Austria Visa Policy | Schengen and More

Austria is a popular destination for tourists, students, and business travelers alike, with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant economy. However, visitors to the nation from certain countries may require a visa to enter the country. The Republic of Austria does not require a visa for entry for nationals of EU member states, member countries of the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

The Schengen Area and the Austrian territory may require a visa for visitors from other nations,, depending on their nationality. Foreigners who desire to pursue gainful employment or a short-term activity that is akin to gainful employment (such as an internship) but are not citizens of an EEA state or Switzerland must get a visa. For a maximum of ninety days within one hundred and eighty days, nationals of those countries for which the visa obligation has been lifted by an EU rule may enter Austria without a visa if they are not in search of gainful employment.

In this context, it is important to understand the Austria visa policy, which includes the visa requirements, application process, types of visas available, and specific visa categories such as tourism, business, and study. This guide provides an overview of the country’s visa policy and offers insights into the various visa options available for travelers.

Austria’s European Travel Information and Authorization System

Even though this is not technically a visa, the Austria ETIAS is a vital pre-travel security measure designed to strengthen and protect the borders of the Schengen Zone. This electronic system allows for the efficient screening of visa-exempt non-EU nationals who intend to visit Austria and other Schengen Area countries for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

By collecting essential information from travelers and cross-referencing it against multiple security databases, the ETIAS significantly enhances border security, reduces the risk of illegal immigration, and aids in the prevention of terrorism. Travelers must apply for an ETIAS authorization online prior to departure, with the application process being relatively simple and affordable, typically requiring only a valid passport, email address, and a small processing fee.

Austria Schengen Visa or Short-Stay Visa (Type C Visa)

The standard tourist visa for Austria is known as Visa C. It is designed for individuals who wish to visit the country for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, attending cultural events, or visiting friends and family. The Schengen Visa or Visa C for Austria can be used for up to ninety days per one hundred and eighty days for travel, business, or other purposes (without the intent to engage in gainful employment). Applicants should apply for a Visa D, which allows the bearer to stay in Austria for up to six months if a stay of more than ninety days is anticipated.

Each visa application is examined on a case-by-case basis by the relevant Consulate or Embassy. As long as the conditions of Article Six of the Schengen Borders Code are met and the visa is not subject to territorial limits, holders of Schengen visas are, in principle, permitted to enter and remain in the Schengen States. To enter the country, all owners of travel documents (black and blue) and certificates of identity (CID), i.e., documents issued by the United Kingdom, need to acquire a visa!

The Schengen Countries that are included in the list are as follows:

• Belgium
• Austria
• Estonia
• Latvia
• Croatia
• Denmark
• Slovakia
• Finland
• the Czech Republic
• Portugal
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Sweden
• Luxembourg
• Germany
• Italy
• Lithuania
• Malta
• Slovenia
• the Netherlands
• Spain
• Poland

The non-EU nations of Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Iceland do not require a visa for Austria. Families of EEA and Swiss nationals with free movement rights are given special consideration.

Airport Transit Visa or Visa A

In principle, visas are not necessary for foreigners who remain within an airport’s international transit zone throughout a stopover, a flight segment, or an international flight. However, unless they are exempt, citizens of the following nations need a visa (type "A") in order to remain in the international transit area of an Austrian airport:

• Bangladesh
• Iran
• Afghanistan
• Eritrea
• Ghana
• Ethiopia
• Somalia
• Iraq
• Sri Lanka
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Syria
• Congo (Democratic Republic)

The Federal Ministry of the Interior can provide more details on Austrian visa requirements and exemptions.

Visa D or Austria’s National Visa

Austria’s National Visa or Visa D can be awarded for one or more entries. Visa holders are subject to Austrian national law, entitling holders to stays of ninety-one days to six months in Austria. Please be aware that a D Visa cannot be extended in Austria. A residency permit must be obtained if a stay of more than six months is planned. The granting of a D visa is contingent upon the information submitted by the applicant. This depends on whether the anticipated stay in the country for longer than ninety days appears to be suitably documented.

It is also conceivable, under rare circumstances, to grant a visa D with a validity of up to one year, for inst, ance on the basis of an international agreement. The holder of a visa D issued by any other Schengen State or Austria is permitted to move freely within the borders of the other Schengen States for up to ninety days out of every one hundred and eighty days.

This is in consideration of the fact that they do not intend to work there, possess a valid travel document, and meet all applicable requirements of the Schengen Borders Code. Article Six clause one, subsections (a), (c), and (e) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of March 9, 2016, establish a Community Code on the laws governing the movement of people across borders and not on the national list of alerts of the Member State in question.

Please be aware that rights gained under national laws in one Schengen State cannot automatically transfer to another Schengen State. For instance, employment and study permits are essentially only valid within the SchenStatestate that issued them.

