Schengen Visa Submission: Austrian Embassy Direct Application

If you are planning a trip to Austria, you may need to apply for a visa. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the duration of your stay. Austria is part of the Schengen Area, which allows passport-free movement between 26 European countries. Nationals from non-EU countries that have not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU will need to apply for a visa to enter Austria. Those from countries with a visa liberalisation agreement may also need to apply if they have been rejected entry to Austria or another Schengen country visa-free.

If you are travelling to Austria for fewer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a short-stay Austrian Schengen Visa. This visa is suitable for tourism, business, visiting family, or medical reasons. If you plan to stay longer, you will need to apply for a long-stay visa or an Austrian work or study visa.

The application process for an Austrian Schengen Visa involves completing a visa application form, gathering the required documents, scheduling a visa appointment, and attending a visa interview. The application form and required documents can be found on the official website of the Austrian embassy in your country of residence. The standard processing time for an Austrian visa application is 15 days, but it can take up to 30 or 60 days in certain cases.

Do you need a visa to enter Austria?

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Austria depends on your nationality, the purpose and duration of your visit, and whether you have already spent time in the Schengen Area. Austria is one of 27 countries in the Schengen Area, which has abolished border controls between each other. The other countries are:

• Belgium
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country that has not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, or if you are a citizen of a non-EU country that has reached such an agreement but have been rejected from entering Austria or any other Schengen country visa-free, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Austria.

If you are a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you are exempt from applying for a visa. You are also exempt if you hold a passport from the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, or any other country with a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU. Additionally, if you possess a valid residence permit from any country within the Schengen area, you do not need to apply for a visa.

If you do need to apply for a visa, there are several types available depending on the purpose and duration of your visit.

Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

If you are visiting Austria for fewer than 90 days, you will need a Short-Stay Visa. This type of visa covers:

• Airport Transit: For transiting through Austrian airports to reach a destination outside the Schengen Area.
• Tourist: For vacations or sightseeing in Austria.
• Visitor: For individuals visiting friends or family in Austria.
• Business: For business professionals participating in activities related to business in Austria.
• Official Visit: For delegations travelling to Austria on official visits.
• Medical Reasons: For patients requiring medical care in Austrian hospitals or clinics.
• Study Purposes: For those seeking to study at an educational institution in Austria for up to three months.
• Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews: For individuals attending cultural, sports, or film events in Austria.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

If you want to live in Austria, either temporarily or permanently, you will need a Long-Stay Visa. This type of visa, also known as an Austrian National Visa or Type D Visa, allows foreign nationals to work, study, or join a family member in Austria. Long-Stay Visas include:

• Work Visa: For those planning to work in Austria long-term.
• Student Visa: For students intending to study in Austria.
• Family Visa: For family members joining relatives in Austria.
• Retirement Visa: For retirees wishing to live in Austria long-term.
• Job Seeker Visa: For those planning to search for employment in Austria.
• Working Holiday Visa: For those who pursue any employment to help finance their stay or take part in an educational measure.

Application Process

To apply for a visa to enter Austria, you will need to follow these steps:

• Check if you need a visa.
• Understand the type of visa you need.
• Determine where to lodge your visa application. This will depend on your country of residence.
• Complete and download the visa application form.
• Schedule your Austrian visa appointment.
• Prepare the required documents, including your passport, the printed and signed visa application form, travel insurance, accommodation, and proof of financial means.
• Attend your visa appointment.
• Wait for the visa to process.
• Collect your passport.

The standard processing time for an Austrian visa application is 15 days, but it can take up to 30 days or longer in certain circumstances. Therefore, it is recommended that you apply for your visa at least a month before your trip.

What are the different types of Austrian visas?

There are several types of Austrian visas, each with its own unique purpose and requirements. Here is a detailed overview of the different types of Austrian visas:

Short-Stay Visa (Type C Visa):

This is the standard tourist visa for individuals intending to stay in Austria for a short duration. The Type C Visa is typically issued for a maximum stay of 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area. It is designed for tourists, business professionals, individuals visiting family or friends, and those seeking medical treatment.

