Every Austria visa category and its key facts. Eligibility varies by type - open a card for the conditions and the official page.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Visa C)
Tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips without employment. Permits travel throughout the Schengen Area.
90 days multiple entry 15-45d processing
Details tourist
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Visa C) × Tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips without employment. Permits travel throughout the Schengen Area.
90 days multiple entry 15-45d processing
Fee is €90 (~USD 99); €45 for ages 6-12. Maximum 90 days within any 180-day period. Requires valid passport, travel insurance (min. €30,000), proof of financial means, and return commitment. Apply at Austrian embassy/consulate in country of residence. Processing typically 15 calendar days; up to 45 days if additional checks needed. Apply here ↗ Airport Transit Visa (Visa A)
Permits passage through the international transit zone of Austrian airports without entering the Schengen Area.
single entry 15-45d processing
Details transit
Airport Transit Visa (Visa A) × Permits passage through the international transit zone of Austrian airports without entering the Schengen Area.
single entry 15-45d processing
Required only for nationals of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, DRC, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, and Syria. Exempt if holder has valid Schengen/Irish/US/Canadian/Japanese visa or qualifying residence permit. Standard Schengen visa fee (€90) applies. Apply here ↗ Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Visa C) - Business
Attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiations in Austria without taking up employment.
90 days multiple entry 15-45d processing
Details business
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Visa C) - Business × Attending business meetings, conferences, or negotiations in Austria without taking up employment.
90 days multiple entry 15-45d processing
Same Visa C category as tourist visa but with business purpose stated in application. Fee €90. No separate category for business short-stay; purpose is declared on application form. Apply here ↗ National Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)
Permits extended stays in Austria from 91 days up to 6 months, typically as a precursor to obtaining a residence permit.
180 days multiple entry up to 180d processing ~$215 valid 365d
Details other
National Long-Stay Visa (Visa D) × Permits extended stays in Austria from 91 days up to 6 months, typically as a precursor to obtaining a residence permit.
180 days multiple entry up to 180d processing ~$215 valid 365d
Fee is €195 (~USD 215); €97 for children under 6. Cannot be extended in Austria. Stays beyond 6 months require a residence permit. Issued for one or multiple entries; exceptionally valid up to 12 months. Used as entry permit to then collect residence permit in Austria. Apply here ↗ Job Seeker Visa (Jobsuchvisum)
Allows highly qualified third-country nationals to enter Austria for up to 6 months to seek employment, without the right to work during this period.
180 days single entry up to 180d processing ~$215 valid 180d
Details work
Job Seeker Visa (Jobsuchvisum) × Allows highly qualified third-country nationals to enter Austria for up to 6 months to seek employment, without the right to work during this period.
180 days single entry up to 180d processing ~$215 valid 180d
Six-month Visa D category. Employment is strictly prohibited during the validity period. Intended for highly qualified workers who then apply for a Red-White-Red Card once they secure a job offer. Apply here ↗ Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)
Points-based settlement permit granting the right to live and work in Austria for qualified third-country nationals including very highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, self-employed key workers, and start-up founders.
multiple entry 21d processing valid 730d
Details work
Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) × Points-based settlement permit granting the right to live and work in Austria for qualified third-country nationals including very highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, self-employed key workers, and start-up founders.
multiple entry 21d processing valid 730d
Valid for 24 months, employer-tied for most categories. AMS (Public Employment Service) reviews macroeconomic benefit within 3 weeks. After 24 months (min. 21 months in employment), eligible for Red-White-Red Card Plus (unrestricted labor market access). Sub-categories: Very Highly Qualified Workers (min. 70 pts), Shortage Occupation Workers, Self-Employed Key Workers (min. €100,000 capital transfer or equivalent benefit), Start-up Founders (min. €30,000 capital, min. 50 pts). No specific USD fee published on official source. Apply here ↗ EU Blue Card Austria (EU-Blaue Karte)
Residence and work permit for third-country nationals with a university degree and qualifying job offer, implementing the EU Blue Card Directive in Austria.