Visa for Visiting Trips (Long-Term)

Individuals may apply for a visa D if they want to stay in Austria for a period longer than ninety days but less than six months, such as for family visits or participating in a course. The stay’s objective must be supported by corresponding documentation, which must be presented to the Austrian embassy.

Visa for Job Seekers

The Austria work visa allows non-EU citizens to work in the country. It is typically granted to those who have secured a job offer. Highly qualified foreign nationals may apply for a D visa, commonly known as a "job seeker visa." This allows them to enter Austria in order to look for employment before possibly applying for a Red-White-Red Card for highly skilled persons. The validity of the D visa is six months. Applicants should take note that employment is not allowed while holding this sort of visa.

"Work Holiday Program" Visa for Participants

Citizens of nations that have a working holiday program with the Consulate may, in principle, engage in any employment in the country during their maximum holiday stay length of 6 to 12 months (length varies by program) in order to help pay for their stay or an educational goal. Exceptions only occur when there are specific instances where access requirements for the job or in the educational field are not met.

The rules governing visa-free stays in the Schengen region and Austria are unaffected by the usage of a Working Holiday Visa. No departure is required, even if the visa-free stay ends shortly before or after. Dependent relations (such as a spouse or child) of a person on a working holiday are not allowed to travel with them under the terms of the working holiday visa.

Visa to Collect Residence Permit

People who have been granted a residence permit must pick up their residence card at the appropriate Austrian authoritieConsulateisa is necessary, it must be obtained within three months of receiving notice from the appropriate Consulate in order to collect the residence permit.

Permit for Settlement - Researcher

The "Settlement Permit - Researcher" is designed for citizens of third countries who have a doctoral or Ph.D. degree, or a degree that allows them to enroll in doctoral or Ph.D. programs (or any course of that level) who plan to pursue the scientific activity in Austria. Additionally, they need a hosting agreement with a research institution that is certified or does not need certification.

Individuals who wish to carry out research must apply for a visa for gainful employment (visa D), which will have the addendum "Erwerb" which stands for "gainful employment," added to it. This happens If they intend to begin their research right away after entering the country. Before entering Austria, individuals may do this at the appropriate Austrian representative authority’s embassy or Consulate with authorization to grant visas at the place of their residence.

They must provide all the paperwork needed for a "Settlement Permit - Researcher" while applying for a visa. They are only then allowed to begin their research projects right away with such a visa.

Student Visa for Third Country Nationals or Non-EU Students

Non-EU students will require one of the following visas to study in Austria for up to six months. A travel Visa C, often known as a "Schengenvisum," is required by students for stays of up to ninety days in any one 180-day period in Austria and all other Schengen countries (unless they are exempt from a visa obligation for Austria).

Entry into and residing for periods of at least ninety-one days and up to six months require a D Visa. Consequently, stays within the Schengen region are only permitted for a maximum of ninety days during this period. If a potential student is a citizen of Japan, it is not necessary. For stays of more than six months with or without entrance exams, it is best to get in touch with the nearest embassy to learn about specific requirements.

Before visiting Austria, student visas can only be requested at the appropriate Austrian representative author, city such as the embassy, or Consulate, which will also grant the visa. In Austria, a student visa cannot be renewed. After lawful admission in the country, students can either apply for a residence permit for students at the responsible Austrian representative authority in their home country or the responsible residential authority within the nation. It is advised to contact the appropriate Austrian representative authority, such as the embassy or Consulate to get more information.

Swiss nationals or EU/EEA Students

Students who are citizens of the EU/EEA nationals or Switzerland do not require a visa to enter Austria. They simply require a valid travel document (passport or identity card) for admission and residence in Austria if they have the resources to pay for their stay there and proper health insurance that covers all essential expenses.

If students plan to stay in the country for longer than three months, they must apply for a confirmation of registration. They must then personally notify Austria’s relevant resident office within four months. Keep in mind that breaking this rule could result in a fine of up to 250 euros!

Temporary Work Visa

A temporary work visa is required to engage in a temporary job in Austria to work as the following:

• with a goal of short-term self-employment
• a job as a seasonal employee
• as an apprentice
• as a dependent worker

This requires official confirmation in accordance with Section Twenty-Four of the Foreigners Police Act and Section Three clause Five of an act that governs the Employment of Foreign Nationals necessitates the issuing of a visa for gainful employment. The fulfillment of the general visa requirements is a prerequisite for the issuance of a visa for gainful employment. Additionally, the necessary paperwork outlined in the Act regulating the Employment of Foreign Nationals must be provided in cases of proposed dependent employment and intended self-employment.

