Austria is a popular choice for expats, students, skilled professionals, and remote workers thanks to its high quality of life, safe cities, excellent public services, and beautiful landscapes.
But navigating Austria’s visa system can feel complicated, especially for non-Europeans.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about entry requirements and visa options.

Austria travel and visa requirements for Europeans

If you’re a European citizen, you’re in luck! Austria is part of the EU and the Schengen Area, which means free movement for citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.

What this means for Europeans

No visa needed:
You can enter Austria with just a valid passport or national ID.

Right to stay indefinitely:
If you plan to stay longer than three months, you must register your residence and obtain an Anmeldebescheinigung(registration certificate).
You’ll also receive a Meldezettel, which confirms your address, required for many administrative tasks.

Ease of employment:
No work permits are required. You can take up employment, be self-employed, or start a business freely.

Visa options for non-Europeans

If you’re not from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you’ll need a visa or residence permit to stay long-term in Austria.
Below are the most common options:

1. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)

Who it’s for:
Travellers, tourists, business visitors, or those visiting friends/family.

Time limit:
Up to 90 days within a 180-day period across the entire Schengen Area.

How to apply:
Submit your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.

2. Residence Permit for Wealthy Individuals (Non-Lucrative Stay)

Austria does not have a simple “non-lucrative visa” like Spain, but it does offer a residence permit for individuals who can support themselves without working.

Who it’s for:
Financially independent individuals who want to live in Austria without taking employment.

Requirements include:

• Proof of high financial means (often significantly above €40,000+ per person, depending on region and life situation)

• Proof of private health insurance

• Suitable accommodation in Austria

• A clean criminal record

Duration:
Generally issued for one year and renewable annually.
After five years of legal residence, you may qualify for long-term EU residency.

3. Work Visas & Permits

Austria offers several work-based residence permits.
All require an Austrian employer before you apply.

The main types:

Red-White-Red Card (Skilled Workers)

Austria’s most common work permit for highly skilled professionals.

Who it’s for:
Qualified workers in shortage occupations or with high education/experience.

Requirements:

• Job offer from an Austrian employer

• Points-based system (skills, education, salary, language ability)

• Labour Market test in some cases

Duration:
Issued for 2 years, tied to the employer.

Standard Work Permit

For non-highly qualified workers.

Requirements:

• Job offer

• Labour market approval

• Employer initiates the process

Duration:
1 year, renewable.

4. Digital Nomad Visa (IMPORTANT NOTE)

Austria does NOT offer a dedicated digital nomad visa (unlike Spain).
However, some remote workers apply under the financially independent resident category if they can prove strong financial means and no need to work locally.

Alternatively, digital nomads often enter on a Schengen visa for short stays.

5. Student Visa (Residence Permit for Study)

Who it’s for:
Non-EU citizens enrolled in an Austrian university or educational institution.

Requirements:

• Official letter of admission

• Proof of financial means (usually €12,000+ per year for adults)

• Proof of accommodation

• Health insurance

Duration:
Matches the length of your study program and is extendable.

Required documentation for Austrian visas

Exact requirements vary, but you can expect to need:

• Completed visa or residence permit application

• Valid passport (must exceed stay by at least 3 months)

• Passport-sized photos

• Proof of financial means
  (bank statements, scholarships, employment contracts, or savings)

• Proof of accommodation in Austria

• Proof of health insurance

• Clean criminal record

• Supporting documents depending on your visa type
  (e.g., job offer, university acceptance)

Visa costs in Austria

All fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Final notes on Austrian visas

Renewals

Most residency permits are renewable annually or biannually.
Always apply well before expiration.

Permanent residency

After five years of continuous legal residence, you may apply for long-term EU residency.

Citizenship

Usually possible after 10 years of residence.
Can be reduced to 6 years in exceptional integration cases.

Dual citizenship

Austria generally does NOT allow dual citizenship, except in special circumstances (e.g., birthright or certain legal exceptions).

Planning your move soon?

Exploring Austria’s visa options might feel overwhelming at first, but with the right preparation and the correct documentation, the process becomes much clearer.
Whether you're moving for work, study, retirement, or lifestyle, Austria offers a safe, stable, and beautiful place to call home.

Viel Erfolg, and enjoy your Alpine adventure!