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Who needs an entry visa for Austria
Who needs an entry visa for Austria

This article explains visa requirements for entering and staying in Austria

Alina Spanuth avatar
Written by Alina Spanuth
Updated over a week ago

Citizens of EU countries, the EEA countries and Switzerland do not require a visa to enter and stay in the Republic of Austria. Citizens of those countries for which the visa requirement has been lifted by the EU regulation are entitled to visa-free entry, provided that they stay in Austria for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days and are not employed. You can find a list of all visa free countries here.

For stays up to 3 months, third-country nationals will need to apply for an ETIAS Austria or a Schengen Visa.

All EEA and Swiss citizens can work in Austria without having to apply for a visa or residence permit. All third-country nationals who want to stay in Austria for more than 180 days are required to obtain a work visa and residence permit. Austria considers third-country nationals those who are not EEA citizens or Swiss citizens. Also, citizens of the countries, which the visa requirement has been lifted by the EU regulation are entitled to visa-free entry. Although you won't be able to take up employment right away, you can enter Austria after receiving the employment permission and get the residence card (Blue Card, RWR Card, etc.) at the local immigration office. After receiving the residence card, employment will be permitted.

All other nationals that are not except from the entry visa have to apply for a work visa before entering Austria. Applicants must provide the following documents:

  • Passport

  • Visa application form

  • Two recent passport-size photographs

  • Copy of birth certificate and Apostille

  • Proof of health insurance

  • Proof of sufficient financial means (employment contract usually suffices)

  • Proof of accommodation in Austria (booked apartment for at least one month)

  • Proof of completion of a course at a university or other educational institution with a minimum duration of three years

  • Employer’s declaration

Applicants are also required to provide evidence for any claim made in the application, i.e.; degree certificates, tax statements, references, work experience, and proof of language skills.

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