Applicants can get in touch with Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) directly if individuals have any inquiries concerning the Austrian labor market in general or about required work market permits.

Additional Information

The processing of an Austrian Visa takes about two weeks for the following countries:

• Belarus
• Angola
• Bahrain
• Armenia
• China
• Belize
• Cambodia
• Benin
• Cameroon
• Bhutan
• S. Africa
• Bolivia
• Republic of Central Africa
• Botswana
• Chad
• Burkina Faso
• Cuba
• Burundi
• Comoros
• Ecuador
• Djibouti
• Fiji
• Equatorial Guinea
• India
• Gambia
• Coast of Ivory
• Solomon Islands
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Malawi
• Guinea-Bissau
• Madagascar
• Kiribati
• Guyana
• Kosovo
• Jamaica
• Laos
• Kuwait
• Maldives
• Lesotho
• Mongolia
• Qatar
• Papua New Guinea
• Namibia
• Pacific Islands
• Nepal
• Senegal
• Micronesia
• Nauru
• Mozambique
• Oman
• Russia
• Uganda
• Myanmar
• Zimbabwe
• Thailand
• Philippines
• Togo and Sao Tomé
• Liberia Sierra
• Tanzania
• Zambia
• Surinam
• Turkey
• Swaziland

The processing time is of three weeks for the following countries:

• Democratic R. of Congo
• Afghanistan
• Republic of Congo
• Algeria
• Bangladesh
• Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
• Azerbaijan
• Eritrea
• Ghana
• Ethiopia
• Indonesia
• Jordan
• Egypt
• Kazakhstan
• Iran
• Kyrgyzstan
• Lebanon
• Iraq
• Kenya
• Libya
• Mali
• Liberia
• Mauritania
• Tajikistan
• Morocco
• Niger
• Somalia
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• Palestine
• ’ Refugee’ (blue & black document for travel)
• Ruanda
• Saudi Arabia
• North & South Sudan
• Syria
• Tunisia
• Vietnam
• Turkmenistan
• Yemen
• Uzbekistan
• Togo
• UAE

Conditions for Granting Austria Short-Term Visa versus a Long-Term Visa

If a visitor (from eligible countries) meets the general entry requirements, a Visa C permit allows them to travel to all Schengen nations and remain there for a total of ninety days within a one-hundred-and-eighty-day period. Short-term visas can only be obtained if they are needed for travel, business, or other non-employment-related activities.

Visitors from qualified nations may enter and remain in Austria with a Visa D (long-term). It can be given for up to six months or ninety-one days. If they meet the general entrance requirements, holders of a Visa D are also permitted to travel for up to ninety days to other Schengen nations. In general, the conditions for residence and settlement apply for an expected stay of more than six months.

Please be aware that despite being in possession of a Schengen Visa, admission into any of the Schengen countries is not assured. Third-country nationals must apply for a residence permit at their place of residence for periods longer than one hundred and eighty days. Third-country nationals who plan to stay in Austria for ninety-one days or more than six months need to apply for Visa D.

Permanent Residency for Long-Term Expats in Austria

The holder of a residence permit called a "long-term resident," is entitled to free access to the job market and permanent residency in Austria. If Austrian settlement is maintained, the right to dwell in it is unrestricted. The validity duration for the residency permit card, however, is five years. As a result, a new residence permit card must be requested after five years.

Eligibility to Acquire an "EU Long-Term Resident"

Third-country nationals may receive the "long-term resident" residence permit if they meet the conditions

1. listed in Module 2 of the Integration Agreement for Austria
2. satisfy the general requirements for granting the residence permit
3. have been authorized to settle in Austria in the previous five years without interruption.

Can the Austrian Visa be Extended?

In Austria, applying for a visa and having one renewed or extended are both technically not possible. Unless a resident title has been granted, individuals must depart the country and Schengen region after the visa expires. All visa types are often issued by representative offices overseas, or, in rare and extraordinary circumstances, by specialized border checkpoints, or, in cases when a visa extension is allowed, by the state police headquarters.

It is not feasible to extend a D visa in Austria. A residency permit must be obtained if a stay of more than six months is planned in Austria. It is best to get in touch with the Austrian embassy to learn more about a visa extension.

Conclusion

The Austria visa policy includes a range of visa types for various purposes, such as tourism, business, study, and work. The visa application process involves meeting specific requirements, submitting the necessary documents, paying the applicable visa fees, and attending a visa appointment if required. The visa processing time can vary depending on the visa type and the embassy or Consulate handling the application.

Visa holders may be able to extend their stay or renew their visa, depending on the specific circumstances. The visa validity can also vary, depending on the type of Austrian visa issued. Austria offers different visa options for both EU and non-EU citizens, making it an attractive destination for visitors and migrants alike.