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport used should be valid for as long as the period of intended stay. For further details about travel into and within Schengen countries please visit the Schengen fact sheet.
Those who intend on staying longer than the 90-day visitation period must apply for the appropriate residence visas at their local Austrian Embassy. Non-EU students who plan on attending a college or university in Austria must apply for a visa with the Austrian Embassy or Consulate before going to Austria, regardless of the length of stay. Information for students is available from the Austrian Agency for International Mobility and Cooperation in Education, Science and Research.
Visa holders entering Austria must have passports valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay.
Temporary Residency
If you intend to stay in Austria or other Schengen states for a period longer than six months, you are required to apply for a residence permit issued by authorities in Austria. Austrian Residence Permit applications must be filed at the Austrian Consulate General before you leave for Austria. Once the paperwork is complete, it is forwarded to Austria where it takes two to six months to be processed and finalized. Once the visa is approved, it is collected at the consigning authority in Austria where an additional fee will be charged. Certain individuals, however, may file their applications after arrival in Austria.
The Temporary Resident Visa, called the Aufenthaltsbewilligung, may be granted for specific purposes including:
- An employee on temporary duty
- Company managers or executives
- Self-employment
- Those performing research work at Austrian academic, research or educational institutions
- Artist
- Journalist or guest lecturer
- Student attending college or university in Austria
- Student attending grade school in Austria
All non-EU or non-EFTA nationals planning to stay in Austria for more than 24 months must pay an Integration Fee.
Requirements, procedures and further information on Temporary Residence Visas can be found at the Austrian Foreign ministry website.
Permanent Residency
Foreigners who plan to live in Austria for an extended period of time must apply for a Permanent Residence Visa, or Niederlassungsbewilligung. This visa can be used for any purpose or private reason. Reasons include retirement, employment purpose under certain circumstances or family reunification. A work visa for highly skilled overseas employees is the most common means for obtaining permanent residency in Austria.
For more information, please visit the Austrian Foreign Ministry website.
Work Permits
A majority of temporary and permanent visas and permits are tied to work requirements. There are two types:
Red-White-Red Card. A new criterion for foreign nationals to reside and work in Austria is the Red-White-Red card, applicable for highly experienced and skilled workers for up to 12 months. Requirements include language skills, work experience, work qualification, age and an offer of employment according to the minimum compensation and qualification. The Red-White-Red card also allows you to bring your spouse and children under the age of 18 with you. After residing and working in Austria for 10 months, a Red-White-Red Plus card can be issued providing free access to the Austrian labor market.
EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card is another work visa that allows highly qualified foreigners to settle in Austria and can only be issued if the Austrian Labor Market Service cannot find an Austrian or EU citizen capable of performing the contracted work. A university degree is also required.
For more information on application procedures and requirements, please visit the Austrian Foreign Ministry website.
Retirement
Those who wish to spend their retirement in Austria must apply for a Retirement Permanent Residence Visa, or Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit. Requirements include adequate means of subsistence with proof of fixed and regular income, health insurance coverage and benefits and evidence of a legal title to an accommodation considered adequate for your family size according to local standards. Additionally, evidence of adequate German language skills is also required prior to immigration.
For more information, please visit the Austrian Federal Government Migration website.