Long-Stay Visa (Type D Visa):

The Type D Visa, also known as the Austrian National Visa, is required for individuals seeking to reside in Austria for an extended period. This visa allows foreign nationals to work, study, or join family members in Austria. The validity of this visa ranges from 91 days to six months and can be extended in exceptional cases. It is important to note that a Type D Visa does not permit gainful employment in Austria.

Airport Transit Visa (Type A Visa):

The Type A Visa is necessary for transiting through Austrian airports en route to a destination outside the Schengen Area. Nationals of certain countries are required to hold this visa when passing through Austrian airports, unless they meet specific exceptional criteria.

Student Visa:

Individuals intending to study at an educational institution in Austria require a Student Visa. This visa is applicable for stays of up to three months. For longer periods of study, individuals may need to apply for a Type D Visa or a residence permit.

Work Visa:

The Austrian Work Visa is designed for individuals planning to work in Austria long-term. It is important to note that simply holding a Work Visa does not permit individuals to start working; they must also obtain a separate work permit.

Family Visa:

The Family Visa is intended for family members who wish to join their relatives residing in Austria. This visa allows them to stay in the country for an extended period.

Retirement Visa:

The Retirement Visa is tailored for retirees who wish to live in Austria long-term and enjoy their retirement years in the country.

Job Seeker Visa:

This visa is for individuals who plan to search for employment in Austria. It is important to note that holding a Job Seeker Visa does not permit individuals to work; they must find a job and obtain a separate work permit.

Working Holiday Visa:

The Working Holiday Visa is for individuals who wish to pursue employment to finance their stay in Austria or take part in educational measures. This visa combines elements of work and holiday, allowing individuals to experience living and working in the country.

Visa for Official Visit:

The Visa for Official Visit is applicable to delegations travelling to Austria on official government or diplomatic visits.

Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews:

This visa is designed for individuals involved in cultural, sports, or film events in Austria. It facilitates their entry and stay in the country for the duration of their participation in these specific events.

Where do you submit your application?

The submission location for your visa application depends on your country of residence. If you are a resident of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Russia, Turkey, or the United Kingdom, you are required to submit your application through VFS Global. Residents of Kosovo must submit their applications through the Swiss TLS Contact in their country.

Residents of Albania, Cyprus, Georgia, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Ukraine can submit their applications at the Austrian Embassy or Consulates in these countries. Residents of Slovenia and Hungary can submit their applications at the Slovenian and Hungarian Embassies, respectively. Residents of all other European countries not mentioned must submit their applications to the Austrian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

If you are a resident of Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, or Uganda, you are required to submit your application through VFS Global. Residents of Benin, Burkina Faso, or Guinea must submit their applications through the French visa application center Capago, while residents of Equatorial Guinea or Mauritania submit their applications through the Spanish visa application center BLS International. Residents of Botswana must submit their applications through the German TLS Contact in their country. Residents of Cameroon or Rwanda can submit their applications through the Belgian TLS Contact in their country. Residents of Gabon, Madagascar, or the Republic of the Congo must submit their applications through the French TLS Contact in their country. Residents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must submit their applications through the Belgian visa application center CEV.

For residents of Ethiopia, Nigeria, or Senegal, applications must be submitted at the Austrian Embassy or Consulates in these countries. For residents of Sudan, Zambia, or Zimbabwe, applications must be submitted at the German Embassy or Consulates in these countries. Residents of the Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Haiti, Mali, Mauritius, Monaco, Niger, or Togo can submit their applications at the French Embassy or Consulates in these countries. Residents of Cabo Verde or São Tomé and Príncipe can submit their applications at the Portuguese Embassy or Consulates in these countries. Residents of all other African countries not mentioned must submit their applications to the Austrian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

If you are a resident of Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, or Vietnam, you are required to submit your application through VFS Global. Residents of Tajikistan or Uzbekistan must submit their applications through the German iData center.

