Renewing Austrian Work Visas: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you are a citizen of a country outside the EU and are looking to renew your work visa in Austria, you will need to renew your residence permit. This can be done at the locally competent Austrian residence authority. It is important to note that only residence titles (residence permits and settlement permits) can be renewed in Austria, and you will need to continue fulfilling the requirements, including providing proof of accommodation, health insurance coverage, and sufficient means of subsistence. If you are a very highly qualified worker, you may be eligible for a Red-White-Red Card, which is valid for 24 months and allows you to work for the employer specified in your application.

How to renew an Austrian working visa

The Red-White-Red Card

To be eligible for the Red-White-Red Card, applicants must reach a minimum of 70 points based on criteria such as qualifications, education, and professional experience. The application process typically takes around eight weeks and requires proof of health insurance coverage that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks. The fee for the card is €160, but if additional documents are required or a Visa D is needed, the fee may be higher.

There are several categories of the Red-White-Red Card:

• Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers: This category is for individuals who have received a job offer that matches their high level of qualifications and offers adequate pay.
• Red-White-Red Card for Graduates of Austrian Universities: This category is for third-country nationals who have completed studies at an Austrian university and received a suitable job offer corresponding to their academic level.
• Red-White-Red Card for Other Key Workers: This category targets third-country nationals who have received a job offer in a company in Austria for a position that is not considered a shortage occupation.
• Red-White-Red Card for Regular Seasonal Workers: There is no minimum salary specified for this category, but the Austrian employer must pay according to the collective agreement.
• Red-White-Red Card for Self-Employed Key Workers: This category is for third-country nationals who want to establish a company that will offer high added value to the Austrian economy or provide an outstanding impetus.

It is important to note that the requirements for each category may vary, and applicants should refer to the official Austrian government sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Applying for renewal after a visa expiry

If you submit your application for a renewal after your previous residence permit has expired, it will be classified as a first-time application. In this case, you may have to apply at the Austrian representative authority in your home country. However, if you can prove that an unexpected or inevitable incident occurred that prevented you from submitting the renewal application on time, your application may exceptionally be considered a renewal. To qualify for this exception, you must submit your application within two weeks of the incident, and it must be proven that you cannot be held liable or only marginally liable for the incident.

It is important to note that only residence titles (residence permits and settlement permits) can be renewed in Austria. If your visa has expired, you will have to leave Austria and await further proceedings abroad. This means that you cannot remain in Austria on an expired visa, even if you have a pending application.

To renew your residence permit, you must continue to fulfil the general and special requirements specific to your residence permit. For example, if you are renewing a "Residence Permit – Student", you must provide proof of successful completion of a degree programme at a university, university of applied sciences, accredited private university, or a public or private university college of teacher education. Additionally, you may be required to provide proof of admission to or progress in a professional training course required by law.

When renewing your residence permit, you will need to provide various documents, including proof of accommodations in Austria, such as a rental agreement or residence registration confirmation. You will also need to show proof of health insurance coverage, such as an Austrian e-card, and proof of sufficient means of subsistence, such as your last three salary slips. Fees for renewing your residence permit range from €160 to €250, depending on the type of residence permit. You may be required to pay a higher fee if additional personal documents are needed.

Required documents for renewal

To renew a residence permit in Austria, applicants must submit the following documents:

• A personally signed application form, including an explanation of the application form
• Proof of a legal claim to accommodation in Austria (e.g. rental or subtenancy contract, legally valid preliminary contract, accommodation agreement)
• Proof of the required minimum funds to finance your stay in Austria (as of 2025: EUR 1,273.99/month for individuals, EUR 2,009.85/month for couples, and an additional EUR 196,57 for each child)
• Proof of health insurance liable to pay for medical treatment in Austria
• Proof of successful study (for students)
• Proof of completion of a degree program (for students who want to extend their stay to look for a job or set up a business)
• Confirmation of the successful completion of research work (for holders of a "Settlement Permit - Researcher" who want to extend their stay)
• Proof of accommodations in Austria (residence registration confirmation, rental agreement, last three rental payments, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (copy of Austrian e-card, etc.)
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (last three salary slips, etc.)

