Guide to Residency in Austria

Obtaining a residency visa in Austria is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Austria gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

Residency Status in Austria

To obtain residency status in Austria, follow these detailed steps:

• Determine the appropriate residence permit
• The most common types for foreigners are the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte (Red-White-Red Card) for qualified workers, the Niederlassungsbewilligung (Settlement Permit) for self-employed individuals, and the Familienangehöriger (Family Member) permit for family reunification.
• Visit the official immigration website for more information.
• Prepare the required documents
• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Passport photo according to ICAO standards
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, pay slips, etc.)
• Health insurance coverage
• Proof of accommodation (lease agreement, etc.)
• Police clearance certificate
• Apply for a visa if required
• If you need a visa to enter Austria, apply for a Visa D at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Schedule an appointment and bring the required documents.
• Register within three days of arrival
• After entering Austria, register with the registration office (Meldeamt) within three days.
• Bring your passport and proof of accommodation.
• Apply for a residence permit
• Submit your application at the competent residence authority (e.g., MA35 in Vienna) or the provincial governor's office (Bezirkshauptmannschaft).
• Bring all required documents and fill out the application form.
• Apply for a Tax Number (Steuernummer)
• Visit the FinanzOnline portal to register and apply for a tax number.
• Click on "Steuernummer beantragen" (Apply for Tax Number) and follow the instructions.
• Register for health insurance
• Once you have your residence permit, register with a public health insurance provider, such as the Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK).
• Bring your residence permit, proof of employment or student status, and passport.
• Wait for the residence permit decision
• The processing time varies depending on the type of permit and the authority's workload.
• You can check the status of your application with the respective authority.
• Renew your residence permit
• Residence permits are usually issued for a specific duration. Make sure to renew your permit before it expires.
• Submit the renewal application at the same authority where you applied for the initial permit.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Austria?

"In order to visit Austria for any length of time, foreign citizens must obtain a visa from the Austrian Embassy or Austrian Consulate in their home country prior to the trip. The visa application form needs to be completed and submitted along with the applicant’s passport and documents such as authentication of purpose of the journey and proof of sufficient funds. Depending on the purpose of the journey, additional documents may be required. To be eligible for residency in Austria, foreign citizens must meet certain requirements and follow a certain set of steps. Depending on their purpose for moving to Austria, individuals may need to complete a residence permit application form, submit proof of international health insurance coverage, provide proof of sufficient financial resources and demonstrate their language proficiency in German. Additionally, they may need to provide different documents and fulfill certain other criteria to be eligible for the Austrian residence permit," commented one member living in Austria.