Extending Your Schengen Visa: A Guide For Austria Visitors

A Schengen visa is a short-stay visa that allows the holder to travel freely across 29 Schengen member states, including Austria, for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. If you are unable to leave the Schengen area before your visa expires due to unforeseen circumstances or humanitarian/personal reasons, you may be able to extend your visa by applying in the member state in which you are located. This article will outline the process of extending a Schengen visa in Austria, including the requirements and necessary documents.

Extending a Schengen Visa in Austria

Apply for a Visa D

If you are planning to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you should apply for a Visa D. This type of visa is intended for stays of up to six months and entitles the holder to move freely within the territory of other Schengen States for up to 90 days per 180 days, as long as they do not plan to take up employment and fulfil the relevant conditions of the Schengen Borders Code.

To apply for a Visa D, you must submit your application in person at the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy or consulate with the power to issue visas) in your country of residence before travelling to Austria. Visa D applications can be submitted up to six months before your planned travel date, but no later than 15 calendar days before your planned stay. It is recommended that you apply for the visa at least four weeks in advance. Applications for a Visa D must be submitted at the Austrian Embassy in London, and an appointment must be secured via email.

The consular fee for a Visa D is €150 for persons aged 6 and above, and €75 for children up to the age of 6. This fee is payable in British Pounds, according to the current exchange rate.

When applying for a Visa D, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid passport, not older than 10 years, valid for three months after the expiry of the visa, and with two free pages.
• Proof of funds to cover living and travel expenses, such as bank statements or pay slips.
• Travel medical insurance valid for Austria and providing sufficient cover for various health issues (insurance cover well over EUR 30,000, including guarantee to cover possible recovery and repatriation costs).
• Plausibility and verifiability of the purpose of the trip.

Please note that the competent consulate will examine each visa application individually, taking into account the specific circumstances of each case. The visa application process may vary depending on your nationality and country of residence. Therefore, it is always best to check with the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Submit proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient funds

To extend a Schengen visa in Austria, you must apply for a visa D, which entitles you to stay in Austria for up to six months. This visa allows you to move freely within the territory of the other Schengen States for up to 90 days per 180 days, provided you do not plan to take up employment and are in possession of a valid travel document.

When applying for a visa D, you must submit proof of accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient funds. Here are the details of what you need to provide:

Proof of Accommodation

This can include a rental agreement, ownership documents, or a letter of invitation from an inviting Austrian company or host. If staying in a hotel, you can provide a hotel booking confirmation.

Health Insurance

Travel, health, and accident insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, including repatriation for medical reasons, is required for the Schengen area. You can purchase travel insurance that meets the criteria for a Schengen visa, such as the Carefree or Premium plans offered by HanseMerkur. These plans cover outpatient and inpatient treatment, medicines, and medically necessary return transport and repatriation costs.

Sufficient Funds

You must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay in Austria. This can be done by providing evidence of your income, assets, or savings. If you cannot prove sufficient financial means, you can submit an Electronic Declaration of Sponsorship. This declaration must be made by a person residing in Austria, who can sponsor your financial resources.

Remember that the competent Consulate will examine your visa application and decide on it individually, taking into account the specific circumstances of your case.

Apply for an emergency vignette if you need to leave Austria during the extension process

If you need to leave Austria while your Schengen visa is being extended, you can apply for an emergency vignette. This allows you to move freely in the territory of other Schengen States for up to 90 days per 180 days.

To be eligible for a Schengen visa extension, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be prevented from leaving the Schengen area before your visa expires due to force majeure, humanitarian, or serious personal grounds.
• You must have proof of a legal claim to accommodation in Austria (e.g. a rental contract or accommodation agreement).
• You must have proof of the required minimum funds to finance your stay in Austria (as of 2025, this is EUR 1,273.99/month for individuals, EUR 2,009.85/month for couples, and an additional EUR 196.57 for each child).
• You must have proof of health insurance that covers medical treatment in Austria and all risks.
• You must have a valid travel document and fulfil the relevant conditions of the Schengen Borders Code.

