Extending Your Stay: Navigating Austria's Visa Regulations

If you're planning to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a visa or residence permit, depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. US citizens, for example, must obtain an Austrian visa if they intend to stay longer than 90 days or plan to work in the country. On the other hand, citizens of EU member states, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland do not need a visa to enter Austria and can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. If they wish to stay longer, they must apply for a confirmation of registration of Right of Residence under EU law from the relevant authority. Third-country nationals who plan to stay in Austria for more than six months will generally need to obtain a residence permit.

Apply for a visa D

To stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Visa D. This is a national visa, subject to Austrian national legislation, and entitles the holder to stay in Austria for a period of 91 days up to six months.

Who Can Apply for a Visa D?

Anyone can apply for a Visa D, but it is particularly relevant for those who are not citizens of the EU, citizens of another EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway), or Swiss citizens. Citizens of these countries do not need a visa to enter Austria and can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

How to Apply for a Visa D:

To apply for a Visa D, follow these steps:

• Determine your eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for a Visa D, as outlined above.
• Gather required documents: The necessary documents may vary depending on your specific situation, but generally, you will need a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and other relevant documentation.
• Submit your application: Submit your application and the required documents to the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence. Applications are typically accepted up to six months before your planned travel date, and you should apply no later than 15 days before your trip.
• Provide biometric data: As part of the application process, you may be required to provide biometric data, including fingerprints, which will be valid for a certain period.
• Pay the visa fee: There is a consular fee for the Visa D, which varies based on the applicant's age.
• Wait for processing: Processing times may vary, so it is recommended to apply at least four weeks in advance.
• Receive your visa: If your application is approved, you will be granted a Visa D, allowing you to stay in Austria for up to six months.

It is important to note that Visa D does not permit gainful employment or self-employment. If you wish to work during your stay in Austria, you will need to obtain a special visa, such as a Visa C or D with the addendum "Erwerb".

Submit a residence permit application

To stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit. This applies to third-country nationals who are not citizens of the EU, another EEA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway), or Switzerland.

• Determine Your Eligibility: Before starting the application process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a residence permit. Confirm if you fall under the category of third-country nationals who require a residence permit for stays exceeding 90 days.
• Identify the Type of Residence Permit: Different types of residence permits are available, such as permits for pupils, students, researchers, family reunification, and gainful employment. Choose the one that aligns with your purpose for staying in Austria.
• Gather Required Documents: The specific documents needed may vary depending on the type of residence permit. However, some standard documents include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, proof of financial means, and proof of family or economic ties with your home country.
• Complete the Application Form: You will need to fill out the application form for the relevant residence permit. Ensure that you provide accurate and complete information. Incomplete or incorrect information may delay or negatively impact your application.
• Submit the Application: Submit your completed application, along with all the required supporting documents, to the Austrian Consulate in your country of residence. In certain countries, an appointment may be necessary to submit your application.
• Await Processing: After submitting your application, the Austrian Consulate will review it for completeness and correctness. They will then forward your application to the decision-making authority in Austria, typically the urban or district administration of your future place of residence.
• Receive Notification: Once a decision has been made on your application, the Austrian Consulate will notify you of the outcome. If your residence permit is approved, you will be informed of the next steps to collect your residence permit.
• Collect Your Residence Permit: After arriving in Austria, contact the competent domestic authority as soon as possible to obtain your residence permit. They will guide you through the process of collecting your residence permit and any other necessary steps to finalize your residency in Austria.

Please note that processing times for residence permit applications may vary, and you may need to wait up to six months for a decision. Additionally, submitting an application does not automatically extend your right to stay beyond the initial 90 days if the processing takes longer. Therefore, it is essential to initiate the application process well in advance of your intended stay in Austria.

Request a confirmation of registration of Right of Residence

If you are an EU citizen, a citizen of another EEA member state, or a Swiss citizen, you do not need a residence permit to stay in Austria. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must request a confirmation of registration of Right of Residence under EU law from the competent authority. This must be done within four months of your arrival in Austria.

