Lexi Webster
Austria is a highly developed and industrialized country that offers a high standard of living to its residents. It is a popular destination for expats, with over 1 million expats from all over the world calling the country home. If you are a citizen of South Africa, a non-EU country, you will need a valid passport, visa, and residence permit to immigrate to Austria. The type of visa and permit you will need depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. For instance, short visits of up to 90 days within half a year require a Category C (Schengen visa), while non-touristic stays of up to 6 months require a National Visa D. For stays longer than 6 months, you will need a residence permit.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements for South African citizens | South African citizens require a valid passport, visa, or residence permit to enter Austria. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of the stay. |
| Short-term stay (up to 90 days) | Category C (Schengen visa) |
| Non-touristic stay (up to 6 months) | National visa D |
| Long-term stay (over 6 months) | Residence permit |
| Visa fees | Vary based on age and type of visa |
| Visa processing time | 15 calendar days after submission |
| Passport validity | Valid for at least three months after the last day of stay in Austria, with a maximum validity of ten years |
| Blank passport pages | 2 blank pages required for the visa |
| Temporary permit for South Africa | Valid for at least 3 months after returning to South Africa |
| Visa application locations | Austrian Embassy in Pretoria, Austria Visa Application Centres in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia |
| Residence permit | Requires demonstration of integration into Austrian society, including participation in volunteer work, teaching, and knowledge of German |
| Work permit | Requires a secured job offer before applying; restricted, regular, and unrestricted options available with varying durations |
| Red-White-Red Card | Required for qualified workers from third countries (outside the EU); valid for 24 months and allows fixed-term settlement and employment |
| Health insurance | Mandatory, with coverage for all risks |
| Accommodation | Proof of legal title to locally customary accommodation, considering family size |
| Public order and security | Stay must not contravene public order, security, or Austria's international relations |
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What You'll Learn
Visa requirements for South Africans
South African citizens require a valid international passport, visa, or residence permit to enter Austria. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of your stay.
If you are visiting Austria as a tourist for up to 90 days within a six-month period, you will need a Category C Visa (Schengen Visa). This visa allows for short visits to Austria and other countries in the Schengen area.
For non-touristic stays of up to six months, such as for study, business, research, or artistic purposes, you will need a National Visa D. This visa permits you to stay in Austria for a specific purpose without requiring a residence permit.
If you plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, you will need to obtain a residence permit. This applies to individuals seeking to live and work in Austria long-term. There are different types of residence permits available, including the Red-White-Red Card for qualified workers from third countries (non-EU countries). To be eligible for this card, you must have a fixed and regular personal income sufficient to cover your living costs without relying on local welfare aid. The card is valid for 24 months and allows you to work for the employer specified in your application.
When applying for a visa or residence permit, you must ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months after your planned stay in Austria and has two blank pages for the visa. Additionally, you must provide evidence of health insurance coverage and legally adequate accommodation for your stay.
The application process for visas and residence permits typically takes place at an Austrian embassy or consulate, and the processing time can vary. It is recommended to schedule an appointment and submit your application well in advance of your planned departure.
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Residence permits
If you are a third-country national (a person who is not an EEA citizen or Swiss national) and you plan to stay in Austria for longer than six months, or if you plan to work, you will need a residence permit. There are several different ways to get a residence permit, and applications may take up to six months to process.
If you are a student, you will need to apply for a study permit at your local Austrian consulate. This will allow you to live and study in Austria, but not to work. You will need to apply for a Visa D to enter Austria and get your study visa. If you are a researcher or teacher, you will need a relevant permit. If you are a third-country national, you will need to apply for a National D visa for stays longer than three months but not exceeding six.
If you are a highly qualified worker, a representative of a rare profession, a citizen holding a managerial position, a businessman, or a foreign graduate of an Austrian university, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This is issued for a period of 24 months and entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment by the specified employer. Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus.
An EU Blue Card provides a residence permit with the right to work for two years. An Austrian Red-White-Red Plus card is issued to family members of Red-White-Red and Blue Card holders, or foreigners who hold an Austrian permanent residence. A residence permit with the right to work can also be obtained by shift and seasonal workers, the self-employed, and people going on long-term business trips to Austria.
The Austria Private Residence Program is open to applicants who have approximately €50,000 in liquid funds and can show proof of residence, private health insurance, and A1-level German skills. There is no investment required, but applicants must have approximately €50,000 in liquid funds. Benefits include the right to live and study in Austria, visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area, and access to high-quality healthcare and education.
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Work permits
If you are a citizen of South Africa, you are considered a third-country national, i.e. a person who is not an EU/EEA or Swiss national. As such, you will need a residence permit to stay in Austria for longer than six months, or if you plan to work.
