United KingdomAustria
British passport · policy checked 5 Jul 2026
Visa-free
Nothing to arrange. Visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourist/non-employment purposes.
90
days
max stay per entry
0
visa fee
free entry
1
document
your valid passport
0
forms
no application, no appointment
Policy note
Annex II of EU Regulation 2018/1806.
Entering Austria on a British passport
- Travel with your valid British passport - no visa, no application.
Austria visa types
TouristTouristdocuments
- Visa application form (original) (see here (PDF checklist ↗))
- Passport (original)
- UK Residence permit
- Photograph (original) (see here)
- Employer letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) alongside this, it is mandatory to include the last three payslips (original plus photocopies).
- Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed headed letter (addressed to the Mission and confirming applicant’s self-employment) obtained from:
- applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
- solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
- bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
- Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant - company should be provided
- Tax authorities
- Unemployed/retired
- Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service
- Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining applicant’s financial situation
- Housewife/man (only applicable to married couples): applicant’s may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:
- marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English or Portuguese, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the UK
- spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
- spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation
- spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
- spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship
- Proof of funds
- Latest 3 months UK current account bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and a positive end balance dated within 1 week on the visa application submission date. Bank balance needs to show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to the UK or the country of origin/residence; alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted.
- Proof of travel
- When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too. (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance, during 1st of November until the 30th of April it is mandatory to include winter sports cover).
UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here (images.ctfassets.net ↗)) is not acceptable.
confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) booking mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.
If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.
When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket
The travel insurance - clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be 29.900 €.
BusinessBusinessdocuments
- Visa application form (original) (see here (PDF checklist ↗))
- Passport (original)
- UK Residence permit
- Photograph (original) (see here)
- Employer letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) alongside this, it is mandatory to include the last three payslips (original plus photocopies).
- Self- employment letter(original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed headed letter (addressed to the Mission and confirming applicant’s self-employment) obtained from:
- applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
- solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
- bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
- Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant - company should be provided
- Tax authorities
- Proof of business invitation
- Proof of funds
- Latest 3 months UK current account bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and a positive end balance dated within 1 week on the visa application submission date. Bank balance needs to show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to the UK or the country of origin/residence; alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted.
- Proof of travel(airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)
- When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too. (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance, during 1st of November until the 30th of April it is mandatory to include winter sports cover).
UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here (images.ctfassets.net ↗)) is not acceptable.
Invitation letter from a company/business in Austria confirming the purpose of visit, travel dates and arrangements for accommodation/travel (if applicable).
Entry tickets or registration for fairs/congresses/conferences/seminars (only for employees, students need to apply as tourist)
confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) booking mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.
If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.
When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket
The travel insurance - clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be 29.900 €.
eea/eu and Swiss National Family MemberFamilydocuments
- Visa application form (original) (see here)
- Passport (original)
- UK Residence permit
- Photograph (original) (see here)
- Non-Austrian EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card (original to be seen)
- Proof of relation to non-Austrian EEA/EU and Swiss national: marriage/birth certificate (original to be seen), if not in English or German, then translation by a certified translator in the UK of the same is required
- Address in Austria
Please note, that the British “Residence Card of a Family Member of an EEA National” or “Residence Card of a Family Member of an EEA National” or “Permanent Residence Card according to EU Directive 2004/38/EC” (see 'Downloads': Residence Documentation) does no longer qualify for visa free travel after the end of the Transition period (31 Dec 2020).
If you intend to travel on your own, you must apply for a regular Schengen visa and regular visa fees will apply. If you are travelling with your non Austrian EU/EEA/Swiss family member, the visa will be given free of charge and without any documentation needed apart from the travel plans of you and the non Austrian EU-family member and the document, that states the family membership (birth certificate, marriage certificate).
UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here (images.ctfassets.net ↗)) is not acceptable.
Visitor Family/friendsFamilydocuments
- Visa application form (original) (see here (PDF checklist ↗))
- Passport (original)
- UK Residence permit
- Photograph (original) (see here)
- Employer letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) alongside this, it is mandatory to include the last three payslips (original plus photocopies).
- Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed headed letter (addressed to the Mission and confirming applicant’s self-employment) obtained from:
- applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
- solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
- bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
- Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant - company should be provided
- Tax authorities
- Unemployed/retired
- Receiving Benefits: recent original letter obtained from local Jobcentre or Pension Service
- Not receiving Benefits: cover letter explaining applicant’s financial situation
- Housewife/man (only applicable to married couples): applicant’s may be sponsored by their spouse/registered partner; in these cases the following needs to be provided:
- marriage certificate (original + copy): when this document was issued outside the EU and is not in English or Portuguese, then it should be translated by a certified translator in the UK
- spouse/registered partner’s passport (original + copy)
- spouse/registered partner’s proof of occupation
- spouse/registered partner’s proof of funds
- spouse/registered partner’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming sponsorship
- Proof of funds
- Latest 3 months UK current account bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and a positive end balance dated within 1 week on the visa application submission date. Bank balance needs to show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to the UK or the country of origin/residence; alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted.
- Proof of travel
- When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too. (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)
- Proof of accommodation
- Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance, during 1st of November until the 30th of April it is mandatory to include winter sports cover).
UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here (images.ctfassets.net ↗)) is not acceptable.
accommodation provided by family/friends in Austria: applicant’s host’s recent (not older than 1 month) cover letter (signed, dated and confirming both travel period and address of stay) ,copy of host’s passport’s bio page + host’s permit of stay in Austria(if host is non EU citizen) and copy of Austrian registration (Meldebestätigung).
In some cases (e.g. if it is not feasible for the applicant to provide evidence of self-financing) the host in Austria may be asked to provide an ‘Electronic Guarantee Letter’ (elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung = EVE), which needs to be obtained from the local aliens police (Bezirkshauptmannschaft, Bundespolizeidirektion, Bezirkspolizeikommisariat). The authority dealing with the EVE will forward the information to the Austrian Embassy within 48 hours and the host in Austria will receive an ID number, which the visa applicant will need to provide along with Schengen visa application.
For further information about EVE please click here (bmi.gv.at ↗).
The travel insurance - clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be 29.900 €.
Family Reunification Visa / PermitFamily
multiple entry~$286
Allows eligible family members (spouses, minor children) of third-country nationals with valid Austrian residence permits to join them in Austria.
The visa application centre publishes no document checklist for this type.
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.
Official page ↗Pupil Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Schüler)Student
multiple entry
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.
Official page ↗Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender)Student
multiple entry
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.
Official page ↗AMS VISA + gainful employment applicationsWorkdocuments
- Visa application form (original) (see here (PDF checklist ↗))
- Passport (original)
- Photograph (original) (see here)
- SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
- Proof of funds
- AMS Work Permit
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)
- Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance, during November to March it is mandatory to include winter sports cover)
- applicant’s accountant: when applicant’s company’s accountancy is done by an external/independent accountant
- solicitor: when applicant’s company has been registered by a solicitor
- bank manager: when applicant’s company has a business bank account
- Companies House: Certificate of Incorporation received upon registering business: if applicant’s name is not mentioned on certificate, then additional proof demonstrating connection applicant - company should be provided
- Tax authorities
Latest 3 months UK current account bank statements showing applicant’s name, address and a positive end balance dated within 1 week on the visa application submission date. Alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted.
Accommodation provided by family/friends in Austria: applicant’s host’s recent (not older than 1 month) cover letter (signed, dated and confirming both travel period and address of stay) ,copy of host’s passport’s bio page + host’s permit of stay in Austria(if host is non EU citizen) and copy of Austrian registration (Meldebestätigung).
In some cases (e.g. if it is not feasible for the applicant to provide evidence of self-financing) the host in Austria may be asked to provide an ‘Electronic Guarantee Letter’ (elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung = EVE), which needs to be obtained from the local aliens police (Bezirkshauptmannschaft, Bundespolizeidirektion, Bezirkspolizeikommisariat). The authority dealing with the EVE will forward the information to the Austrian Embassy within 48 hours and the host in Austria will receive an ID number, which the visa applicant will need to provide along with Schengen visa application.