multiple entry ~$240 valid 730d
Details work
EU Blue Card Austria (EU-Blaue Karte) × Residence and work permit for third-country nationals with a university degree and qualifying job offer, implementing the EU Blue Card Directive in Austria.
multiple entry ~$240 valid 730d
Fee is €218 (~USD 240). Requires university degree (minimum 3-year program) or, for ICT professionals/service managers, 3 years comparable experience in the last 7 years; a binding job offer for at least 6 months; and salary at least equal to the average gross annual income for full-time employees (in 2026: at least €55,678 gross annual incl. special payments). Card issued for 24 months. After 21 months of employment, eligible for Red-White-Red Card Plus. Labor market test applies. Apply here ↗ Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit (ICT)
Temporary residence and work permit for third-country nationals transferred within a multinational company to an Austrian entity as managers, specialists, or trainee employees.
Details work
Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit (ICT) × Temporary residence and work permit for third-country nationals transferred within a multinational company to an Austrian entity as managers, specialists, or trainee employees.
Implements EU ICT Directive. Covers managers, specialists, and trainees. Mobile ICT variant available for movement within multiple EU member states. Must demonstrate active employment relationship with the sending entity and temporary assignment to Austrian host entity. Apply here ↗ Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender)
Allows third-country nationals to reside in Austria for the duration of their studies at accredited universities, polytechnics, or private institutions.
Details student
Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender) × Allows third-country nationals to reside in Austria for the duration of their studies at accredited universities, polytechnics, or private institutions.
Requires proof of enrollment at an accredited Austrian institution, adequate financial means (approx. €1,308/month), and health insurance. Students may work up to 20 hours per week without a separate labor market test. After graduation, permit can be extended for 12 months to seek employment or start a business. Apply here ↗ Pupil Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Schüler)
Allows third-country national minors to reside in Austria to attend primary or secondary school.
Details student
Pupil Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Schüler) × Allows third-country national minors to reside in Austria to attend primary or secondary school.
For pupils enrolled in Austrian primary or secondary schools. Requires proof of enrollment, health insurance, and proof of adequate means of subsistence.
Apply here ↗ Researcher Mobility Permit
Temporary residence permit for third-country national researchers to carry out research activities at an approved Austrian research organisation.
Details work
Researcher Mobility Permit × Temporary residence permit for third-country national researchers to carry out research activities at an approved Austrian research organisation.
Implements EU Researcher Directive. Requires hosting agreement with an approved Austrian research organisation. Family members may accompany. Mobile researcher provisions allow activity across EU member states. Apply here ↗ Family Reunification Visa / Permit
Allows eligible family members (spouses, minor children) of third-country nationals with valid Austrian residence permits to join them in Austria.
Details family
Family Reunification Visa / Permit × Allows eligible family members (spouses, minor children) of third-country nationals with valid Austrian residence permits to join them in Austria.
Fee is €260 (~USD 286); €130 for children under 6. For family members of asylum-status holders, different rules apply. Sponsors must demonstrate adequate financial means and appropriate housing. EU/EEA family members are governed by EU Freedom of Movement rules, not this permit. Apply here ↗ Working Holiday Visa / Permit
Allows young nationals of partner countries to holiday in Austria and supplement their travel costs through incidental work or vocational training.
Details working holiday
Working Holiday Visa / Permit × Allows young nationals of partner countries to holiday in Austria and supplement their travel costs through incidental work or vocational training.
Available to nationals of 12 bilateral partner countries: Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and United States. Age requirement: 18-30 years. Primary purpose must be holiday; work is secondary and incidental. Apply at the Austrian embassy/consulate of partner country. Exact duration, quota, and fees vary by bilateral agreement. Apply here ↗ Social Service Employee / Volunteer Permit
Temporary residence permit for third-country nationals performing social service or voluntary work (including European Voluntary Service) in Austria.