To apply for an emergency vignette, you will need to contact the competent Austrian residence authority or the relevant Consulate, who will examine your case individually. It is important to note that there is no legal entitlement to a visa extension, and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The processing of your application may also involve additional requirements or fees.

Apply for an extension in the Member State if you are prevented from leaving due to humanitarian reasons

If you are unable to leave the Schengen Area due to humanitarian reasons, you may be eligible for a visa extension. Humanitarian reasons include situations such as the sudden death or serious health problem of yourself or a family member accompanying you on your trip. Other personal reasons for a visa extension include family emergencies, illness, injury, legal proceedings, weddings, or childbirth.

To apply for an extension, you must submit your application form, along with all required documents, in person at the local immigration office or relevant authority in the Schengen country where you are staying. This can be a foreigners service center, immigration service center, or another similar location. You can check the website of the Schengen country where you are located to find the right place to submit your application.

The required documents for a Schengen visa extension application include:

• The Schengen visa extension application form for the specific country where you are applying
• A valid passport, with at least two blank pages, that is no more than 10 years old and will remain valid for the entire duration of the extended stay
• A passport-sized photograph that fulfills all the criteria and visa photo requirements
• Proof of financial means, such as income to show that you can financially maintain yourself during the extended stay
• Schengen health insurance that covers the whole Schengen Area and the entire extended stay
• Proof of accommodation, such as a confirmed hotel booking or a copy of the "Meldezettel" if staying in private accommodation
• Proof of confirmed transportation to and from the Schengen area, such as airline, train, or ferry tickets

It is important to note that visa extensions are only granted in exceptional circumstances and you must apply before your current visa expires. The processing time for a Schengen visa extension can vary from a few days to a month or more, depending on the specific case. If you are not granted a visa extension, you must leave the Schengen Area before your visa expires.

Submit a completed application set, including travel insurance and a recent photograph

To extend a Schengen visa in Austria, you must submit a completed application set. This includes travel insurance and a recent photograph. The application process for extending a Schengen visa in Austria involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of Schengen visas. There are two main categories: the Schengen Visa C and the Visa D. The Visa C is intended for short stays of up to 90 days within a 6-month period and covers tourism, business, or visiting purposes without gainful employment. On the other hand, the Visa D is for stays longer than 90 days and up to 6 months. It allows the holder to enter and stay in Austria for the specified duration.

Now, let's focus on the application set requirements:

• Travel Insurance: Travel medical insurance is mandatory for all Schengen countries. Ensure your insurance covers the entire Schengen area and has a minimum coverage of €30,000. This insurance should cover the period of your intended stay or, in the case of a multiple-entry visa, the first intended visit.
• Recent Photograph: Provide one recent colour passport photograph taken against a plain light (white or off-white) background. The photograph should be no older than 6 months and must meet the specified passport photo criteria, such as the correct size and distinguishable features.
• Completed Application Form: Carefully review and complete the application form. Ensure you do not miss any sections or required information. Double-checking this will help prevent delays or issues with your application.
• Valid Passport: Present a valid passport with at least two empty pages. The passport should not be older than 10 years and must be valid for at least three months after the expiry of your visa.
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and for your return journey. This can include recent salary slips, bank statements, or other financial documents.
• Travel Plans and Accommodations: Provide evidence of your travel plans, such as hotel reservations, invitations, booking confirmations, or return flight tickets. Additionally, you may need to show proof of accommodations in Austria, such as residence registration confirmation or a rental agreement.
• Health Insurance: While travel medical insurance is mandatory, you may also need to provide proof of health insurance coverage, such as an Austrian e-card or equivalent.
• Other Requirements: Depending on your specific situation, there may be additional requirements. For example, if you are applying for a work-related visa, you may need to provide proof of employment or a work permit. Always review the latest requirements and consult official sources for a comprehensive list of documents.

Remember, the extension of a Schengen visa in Austria is permitted in specific circumstances, such as humanitarian or serious personal grounds. Each application is examined individually by the competent Consulate, and there is no legal entitlement to a visa extension. Therefore, ensure you initiate the process early and provide a completed application set to increase your chances of a successful extension.

Frequently asked questions