Ruqayyah Snyder
Austria is a desirable country to settle in, with its natural beauty, economic stability, and high quality of life. For those seeking to live in Austria, a residence permit is required if you are planning to stay longer than six months. The type of residence permit you need depends on your purpose for moving to Austria. The Red-White-Red Card is a popular option for qualified workers, enabling them to live and work in Austria for a specified period. This card is also available for family members of the primary applicant. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt from this requirement but must register if they plan to stay longer than three months. The application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of income, health insurance, and language proficiency. Applications are typically made at the local embassy or consulate, and processing times vary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who needs a residence permit? | Third-country nationals (persons who are not EEA citizens or Swiss nationals) staying longer than six months |
| Who is exempt from a residence permit? | EEA/Swiss citizens, who need to register at the local municipality if staying longer than three months |
| What are the types of residence permits? | Red-White-Red Card, Red-White-Red Card Plus, EU Blue Card, Residence Permit - Researcher, Residence Permit - Student, Residence Permit - Volunteer, Residence Permit - Special Cases of Gainful Employment, Settlement Permit - Special Cases of Gainful Employment, Residence Permit - Researcher Mobility |
| What is the Red-White-Red Card? | A residence permit for qualified workers and their families, valid for up to 24 months, allowing settlement and employment with a specified employer |
| What is the EU Blue Card? | A residence permit for highly qualified workers, valid for up to 2 years, allowing residence and work with a specific employer |
| What is the cost of a residence permit? | Temporary residence permit: €160; Permanent residence permit: €210 |
| Where to apply for a residence permit? | Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country; in specific cases, applications can be made directly in Austria |
| What are the basic requirements? | Application form, identity picture, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, travel dates |
| What are the additional requirements? | Proof of German language skills, proof of qualification, proof of relevant education, birth/marriage certificate, employer's declaration |
| What is the processing time? | Approximately 2 to 4 weeks for document processing; up to 3 months for application processing |
| What is the validity period? | Up to 2 years, with the possibility of renewal |
| What is the language requirement? | Basic level of German (A1); proof of language proficiency through an exam and certificate |
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What You'll Learn
Application requirements
The application requirements for an Austrian residency permit vary depending on the applicant's nationality and the purpose and duration of their stay. Here is a detailed breakdown of the application requirements:
For EU/EEA Citizens and Citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein:
- For stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, citizens of these countries do not require a visa or residence permit.
- If planning to stay longer than 90 days, a certificate of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) is required. This can be obtained from a residence authority, such as the state governor (Landeshauptmann) or administrative district authority.
- After five continuous years of lawful residence, individuals can apply for a long-term residence certificate (Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts) at their nearest Austrian embassy or consulate general in person. Biometric data, such as fingerprints, will be required.
For Third-Country Nationals (Non-EU/EEA Citizens):
- For stays of up to six months, a visa is required. The type of visa depends on the duration of the stay: a travel visa (Visa C) or Schengen visa for up to 90 days, or a residence visa (Visa D) for stays between 91 days and six months.
- For stays longer than six months, a residence permit is required. The Red-White-Red Card is the most common path to residence for third-country nationals, who must score over 70 points on a points-based scheme that considers professional qualifications, work experience, and German language skills.
- The Red-White-Red Card is issued for 24 months and allows the holder to work for a specified employer. Family members can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus.
- To apply for a residence permit, third-country nationals must submit their application in person to the Austrian Consulate in their country of residence.
- Work permits must be applied for by the prospective employer and require a lot of supporting documentation in German.
For US and Canadian Citizens:
- Visa applications must be made in person at the Austrian Embassy in Ottawa.
- US and Canadian citizens may also be eligible for the Red-White-Red Card if they meet the qualifications for highly qualified workers.
It is important to note that specific requirements and procedures may vary, and further details can be found on the Migration Platform of the Austrian Federal Government.
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Application process
The application process for an Austrian residency permit varies depending on the type of permit and the applicant's nationality. Here is a detailed overview of the application process for different categories of applicants:
Third-Country Nationals (Non-EEA Citizens)
Third-country nationals who are not EEA citizens or Swiss nationals and plan to stay in Austria for more than six months require a residence permit. The most common type of residence permit for this category is the Red-White-Red Card, which is designed for qualified workers and their families. To be eligible, applicants must have the required qualifications and skills to fill shortages in the Austrian labour market. Applications for the Red-White-Red Card can be made at the Austrian embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of residence.
EU/EEA Citizens and Citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein
Citizens of these countries do not require a residence permit for stays in Austria of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if they wish to stay longer, they must obtain a certificate of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung). This can be done at a residence authority, such as the state governor or administrative district authority. After five continuous years of residence, they can apply for a long-term residence certificate (Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts) at their nearest Austrian embassy or consulate general.
Students (Union or Multilateral Mobility Programme)
Students enrolled in an Austrian higher education institution under a mobility programme can apply for a "Residence Permit – Student." Applications are typically submitted at the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy or consulate) in the student's country of residence. However, students who are entitled to enter Austria without a visa may submit their application at the locally competent residence authority in Austria. The processing time for student residence permits is up to 90 days.