Residents of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Syria, or Taiwan can submit their applications at the Austrian Embassy or Consulates in these countries. Residents of Afghanistan, Armenia, North Korea, Turkmenistan, or Nepal can submit their applications at the German Embassy or Consulates in these countries. Residents of Bangladesh or Djibouti can submit their applications at the French Embassy, while residents of Portugal can submit their applications at the Portuguese Embassy. Residents of all other Asian countries not mentioned must submit their applications to the Austrian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

If you are a resident of Bolivia, you must submit your application through the Spanish visa application center BLS International. Residents of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, or Peru can submit their applications at the Austrian Embassy or Consulates in these countries. Residents of all other South American countries not mentioned must submit their applications to the Austrian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

Residents of Canada, the United States, or Suriname must submit their applications through VFS Global. Residents of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, or Panama can submit their applications at the Spanish Embassy or Consulates in these countries. Residents of all other North American and Caribbean countries not mentioned must submit their applications to the Austrian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

For Oceania residents, applications must be submitted to the Austrian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

What documents do you need?

To apply for a Schengen visa to Austria, you will need to submit the following documents:

General Documents

• A completed application form.
• A valid passport with at least two blank pages and issued within the last 10 years.
• One passport-sized photograph, according to ICAO standards and not older than 3 months.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria (e.g. hotel booking, rental agreement, etc.).
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements from the last three months or a sponsorship statement.
• Civil status documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
• Copies of any previous Schengen visas from the last three years.
• A cover letter for your visa application, including details such as the purpose and duration of your visit, your employment status, and any plans to visit other Schengen countries.
• A visa travel itinerary, including flight details such as the name, departure and arrival dates, flight code, and booking numbers.

Additional Documents for Specific Situations

If you are employed, you may need to provide permission to travel from your employer. If you are self-employed, you will need a recent letter from an accountant, banker, or solicitor stating your self-employment or business ownership. Students need a recent letter from their school, college, or university, while retirees must submit proof of their pension.

If you are applying as an invited visitor, you will need an invitation letter from your host, a copy of their passport, and an Electronic Declaration of Commitment (EVE) stating that your host will help fund your trip. Your host can apply for an EVE at their local police department, and you will receive an eight-digit ID number to include with your application.

If you are a minor, you will need your own passport, as well as a signed application form from both parents/legal guardians, a birth certificate, and certified copies of your parents'/legal guardians' passports. If the minor is travelling alone, a signed letter of consent from the parents/legal guardians is also required, along with copies of their passports and marriage certificate (if the minor and legal guardian have different surnames).

For specific visa types, such as student, work, medical, or family reunification visas, additional documents may be required. For example, a student visa may require proof of enrollment in an Austrian university, while a work visa would need proof of employment and financial stability.

What happens after you submit your application?

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for the visa to be processed. The standard processing time for an Austrian visa application is 15 days. However, in certain cases, the processing time can take up to 30 days or longer. For instance, if additional documents are required, or there is a large number of applications. Therefore, it is important to take this into account when deciding when to submit your application.

If your visa application is approved, your passport will be returned to you with the visa stamped inside, allowing you to enter Austria during the designated validity period. The visa sticker affixed to your passport will indicate the dates you can travel to Austria and the total number of days you can stay. Visas may be issued for single, double, or multiple entries.

On the other hand, if your visa application is rejected, you will receive a notification outlining the reasons for the refusal, including a written statement detailing the concerns about your application. You will have 7 days to respond and address these concerns. Failure to do so adequately within this timeframe will result in automatic refusal. All correspondence must be in Austrian, and the visa refusal notice will also be issued in Austrian. If your visa is refused, you have the option to appeal the decision or reapply for the visa, ensuring that the reasons for the initial refusal are addressed in your new application.

Frequently asked questions