365 days multiple entry valid 365d
Details other
Social Service Employee / Volunteer Permit × Temporary residence permit for third-country nationals performing social service or voluntary work (including European Voluntary Service) in Austria.
365 days multiple entry valid 365d
Maximum 1 year, non-renewable. Must be placed with an approved social service organisation or European Voluntary Service programme.
Apply here ↗ Au Pair Residence Permit
Allows young third-country nationals to live with an Austrian host family and assist with childcare and household tasks while improving language and cultural skills.
Details other
Au Pair Residence Permit × Allows young third-country nationals to live with an Austrian host family and assist with childcare and household tasks while improving language and cultural skills.
Categorised under special cases of dependent employment. Requires a formal au pair placement agreement with an approved host family. Specific age limits, duration, and pocket money requirements governed by Austrian law. Apply here ↗ Red-White-Red Card Plus (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus)
Settlement permit granting unlimited (non-employer-tied) access to the Austrian labour market for holders transitioning from a Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card, family members of settled foreigners, and certain other settled third-country nationals.
multiple entry ~$240 valid 365d
Details work
Red-White-Red Card Plus (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus) × Settlement permit granting unlimited (non-employer-tied) access to the Austrian labour market for holders transitioning from a Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card, family members of settled foreigners, and certain other settled third-country nationals.
multiple entry ~$240 valid 365d
Fee is €218 (~USD 240). Distinct card from the Red-White-Red Card: grants unlimited labour-market access (employed or self-employed, not tied to one employer). Typically issued after 21 of the last 24 months in qualifying employment on a Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card, or to family members. Valid for 12 months; those lawfully settled 2+ years who meet Integration Agreement Module requirements may receive a card valid for 3 years. Apply here ↗ Settlement Permit - Gainful Employment Excepted (Niederlassungsbewilligung ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit)
Settlement permit for pensioners and financially self-sufficient third-country nationals who wish to reside in Austria without taking up any gainful employment.
Details retirement
Settlement Permit - Gainful Employment Excepted (Niederlassungsbewilligung ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit) × Settlement permit for pensioners and financially self-sufficient third-country nationals who wish to reside in Austria without taking up any gainful employment.
Fee is €218 (~USD 240). Subject to an annual quota (Niederlassungsverordnung) and often heavily oversubscribed. No employment of any kind is permitted. Requires proof of secure fixed income; 2026 minimum monthly means: €2,616.78 (single), €4,128.24 (married couple), plus €403.76 per child. Also requires adequate accommodation, comprehensive health insurance, and German language pre-integration (A1). Apply here ↗ Settlement Permit - Artist (Niederlassungsbewilligung Künstler)
Settlement permit for third-country nationals pursuing self-employed or dependently employed artistic activity in Austria (e.g. musicians, performers, visual artists).
Details work
Settlement Permit - Artist (Niederlassungsbewilligung Künstler) × Settlement permit for third-country nationals pursuing self-employed or dependently employed artistic activity in Austria (e.g. musicians, performers, visual artists).
For persons whose income comes predominantly from artistic activity. For dependent employment an employer declaration is required; for self-employed activity a contract and proof of artistic education/training are required. Grants settlement with labour-market access limited to the artistic activity. Apply here ↗ Long-Term Resident - EU (Daueraufenthalt - EU)
EU long-term residence status for third-country nationals who have lawfully and continuously resided in Austria for at least five years, granting near-permanent settlement with full labour-market access.
multiple entry ~$303 valid 1825d
Details other
Long-Term Resident - EU (Daueraufenthalt - EU) × EU long-term residence status for third-country nationals who have lawfully and continuously resided in Austria for at least five years, granting near-permanent settlement with full labour-market access.
multiple entry ~$303 valid 1825d
Fee is €275 (~USD 303). Requires five years of continuous lawful residence, completion of Integration Agreement Module 2 (B1 German), secure fixed income, accommodation, and health insurance. Grants unrestricted access to the labour market. The residence-permit document is valid for five years and is renewable; the underlying long-term-resident status itself is of unlimited duration. Apply here ↗