Austria is a sophisticated German-speaking country that is famous for its museums and palaces. Its capital Vienna attracts rounded travelers who are after art and culture while its snowy mountains attract skiers, hikers and nature lovers. Depending on your nationality, duration of stay and reason of travel you can, or cannot, need a visa to travel to Austria.
There are many kinds of visas for Austria, which are valid for travel for purposes and for a limited period of time. Austria visa requirements and validity periods vary from one Austria visa to the other. Generally, Austrian visas can be distinguished in two large categories: short stay visas and long stay visas. (A long stay visa for Austria is needed for those who want to stay over 90 days). A second main difference concerns allowed entries: a single entry will give you only one entry into the country. A multiple entry visa for Austria will allow you in and out according to your needs.
Visa types
- Type A visa: airport transit visa.
- Type C visa: short-stay visa.
- Type D visa: long-term visa.
Legal basis
Saying that, all visa types are issued by representation offices (BMEIA) abroad. Only visas can be issued or extended in Austria or issued at the border in specific clearly defined exceptional cases.
Type A visa: airport transit visa
In theory, foreign nationals who fail to exit the transit area or the aircraft in a stopover at an airport do not need a visa.
Residents of particular countries need a visa type A in order to travel via Austrian airports, with the exception of certain exceptional criteria (the countries in question and the exceptional criteria are listed in the list of visa requirements). Austria does not normally issue Type A visas. They under no condition may be issued at the border.
Type D visa: long-term visa
Type D visas typically allow the holder to stay from 91 days to six months. In rare cases, a type D visa may also be issued with a validity period up to 12 months (e.g. on the basis of an international agreement) or with a validity period of less than 91 days (visa extension in Austria).
A (national) type D visa issued by Austria or another Schengen country allows its holder to move freely in the territory of other Schengen countries while in the possession of this visa and of a valid travel document for a period of up to 90 days within 180 days. Provided that the entry requirements described in Article 6(1)(a), (c) and (e) of the Schengen Borders Code are fulfilled. And the person is not included in the national list of alerts of the member state concerned. Only an Austrian representation may issue Type D visas from abroad. If another Schengen country represents Austria in a certain country, that representation can issue only Schengen visas. In case of the need for a type D visa, it is necessary to go to the competent Austrian representation(BMEIA) in a neighbouring state.
How to obtain an Austrian permanent residence permit
The EU Long Term Residence Permit in Austria provides freedom to live and work and is renewable for five years.
You need to fulfil general requirements for a residence permit, have a certain residence permit for 5 consecutive years (Red-White-Red Card, Red-White-Red Card Plus, EU Blue Card or Settlement permit) and pass the language and Austrian societal understanding with the integration exam.
Applying for a residence permit
Visa-free citizens (UK citizens, US citizens, etc.): You can also apply for a residence permit directly in Austria with the relevant local authority (“Magistrat” or “Bezirkshauptmannschaft”) during your 90-day visa-free stay. This is usually advised because it will hasten the process.
Other nationalities requiring a visa: You must apply at the Austrian embassy or the Austrian consulate in your home country. If you are a researcher, you are possibly able to apply directly in Austria.
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