It is important to note that only residence titles (residence permits and settlement permits) can be renewed in Austria, and not visas. If an applicant submits their renewal application after their previous residence permit has expired, it will be classified as a first-time application, and they may have to apply at the Austrian representative authority in their home country. However, if there are valid reasons for the delay, such as unforeseen or unavoidable incidents, the application may still be considered a renewal if submitted within two weeks of the incident.

Visa extension confirmation

To renew or extend your Austrian work visa, you must apply for a renewal of your residence permit. This can be done at the locally competent Austrian residence authority. It is important to note that only residence titles (residence permits and settlement permits) can be renewed in Austria, and not visas. The only exception to this is if you are undergoing ongoing medical treatment that prevents you from leaving Austria before your visa expires.

When applying for a renewal, you may also apply for a change of purpose. This means that if you fulfil the requirements, you may apply for a different residence title. For example, if you are a student, you can apply to extend your stay in Austria to look for a job or set up a business.

The general requirements for extending your residence permit include:

• Proof of accommodations in Austria (residence registration confirmation, rental agreement, last three rental payments, etc.)
• Proof of health insurance coverage (copy of Austrian e-card, etc.)
• Proof of sufficient means of subsistence (last three salary slips, etc.)
• Proof of a legal claim to accommodation in Austria (rental or subtenancy contract, legally valid preliminary contract, accommodation agreement, etc.)
• Proof of the required minimum funds to finance your stay in Austria (as of 2025: EUR 1,273.99/month for individuals, EUR 2,009.85/month for couples, and an additional EUR 196,57 for each child)

The specific requirements for extending your work visa may depend on your particular residence permit. For example, if you are a very highly qualified worker, you will need to meet certain criteria, such as having a concrete employment offer that matches your qualifications and offers adequate pay.

The cost of renewing your residence permit is typically between €160-250, depending on the type of residence permit. However, you may have to pay a higher fee if you need to present additional personal documents.

Visa alternatives

There are several alternatives to the standard Austrian work visa, depending on your situation. Here are some of the most common options:

• Red-White-Red Card: This is the most common type of work visa in Austria for foreigners. It is valid for 24 months and allows visa holders to live and work in Austria. However, employment is restricted to the specific employer listed on the application and must match the applicant's qualifications. The primary requirement for this visa is a concrete job offer with adequate pay. Applicants must also meet the general requirements under Austrian settlement and residence laws.
• EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is an alternative to the Red-White-Red Card and offers equal work rights to Austrian citizens. This option may be more suitable for those who want more flexibility in their choice of employer.
• Business Visa: If you are visiting Austria for business activities for less than six months, you can apply for a business visa. This option is suitable for short-term business trips and does not require a separate work permit.
• Jobseeker Visa: If you do not have a job offer yet, you can apply for a Jobseeker Visa, which allows you to stay in Austria for six months to look for work. This visa is specifically for very highly qualified workers and requires a minimum of 70 points based on specific criteria.
• Six-Month Residence Visa: This option is for those who want to temporarily move to Austria to find a job. It is similar to the Jobseeker Visa but may have different eligibility requirements.
• Student's Residence Permit: Students who have completed their studies or relevant training can renew their permit for up to 12 more months to find a job or start a business. This option is ideal for international students who wish to transition to working in Austria after their studies.
• Visa C or Visa D for Gainful Employment: These visas are specifically for researchers employed by an Austrian research institution. Visa holders can benefit from statutory health insurance provided by their employer. Family members of researchers can also apply for these visas, although a charge applies.

It is important to note that the requirements and eligibility criteria may vary for each visa type. Additionally, EU and EEA nationals have different regulations and do not usually require a visa for short-term stays in Austria.

Frequently asked questions