There are several types of work permits available for non-EU citizens seeking employment in Austria. The first is a restricted work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung), which lasts for one year. The second is a work permit that lasts two years (Arbeitserlaubnis). The third is an unrestricted work permit for five years (Befreiungsschein). These work permits must be applied for in the sequence given; you cannot immediately apply for the five-year permit. Each permit acts as a level of proof that you are in employment and can support yourself.
If you are a qualified worker and citizen of a third country (a country outside the EU) seeking to live and work in Austria, you will need a Red-White-Red Card. This card is issued for a period of 24 months and entitles you to fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specified in your application. The Red-White-Red Card Plus is available to family members of Red-White-Red and Blue Card holders.
Another option for third-country nationals who wish to stay and work in Austria indefinitely is to obtain a permanent residence permit. Permanent residence permits are long-term documents that are ideal for people who plan to stay in Austria for an indefinite period and for those who want to work. This includes people with employment contracts as well as those hoping to bring their family over through the family visa.
If you are a researcher planning to teach and conduct research in Austria, you may apply for a Settlement Permit – Special Cases of Gainful Employment. This permit is valid for 12 months and is renewable.
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Health insurance and accommodation
Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Austria. If you are staying in the country for more than six months, you are considered a resident and must pay contributions to one of the 28 social insurance institutions for medical care. You will then receive an e-card that will give you access to free healthcare when living in Austria. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) enables holders to access state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. The EHIC does not cover private health treatment, so ensure your provider has a contract with the GKK regional health insurance.
If you are insured in the public social insurance system (e.g. you are employed in Austria), this coverage is sufficient. As soon as you start employment, you are automatically covered by insurance. This also extends to school and university students. Social insurance contributions are deducted by the employer and paid to the local tax office. Employees will receive a social insurance number once they are registered.
Accommodation
The cost of living in Austria varies depending on your lifestyle choices and location. For a single working professional, a minimum of €1580-€2820 may be required to cover basic Austrian living expenses, including housing, food and transportation, along with additional essentials. A family of four may require a budget between €2370-€6460 for a comfortable lifestyle, and the cost of living in Austria for a couple would range around €1185-€3230.
When looking for accommodation, do not overlook rental agreements. Utilities are often not included in the rent costs and are charged separately. To apply for a residence permit, you must provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation (e.g. by providing a lease contract), considered adequate for your family size.
If you are immigrating to Austria with a spouse visa, you must provide proof of accommodation. This can be in the form of a rental agreement or property deed showing adequate housing.
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German language proficiency
German language skills are essential for immigrating to Austria and play a significant role in integrating and understanding Austrian companies and culture. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) classifies language proficiency into three broad levels: Level A (elementary), Level B (independent), and Level C (proficient). Each level is further divided into two sub-levels, resulting in six total levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2.
For immigration and residence in Austria, German language skills up to level B2 are required. However, the specific level you need to achieve depends on your purpose for immigrating and your background. If you are applying for a Red-White-Red Card as a qualified worker from a third country (outside the EU), you may not need to present a German language certificate. However, family members of Red-White-Red Card holders may be required to obtain a German certificate at level A1 before immigrating. Minors under 14 years of age are exempt from this requirement.
To prove your German language proficiency, you can take a language proficiency test that assesses your skills in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. These tests can be taken online or through recognised institutions, and the results are valid for one year. Additionally, if you have completed studies at a recognised higher education institution or have certain qualifications, you may be exempt from providing a German language certificate.
There are various resources available to help you improve your German language skills. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) and the Austrian Institute (ÖI) offer an online language portal, Sprachportal, which provides an overview of available courses at any level, both locally and internationally. The cost of these courses can vary, but Vienna provides vouchers for selected providers through the Start Coaching program. Additionally, EU-backed projects like Deutsch.info offer free online German courses for levels A1, A2, and B1 in multiple languages.
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Frequently asked questions
As a South African citizen, you will need a valid international passport, a visa, and a residence permit to immigrate to Austria. You will also need to demonstrate a high level of integration into Austrian society, including proficiency in the German language.
This depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. For short visits of up to 90 days within a 6-month period, you will need a Category C (Schengen visa). For non-touristic stays of up to 6 months, you will need a National Visa D. For longer stays, you will need a residence permit.
To obtain a residence permit, you will need to demonstrate that you meet certain requirements, such as having a fixed and regular personal income, valid health insurance coverage, and a legal title to locally customary accommodation. You will also need to pass a test that considers various indicators, including age, education, length of service, and German language proficiency.