When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.
The travel insurance - clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be 30.000 €.
Employer letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old), signed, headed letter (addressed to the Mission, name and position of the signee and confirming applicant’s employment) alongside this, it is mandatory to include the last three payslips (original plus photocopies).
Self- employment letter (original): recent (less than 10 days old) signed headed letter (addressed to the Mission and confirming applicant’s self-employment) obtained from:
EU Blue Card Austria (EU-Blaue Karte)Work
multiple entry~$240valid 730d
Residence and work permit for third-country nationals with a university degree and qualifying job offer, implementing the EU Blue Card Directive in Austria.
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.
Official page ↗Intra-Corporate Transfer Permit (ICT)Work
multiple entry
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.
Official page ↗Job Seeker Visa (Jobsuchvisum)Work
180 dayssingle entryup to 180d processing~$215valid 180d
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.
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.
Official page ↗Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)Work
multiple entry21d processingvalid 730d
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.
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.
Official page ↗Red-White-Red Card Plus (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus)Work
multiple entry~$240valid 365d
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.
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.
Official page ↗Researcher Mobility PermitWork
multiple entry
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.
Official page ↗Settlement Permit - Artist (Niederlassungsbewilligung Künstler)Work
multiple entry
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.
Official page ↗Working Holiday Visa / PermitWorking holidaydocuments
Allows young nationals of partner countries to holiday in Austria and supplement their travel costs through incidental work or vocational training.
- Working Holiday Visa for Australia require following documents:
- completed application form for a National Visa (visa D (PDF checklist ↗))
- one passport photograph according to ICAO regulations, not older than 6 months
- valid Australian passport (valid until at least three months after the last day of validity of the applied visa, at least two free visa pages)
- evidence of holding tertiary qualifications or of having successfully completed at least two years of higher education
- travel, health and accident insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR (approx. 50,000 CAD) for each medical expense, and repatriation) and validity in the entire Schengen area, including the following details: name of insured person, length of coverage, insurance sum. COVID must be included. When travelling between November and April, winter sports must be included as well.
- proof of sufficient funds: applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to help cover initial expenses in Austria, bank information must not be older than 7 days
- proof of means of transportation to and from Austria or sufficient funds for purchasing a respective ticket
- Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand require: (No University Degree required)
- completed application form for a National Visa (visa D (PDF checklist ↗))
- one passport photograph according to ICAO regulations, not older than 6 months
- valid passport (valid until at least three months after the last day of validity of the applied visa, at least two free visa pages)
- travel, health and accident insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR (approx. 50,000 CAD) for each medical expense, and repatriation) and validity in the entire Schengen area, including the following details: name of insured person, length of coverage, insurance sum. COVID must be included. When travelling between November and April, winter sports must be included as well.
- proof of sufficient funds: applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to help cover initial expenses in Austria, bank information must not be older than 7 days
- proof of means of transportation to and from Austria or sufficient funds for purchasing a respective ticket
- Working Holiday Visa for Canada require:
- completed application form for a National Visa (visa D (PDF checklist ↗))
- one passport photograph according to ICAO regulations, not older than 6 months
- valid passport (valid until at least three months after the last day of validity of the applied visa, at least two free visa pages)
- valid Criminal Record (this the embassy can check further)
- travel, health and accident insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR (approx. 50,000 CAD) for each medical expense, and repatriation) and validity in the entire Schengen area, including the following details: name of insured person, length of coverage, insurance sum. COVID must be included. When travelling between November and April, winter sports must be included as well.
- proof of sufficient funds: applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to help cover initial expenses in Austria, bank information must not be older than 7 days
- proof of means of transportation to and from Austria or sufficient funds for purchasing a respective ticket
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.
Official page ↗MinorsOtherdocuments
- Visa application form (original) (see here): signed by both parents
- Passport (original)
- UK Residence permit
- Photograph (original) (see here) Every minor, irrespective of the visa category applying for, has also to provide the following documents as part of the Standard Documentation:
- Proof of funds (from 1 parent)
- Proof of travel (airplane, train, boat, coach, (hired) car)
- When travelling by car: car registration, car insurance, return travel tickets (ferry or Eurotunnel) mentioning the car’s registration number and driver’s driving licence. If applicant is not the driver, then driver’s cover letter (signed & dated) confirming joint travel with applicant and travel dates need to be provided too.
