Are you a person from outside the EU or EEA who would like to work and live in Austria for a period longer than six months, but do not want to stay permanently? You may find that a temporary residence permit (“Aufenthaltsbewilligung”), or temporary stay permit, correctly matches your needs. Third-country nationals not from the EU or EEA can use this permit to live in Austria for more than six months. You will find below a complete guide to help you navigate the process.
Types of temporary residence permits
Temporary residence permits in Austria are divided according to the purpose of your stay. Common categories include:
- Employment-Based Permits:
- Red-White-Red Card: The permit is designed for highly skilled employees, shortage occupation workers, and other important professionals.
- EU Blue Card: In addition, highly skilled non-EU workers with confirmed employment offers are included.
- Seconded Employees: For persons sent to Austria temporarily by their employer.
- Self-Employment: For persons intending to create a business that is advantageous to the Austrian economy.
- Study: Individuals attending recognised Austrian educational establishments are eligible for this permit.
- Family Reunification: For dependents of people who are lawfully settled in Austria.
- Special Cases: The list also includes researchers, social service workers, and volunteers.
Every category imposes particular criteria for eligibility and documents to be submitted.
General Requirements
No matter which permit is applied for, applicants have to generally meet the same criteria:
- Valid Travel Document: A passport with sufficient validity.
- Proof of Purpose: Documents necessary to prove your reason for being in Austria, for example, an employment contract or a university admission letter.
- Accommodation: You must present proof that suitable lodging is available to you in Austria.
- Financial Means: Means of proving you have the resources needed to live in Austria without relying on state benefits.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage valid in Austria.
- No Threat to Public Order: No prior convictions or actions that could jeopardise public order are allowed.
Application process
The process includes:
Determine the appropriate permit
Find out which permit category suits your particular purpose for travelling to Austria.
Prepare documentation
Make certain you have assembled all requested documents, and have any documents not in German translated.
Submit application
You must present yourself at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country to submit your first application.
Await decision
Your application will be examined by the Austrian authorities. You should expect the decision to be made within several weeks to a few months, though this can change.
Obtain a Visa (if applicable)
If you receive approval but need a visa to enter Austria, you will be given a visa for entry.
Collect a residence permit
When you come to Austria, you must go in person to the appropriate settlement authority to collect your residence permit.
Renewal and long-term residency
Generally, temporary residence permits last for one year and can be renewed every year. Provided that you have lived legally in Austria for five years and meet the integration requirements, including German language skills, you may apply for a long-term residence permit.
Additional tips
Early planning: It is important to begin your application process well before your move, because processing may take a long time.
Consult Official Sources: The most dependable information can be found on the websites of the Austrian government or by talking to staff at the Austrian embassy.
Legal assistance: If your case is complicated or unusual, taking advice from immigration or legal experts is recommended.
A Residence Permit: Seconded Employee (“Aufenthaltsbewilligung Betriebsentsandter”) is required for you if your posted work in Austria extends beyond six months. Stays in Austria of less than six months necessitate the obtaining of a visa for gainful employment. The fundamental condition for secondment or posting is that:
In cases where an employer from a third country (not having a business presence in Austria) sends an employee from a third country to an Austrian contractor for contractual reasons, this is considered a posting, or an employee who belongs to an international corporate group is assigned to the Austrian headquarters of the group as part of a professional development programme.
A junior executive employee is posted to an Austrian subsidiary as part of an internal rotation program. You should know that including family members in your immigration is not possible under this permit. The legal basis in the EU for intra-corporate transfers across borders was set. Because of this, the Residence Permit Mobile ICT (“Aufenthaltsbewilligung Mobile ICT”) is available in these situations. It is intended for people from countries outside the EU who have a valid Residence Permit ICT in another EU country and are deployed to Austria for a limited time. You are allowed to bring your family to Austria in both cases (ICT and Mobile ICT). You are allowed to bring your wife/husband, civil partner, and children, who can then apply for the Residence Permit Family Reunification.
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