Applying For An Austrian Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

If you're planning a trip to Austria, you may need to apply for a visa. The type of visa you'll need depends on the length of your stay and your country of residence. For example, US citizens who intend to stay in Austria for more than 90 days or who plan to work there are required to obtain an Austrian visa. Schengen visas are valid for 90 days within a six-month period and are accepted in 29 countries, including Austria. National Visas (D, C-Erwerb, D-Erwerb) are required for stays of up to six months. If you're planning to stay in Austria for longer than six months, you'll need to apply for a residency permit. Regardless of the type of visa you need, it's important to start the application process early and ensure that your application is complete and submitted on time.

How to apply for an Austrian Visa

Visa application timing

The timing of your Austrian visa application is crucial, and there are specific time frames you should adhere to. Firstly, you must submit your application within a certain period for it to be considered valid. The visa application should be lodged within six months before your planned departure date and no later than 15 calendar days before your trip. Applications submitted outside this time frame may be deemed inadmissible. Therefore, it is advisable to apply as early as possible, especially considering the potential for processing delays.

The processing time for visa applications can vary. Typically, it takes around 15 business days to process a complete application from the date of receipt by the Embassy. However, if further checks are required, this timeframe may extend to 45 calendar days or more. The shipping time for applications to and from the Embassy is not included in this estimate. It is important to note that the Embassy does not provide status updates on visa applications.

To ensure that your visa is issued on time, it is recommended to submit your application as early as possible, up to six months in advance of your planned travel date. This buffer allows for any unforeseen delays and ensures that your application is given ample time for processing. It is also crucial to ensure that your application is complete and includes all the necessary documents, as incomplete applications will not be accepted and will result in delays.

The timing of your application may also depend on the type of visa you are seeking. For instance, if you are applying for a "Job Seeker Visa," you must file your application directly at the Austrian Consulate or Embassy in specific locations, rather than at a VFS Visa Application Center. Additionally, the jurisdiction of the Austrian Consulate or Embassy you apply to may depend on your state of residence or your country of residence if applying from outside the United States.

Visa application centres

To apply for an Austrian visa, you must submit your application at a visa application centre. The specific centre you will need to visit depends on your country of residence.

U.S. citizens can apply for an Austrian visa at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. If you are a U.S. citizen living in the United States, you can apply for a visa at one of the following VFS Visa Application Centres:

• Los Angeles and San Francisco: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and U.S. Pacific Islands.
• Houston, Miami, and Washington, D.C.: Bermuda, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
• Chicago and New York City: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Please note that applications for a "Job Seeker Visa" cannot be filed at a VFS Visa Application Centre. These applications must be filed at the Austrian Consulate General in either Los Angeles or New York, depending on your state of residence.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you can find information about applying for an Austrian visa on the website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior. The website includes a list of visa requirements and details about the different visa types. You can also find information on the BMEIA Ministry’s homepage and the City of Vienna homepage.

General Information about the Visa Application Process

The processing time for visa applications is typically 15 business days from the receipt of a complete application by the Embassy. However, if further checks are necessary, the processing time may increase to 45 calendar days. It is recommended that you submit your application as early as possible, but no more than six months before your planned departure date.

Visa application documents

When applying for an Austrian visa, the documents you will need to submit will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your personal circumstances. Here is a detailed list of the common documents required for an Austrian visa application:

• Completed application form: Carefully fill out the visa application form with accurate and truthful information.
• Valid passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay in Austria, has at least two blank pages, and was issued within the last ten years.
• Passport photo: Provide a recent passport-sized photograph that meets the specified criteria, including size and background colour.
• Proof of travel insurance: Travel insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries.
• Proof of accommodation: This can include hotel reservations, invitations, or booking confirmations.
• Proof of financial means: You may need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Austria. This could include bank statements or other financial documents.
• Proof of transportation: Include a copy of your return flight ticket or other travel arrangements.
• Criminal record check: First-time applicants may need to submit a police record certificate.
• Health insurance: Proof of health insurance coverage is required for your stay in Austria.
• Other supporting documents: Depending on your specific situation, you may be asked to provide additional documents. This could include proof of gainful employment, educational certificates, or other relevant information.

It is important to note that the list of required documents may not be exhaustive, and additional documents may be requested by the Austrian authorities during the visa application process. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully review the instructions provided by the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence and prepare all the necessary documents before submitting your application.

Visa application photo requirements

To apply for an Austrian visa, you must submit a recent colour photograph of yourself that meets the following requirements:

• Taken against a plain, light (white or off-white) background so that features are distinguishable and contrasted against the background.
• Full face: non-smiling, no sunglasses, no hat/cap or any head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious beliefs or ethnic background.
• Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print) and attached (glued) to the Visa Application Form.

If the photographs presented do not meet these requirements, the visa application will be considered incomplete, and the applicant will be asked to take new photographs in the photo booth at the visa application centre.

Please note that the application processing time and decisions on visa applications are the sole prerogative of the Embassy or Consulate. VFS Global has no role to play in these areas of the application process.

Visa processing times

The processing time for your Austrian visa application depends on several factors, including the type of visa, your country of residence, and the volume of applications being processed. Here is an overview of what you need to know about visa processing times:

Schengen Visa Processing

If you are applying for a Schengen visa (Visa C for tourism or short stays), the processing time is generally 15 business days from the receipt of a complete application by the Embassy. However, it is important to note that applications are processed in the order they are received. In some cases, further checks may be necessary, which can increase the processing time to up to 45 calendar days. This estimate excludes the time required for shipping applications to the Embassy and returning passports.

National Visa Processing

For those applying for a National Austrian Visa (Visa D) for stays of up to six months, the processing times are similar to those of the Schengen visa. You can expect processing to take around 15 business days for complete applications, but it can be extended to 45 calendar days if further checks are needed.

Residence Permit Processing

If you intend to stay in Austria for longer than six months, you will need to apply for a residence permit from the Austrian Consulate General. The processing time for residence permits may vary, and it is recommended to apply as early as possible, up to six months before your planned departure date. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will result in delays, so ensure you have all the required documents before submitting your application.

Application Centres and Processing

The time it takes to process your visa application also depends on where you submit it. Applications are made at the competent Austrian Representation based on your place of residence. For example, if you reside in specific states in the US, you may need to apply at the VFS Visa Application Center in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Houston, or Washington, DC. The Austrian Consulate General in Los Angeles handles visa applications for residents of Alaska, Arizona, California, and several other states. On the other hand, residents of Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, and certain other states fall under the jurisdiction of the Austrian Consulate General in New York.

It is important to note that VFS Global is only responsible for receiving applications, and the actual processing time and decisions are made by the Embassy or Consulate. Therefore, you should contact the relevant Embassy or Consulate directly for specific information regarding processing times for your particular application.

Frequently asked questions