- Proof of accommodation
- confirmed accommodation (hotel, hostel, camping,…) booking mentioning applicant’s name, travel dates and accommodation address details.
- If the applicant’s name is not mentioned on the accommodation reservation, then a joint travel confirmation letter, signed and dated by the person whose name is on the reservation, must also be provided along with a photocopy of that same person’s passport/ID card + passport signature page, if signature is not on passport’s bio page.
- When accommodation is reserved for a group, then a list with the names of the group members will also be required; alternatively the group members their names may also be mentioned on the travel ticket
- Travel insurance (all-risk medical travel insurance, during 1st of November until the 30th of April it is mandatory to include winter sports cover).
- EEA/EU and Swiss national’s passport or ID card (original to be seen)
- Proof of relation to EEA/EU and Swiss national: marriage/birth certificate (original to be seen), if not in English or German, then translation by a certified translator in the UK of the same is required
- Address in Austria
UK Residence permit, endorsed in the passport or issued as a Biometrics card and/or digital proof of immigration status issued by UK Home Office (share code), must be valid for at least 1 month beyond the return date of the trip to the Schengen Area; C type visitor visa (see here (images.ctfassets.net ↗)) is not acceptable.
1. Birth certificate
Unabridged birth certificate showing biological parents their names; if not in English or German, then translation by a certified translator in the UK is also required
2. Consent of both parents
Both biological parents need to give their written consent (signed & dated) for the minor to travel
3. Parents passports (copy)
4. Proof of sole custody (in case of a single parent): in case parents have divorced or one of the parents has deceased, then the same has to be demonstrated by court/residence order (original to be seen) or death certificate (original to be seen)
In case the minor is applying for TOURIST/VISITOR FAMILY & FRIENDS/AIRPORT TRANSIT
Latest 3 months UK current account bank statements showing at least 1 name of the applicant’s parents, address and a positive end balance dated within 1 week on the visa application submission date. Bank balance needs to show a sufficient amount to cover the expenses during the intended stay in the Schengen Area and for the return to the UK or the country of origin/residence; alternatively online bank account printouts are also accepted.
The travel insurance - clearly showing the applicant’s name - has to be valid throughout the complete territory of the Schengen Area and must cover the entire period of the applicant’s intended stay in the Schengen Area; the minimum coverage for medical emergency and repatriation must be 29.900 €.
In case the minor is applying for EEA/EU and Swiss national family member
Au Pair Residence PermitOther
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.
Official page ↗Long-Term Resident - EU (Daueraufenthalt - EU)Other
multiple entry~$303valid 1825d
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.
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.
Official page ↗National Long-Stay Visa (Visa D)Other
180 daysmultiple entryup to 180d processing~$215valid 365d
Permits extended stays in Austria from 91 days up to 6 months, typically as a precursor to obtaining a residence permit.
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.
Official page ↗Settlement Permit - Gainful Employment Excepted (Niederlassungsbewilligung ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit)Retirement
multiple entry~$240
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).
Official page ↗Social Service Employee / Volunteer PermitOther
365 daysmultiple entryvalid 365d
Temporary residence permit for third-country nationals performing social service or voluntary work (including European Voluntary Service) in Austria.
Maximum 1 year, non-renewable. Must be placed with an approved social service organisation or European Voluntary Service programme.
Official page ↗via VFS Global ↗Austria visa policy, fees & entry rules in full →
Austria visa for British citizens - FAQ
Do British citizens need a visa for Austria?
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
How long can British citizens stay in Austria?
British passport holders can stay in Austria for up to 90 days per entry under the current visa-free arrangement.
What documents do British citizens need for Austria?
A valid passport is all British citizens need for a short visa-free visit (up to 90 days). If you apply for a longer-stay visa, Earth Visa lists the full required documents per visa category from the official visa application centre.
Check entry with visas you already hold →What “visa-free” means →