Who needs to request a confirmation of registration of Right of Residence?

• EU citizens, citizens of other EEA member states, and Swiss citizens who want to stay in Austria for more than 90 days.
• Third-country nationals who want to stay in Austria for more than six months.

Where do you submit the request?

You must submit your request to the competent settlement authority that is responsible for your main residence in Austria. This could be:

• The district administrative authority.
• The district authority in chartered urban districts.
• The Municipal Executive in Vienna.

What do you need to submit with your request?

You must submit the following documents with your request, depending on your situation:

• A valid ID card or passport.
• Confirmation of employment or evidence of self-employment (e.g. a contract of employment, tax number, or extract from the Austrian Business Licence Information System).
• Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence (e.g. bank balance, pension benefits) and comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Evidence regarding the accreditation of a school or educational establishment and of comprehensive health insurance coverage, as well as a declaration or other evidence of sufficient means of subsistence (e.g. for school pupils or students: confirmation of the accreditation of a school or a certification of enrolment).

Are there any fees?

There is a federal fee of 15 Euros for the confirmation of registration of Right of Residence. Additional fees may also apply.

Apply for a visa C or D at the Austrian embassy

To stay in Austria for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Visa D, which entitles you to stay in the country for up to six months.

• Determine your eligibility: Before initiating the visa application process, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Visa C is intended for short-term stays in Austria for tourism, business, or visiting purposes, while Visa D is for longer stays of up to six months.
• Gather required documents: The specific documents needed will vary depending on the purpose of your visit. However, some standard documents include a valid passport, passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient financial means, proof of accommodation, travel health insurance, and proof of family or economic ties to your home country.
• Complete the application form: You will need to fill out the appropriate application form, either Form C1 for Visa C or Form D for Visa D, which can be found on the official website of the Austrian Federal Ministry.
• Submit your application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documents to the competent Austrian representative authority, typically the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
• Pay the visa fee: There may be a visa fee associated with your application, although in some cases, such as for students, the visa may be free of charge.
• Wait for processing: The processing time for visa applications can vary, but it is recommended to apply at least four weeks before your intended travel date.
• Provide biometrics: As part of the visa application process, you may be required to provide biometrics, including fingerprints and a digital photograph.
• Attend an interview: In some cases, you may be invited for an interview as part of the visa application process.
• Receive your visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive your visa, typically in the form of a sticker or stamp in your passport.

Please note that the exact procedures and requirements may vary depending on your country of residence and the specific purpose of your visit. It is always recommended to check the official websites of the Austrian Federal Ministry and the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Meet Austrian government entry requirements

The requirements to enter Austria depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay. Here is an overview of the Austrian government's entry requirements:

• Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland: No visa is required to enter Austria. However, if you plan to stay longer than three months, you must apply for a "confirmation of registration of Right of Residence under EU law" from the relevant authority within four months of entering the country.
• Third-country nationals: If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you may need a visa to enter Austria, depending on your nationality. Third-country nationals who wish to stay in Austria for more than 90 days must obtain a residence permit. There are different types of residence permits available, depending on your situation. For example, if you are a student, you can apply for a "Residence Permit - Student". The application process typically involves submitting various documents, such as proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and financial means to cover your living costs. You must apply for the visa at the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy or consulate) in your country of residence.
• Visa requirements: If you need a visa, you will typically apply for either a Visa C or a Visa D. A Visa C is for short stays of up to 90 days, while a Visa D is for stays between 91 days and six months. To obtain a visa, you must meet specific requirements, such as having a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds, and travel medical insurance.
• Work permits: If you plan to work in Austria, you will need to obtain a work permit or a specific type of visa that allows gainful employment. The requirements for working in Austria are different from those for tourism or other short-term stays.
• Passport validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from the Schengen area, which includes Austria.
• Other considerations: When entering Austria, you may need to show proof of accommodation, travel insurance, and sufficient funds for your stay. Make sure to get your passport stamped on entry and exit to avoid overstaying your visa.

Frequently asked questions