Austria (AT)
Austria is a landlocked Central European republic of nine federal states (Bundesländer), renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, imperial history, world-class classical music, and high standard of living.
Visa & Immigration
Entry and residence options for Austria.
✈️ Visa-Free Access
EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals have unrestricted right of free movement and can live, work, and study in Austria without any visa. Additionally, citizens of many third countries can enter Austria for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) within the Schengen Area without a visa, including: USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Mexico, and many more. Check the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) or your nearest Austrian embassy for the full current list.
All residence permit applications in Vienna are processed by MA 35 (Magistratsabteilung 35 — Einwanderung und Staatsbürgerschaft). Outside Vienna: Bezirkshauptmannschaft (BH). EU/EEA citizens do not need a residence permit but must register their address (Meldezettel) within 3 days. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, EU citizens can apply for Daueraufenthalt – EU. Austrian immigration authorities enforce deadlines strictly — apply before your current permit expires. All documents in foreign languages must be translated by a sworn translator (beeideter Übersetzer). Official website: bmi.gv.at.
Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte (Red-White-Red Card)
Non-EU/EEA highly skilled workers, key workers in shortage occupations, graduates of Austrian universities, and self-employed persons meeting criteria. Uses a points system (Punktesystem) based on qualifications, work experience, age, and language skills.
6–8 weeks from AMS pre-clearance + Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde/MA 35 processing
- ✓University degree or equivalent professional qualification
- ✓Job offer from an Austrian employer (most categories)
- ✓Minimum gross salary: varies by category (key workers: at least 60% of the ASVG maximum contribution base)
- ✓German language skills (A1 minimum; B1 earns bonus points)
- ✓Pass the points threshold (50 points minimum)
- ✓Health insurance coverage
- ✓Clean police record
- ✓Proof of accommodation
Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte Plus
Family members of RWR card holders, persons who held RWR card for 24 months, and others. Provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
6–10 weeks
- ✓Proof of family relationship (spouse, minor child)
- ✓Proof of primary holder's valid RWR card
- ✓German language skills (A1)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Accommodation proof
- ✓Sufficient income
Niederlassungsbewilligung
Third-country nationals seeking to settle in Austria for purposes other than employment, or those not qualifying for RWR card. Subtypes: Niederlassungsbewilligung – Ausnahme, – Angehöriger, – Künstler, – Forscher, – Selbständige.
8–12 weeks
- ✓Proof of purpose of stay
- ✓Sufficient financial means
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Accommodation
- ✓German A1 for some categories
EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU)
Non-EU highly qualified professionals with a university degree and a qualifying job offer in Austria.
6–10 weeks
- ✓University degree (at least 3-year degree, recognised in Austria)
- ✓Job offer with gross salary at least the 2026 EU Blue Card threshold: €55,678/year gross (approximately €3,977/month on Austria's standard 14-payment structure) for regular occupations; ~€44,542/year (approximately €3,182/month on 14 payments) for shortage occupations — verify the current threshold at migration.gv.at before applying
- ✓Relevant work experience
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Accommodation
Aufenthaltserlaubnis – Studierender (Student Residence Permit)
Non-EU students enrolled or accepted at an Austrian university or educational institution.
8–12 weeks
- ✓Proof of enrolment/admission at accredited Austrian institution
- ✓Proof of sufficient financial means (min. ~€11,000/year)
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Accommodation in Austria
- ✓Visa D before arrival
Aufenthaltstitel für besondere Fälle (Digital Nomad / Freelancer)
Limited options for digital nomads. Austria does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Self-employed non-EU nationals can apply for an Niederlassungsbewilligung – Selbständige or RWR card for self-employed persons.
8–16 weeks
- ✓Proof of self-employment/freelance income from foreign clients
- ✓Business plan
- ✓WKO membership for regulated activities
- ✓Sufficient financial means
- ✓Health insurance
No dedicated digital nomad visa (2026)
Digital NomadAustria does not offer a specific digital nomad visa as of 2026. EU/EEA citizens can work remotely from Austria freely. Non-EU digital nomads can apply for a Niederlassungsbewilligung – Selbständige or use a national D visa followed by a residence permit.
8–16 weeks
- ✓See Niederlassungsbewilligung – Selbständige requirements above
EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU)
Blue CardNon-EU/EEA nationals with a recognised university degree and qualifying job offer in Austria.
6–10 weeks at MA 35 (Vienna) or regional BH
- ✓University degree recognised in Austria (anabin database or Nostrifikation)
- ✓Gross salary ≥ €55,678/year (approximately €3,977/month on Austria's 14-payment salary structure) for regular occupations; ≥ ~€44,542/year (approximately €3,182/month on 14 payments) for shortage occupations — effective 1 January 2026; verify current threshold at migration.gv.at
- ✓Formal employment contract from Austrian employer
- ✓Health insurance
- ✓Accommodation in Austria
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