Researchers and Volunteers
Individuals applying for a "Residence Permit – Researcher" or "Residence Permit – Volunteer" can submit their applications directly in Austria during their legal stay. This category includes family members of researchers and volunteers.
Family Members of Austrian Citizens, EU Citizens, and Other Eligible Nationals
Family members of Austrian citizens, EU citizens, EEA citizens (from Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway), and Swiss nationals who are permanently resident in Austria can apply for a residence permit directly in Austria. This also applies to family reunification within six months of a child's birth, provided the caregiver is legally resident in Austria.
Special Cases of Gainful Employment
Third-country nationals applying for a "Settlement Permit – Special Cases of Gainful Employment" or a "Residence Permit – Special Cases of Gainful Employment" can submit their initial applications in Austria. However, they must wait for the decision on their application abroad if necessary.
Regardless of the applicant category, it is important to note that the Consulate is responsible for accepting and examining applications for completeness and correctness before forwarding them to the decision-making authority in Austria. The federal provinces have the exclusive competence to examine applications and decide on granting or rejecting residence permits.
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Red-White-Red Card
To apply for an Austrian residency permit, third-country nationals (persons who are not EEA citizens or Swiss nationals) can apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This is a residence permit for those who wish to work as skilled employees in Austria and stay in the country on a permanent basis. The card is issued for a period of 24 months and entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment with a specified employer.
The Red-White-Red Card is designed to grant residence based on the skills of potential workers and to fill shortages in the Austrian labour market. To be considered a highly qualified worker, you must score more than 70 points on the points-based scheme by the Austrian authority's scale. Points are awarded for professional qualifications, work experience, and your ability to speak German.
There are seven subcategories of the Red-White-Red Card, and the following people are eligible:
- Skilled workers in shortage occupations: Third-country nationals who have a job offer and training in an occupation that is in shortage.
- Family members of Austrians: Spouses, registered partners, or parents of Austrians can apply for a Residence Permit – Family Members, which gives them free access to the labour market.
- Researchers: Researchers can apply for a Red-White-Red Card with a validity period of 2 years. If their employment contract is shorter, the card will be issued for the duration of the contract plus three months.
- Family members of researchers: Family members of researchers holding a Red-White-Red Card can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, which gives them free access to the labour market.
To apply for a Red-White-Red Card, you must submit your application to the competent residence authority in Austria. For initial residence permit applications, no proof of adequate accommodation is required, but the monthly costs for accommodation must be considered in calculating adequate means of subsistence. You must also have health insurance coverage that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks.
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Blue Card
To apply for an Austrian residency permit, you must submit your application to the Austrian representative authority (embassy/consulate) in your country of residence. If you are already in Austria, you can submit your application to the Immigration Authority.
The Blue Card is a residence permit for qualified non-EU foreign nationals who want to work in an EU country. It is designed to facilitate the admission of non-EU highly skilled professionals into the EU and simplify the procedures and improve the legal status of those already in the EU.
To be eligible for a Blue Card, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a Master's Degree or equivalent
- Have at least five years of experience in their field
- Have a work contract or a job offer for highly qualified employment for at least one year
- Meet the minimum salary threshold in the EU country in which they want to work
Once your Blue Card application has been approved, you will need to go to the Immigration Authority to have your fingerprints taken and show your original personal documents (passport, birth certificate, Police Clearance Certificate, etc.).
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Permanent residency
To obtain permanent residency in Austria, you must have lived in the country for five continuous years with a residence permit. After this period, you can apply for a long-term residence certificate.
There are several types of residence permits, each with its own requirements and application processes. The most common path to permanent residency is through the Red-White-Red Card, which is a work visa for qualified workers and their families, with the prospect of permanent settlement. To be eligible, you must score more than 70 on the points-based scheme, which considers factors like professional qualifications, work experience, and German language skills. This card is valid for up to 24 months and entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment with a specified employer.
Other types of residence permits include the Residence Permit - Researcher, Student, or Volunteer, which can be applied for after legal entry into Austria and during one's legal stay. There is also the Settlement Permit - Special Cases of Gainful Employment, which is excluded from the scope of the Austrian Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals.
The application process for a residence permit typically involves submitting documents to an Austrian consulate or embassy, followed by a review period of up to three months. During this time, your application will be examined for completeness and correctness before being forwarded to the relevant authority in Austria for a decision.
It is important to note that permanent residency requirements can change, and some permits may require additional steps, such as language exams or proof of qualifications. Seeking professional advice and ensuring error-free paperwork can improve your chances of obtaining permanent residency in Austria.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're an EU citizen, you can apply for a certificate of registration at the local municipality in Austria. If you're seeking permanent residency, you can apply at a residence authority, such as the state governor or administrative district authority.
If you're a non-EU citizen, you must apply for a residence permit at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country before entering Austria. You will need to submit the required documents and schedule an appointment for the submission of your application.
If you're a student, you can apply for a residence permit directly in Austria. You will need to submit your application to the relevant residence authority.
If you're a family member of an Austrian citizen, you can apply for a residence permit directly in Austria. You will need to submit your application to the relevant residence authority.
