Foreigners in Austria: Visa Regulations and Residence Rules

Immigration rules for foreigners wishing to settle in Austria for an extended period or become property owners have their own specific features that are taken into account in advance. This process includes obtaining various types of visas, gathering documents, including residence permits, as well as understanding the rights and obligations associated with such visas.

Features of entering Austria

Austria is part of the Schengen Agreement, which means that citizens of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan need a Schengen visa. However, Ukrainians traveling for tourism purposes only need a biometric passport to stay in the country for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

Types of visas for travelers

There are various types of visas for travelers. For instance, a transit visa is not required for most travelers passing through an airport and not leaving the transit area. However, there may be cases where such a visa is necessary, for example, if there is a ticket for the next flight. It is also possible to obtain a transit visa for five days for passing through the Schengen area.

Visas for short-term and long-term stays

A short-stay visa is suitable for tourists, business people, and visitors, but it does not grant the right to work in the country. Its validity is 90 days within a six-month period. For long-term stays, a D visa is required, valid for three to six months with single or multiple entries, no possibility of extension, and the need to obtain a residence permit.

Statistics of foreigners in Austria

According to statistics from early 2020, Austria had just under 9 million residents, of which more than 2 million were foreigners. The naturalized citizens are mainly Serbs, Bosniaks, Turks, Kosovars, and Iranians. However, the number of individuals who obtained Austrian citizenship decreased by 20.5% in 2020 compared to 2019.

Acquisition of real estate and obtaining a residence permit

Acquiring real estate in Austria also offers advantages and benefits for foreigners, paving the way for obtaining a residence permit. To do this, it is necessary to provide the required documentation and go through the property acquisition procedures.

Responsibilities and rights of residence permit holders

After obtaining a residence permit (VNZH), a foreigner is required to comply with the rules and obligations in the country. It is also important to remember that foreigners living in Austria have the opportunity to undergo the naturalization process to obtain citizenship of the country.

Contacts of embassies and consulates

It is necessary to know the contact details of the embassies and consulates of Austria in

Obtaining a D visa for Austria

A type D visa for traveling to Austria can be obtained for various reasons, including visiting relatives, study programs, employment, or participating in a "working holiday".

To do this, you need to fill out a form in English or German, attach two color photographs measuring 3.5 * 4.5 cm, provide a foreign passport with two blank pages, and submit biometric data (fingerprints) if they haven't been updated in the last five years.

Necessary documentation

• A copy of the pages of the foreign passport with the photograph and previous Schengen visas.
• Confirmation of transport tickets (booking or purchase)
• For car trips - driver's license, insurance, and vehicle documents.
• Insurance for 30,000 euros
• Confirmation of sufficient funds (bank statements for the last three months) or a sponsorship letter

For business trips, you need to provide the original invitation from the Austrian company on letterhead, proof of employment, and an extract from the commercial register.

Consideration of the application

Typically, the application is processed within 15 days, but it can take up to 45 days due to checks.

Residence permit in Austria

Those wishing to stay for six months or longer can obtain a residence permit with or without a work permit. Migration rules are determined by the residency law.

Obtaining a D visa for Austria is based on various grounds that require specific documents and confirmations, with a usual processing time of up to 15 days, but sometimes up to 45 days due to checks.

Residence permits in Austria

In Austria, there are various types of residence permits available for foreign citizens. Depending on the category, certain conditions are required, which can be found on the official migration portal. Important criteria include compliance with the country's laws, the absence of threats to national security and public interests, and having housing or a long-term rental agreement.

Necessary conditions

• Medical insurancecovering all expenses.
• Minimum incomeper person in the amount of at least €967 per month.

For investors

For investors and entrepreneurs, it is possible to obtain a residence permit with significant investments in the Austrian economy. To obtain a residence permit for "financially independent persons," a stable income outside of Austria of at least €2,000 per person per month is required. An application for a residence permit can be submitted for oneself as well as for other family members.

Additional requirements

Each category of applicants has unique requirements that can be found on the migration portal website.

How to obtain a residence permit in Austria?

Obtaining the right to reside in Austria can be a challenging task, but under certain conditions, it is quite achievable. One option is financial security, which requires having at least 80,000 euros in your bank account. An alternative route is education: students can obtain a residence permit by linking their studies to Austrian educational institutions. In this case, the key document is an official invitation from the educational institution.

Residence permit through education in Austria

To obtain a student residence permit, it is necessary to study at a public or private university for more than six months. Holders of this status can stay in the country for one year, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and engage in part-time work.

Features of obtaining a student residence permit in Austria:

• The educational institution must be Austrian.
• The training should last for more than six months.
• A student must have means of subsistence in Austria;
• The student must have health insurance.
• A valid passport is required.

Residence permit for work in Austria

Specialists with a high level of qualification, entrepreneurs, and graduates of local higher education institutions can find work in Austria. The "Red-White-Red Card" grants the right to work in the country. When evaluating candidates, their education, work experience, age, and language proficiency are taken into account.

Features of obtaining a residence permit for work in Austria:

• It is necessary to have a job invitation from an Austrian company.
• The employer must provide a work contract and ensure the necessary means of living in Austria;
• The candidate must have a valid passport and health insurance.
• Education, work experience, age, and language proficiency are evaluated.

Residence permit for family reunification in Austria

The possibility of family reunification is available to holders of various types of residence permits, including those working under the "red-white-red card" or "EU Blue Card," students, researchers, and representatives of other categories. Spouses, registered partners, and children can apply for residence permits based on these circumstances.

Features of obtaining a residence permit for family reunification in Austria:

• Suitable for families of all types - spouses, registered partners, children;
• A residence permit can be obtained based on various types of residence permits, including the "red-white-red card" and the "EU Blue Card".

Obtaining a residence permit in Austria

To obtain a residence permit in Austria on this basis, it is necessary to confirm your family ties. For this, notarized documents with an apostille regarding marriage and birth are required. A refusal to issue a residence permit may be due to several factors, such as a ban on entering the country, a refusal from another EU country or Switzerland to grant a residence permit, exceeding the allowed visa-free stay, or violations of border control laws or illegal entry within the last twelve months.

Buying real estate in Linz, Austria

Purchasing real estate in Linz, Austria, does not provide grounds for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship; however, having your own housing (or renting) is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a residence permit on other grounds. Foreigners are not allowed to buy any apartment or house they like in Austria, as each federal state has its own laws regarding the sale of real estate to citizens of third countries.

Property and residence permit

Having a residence permit removes restrictions on real estate transactions. For example, it is possible to become the owner of a plot of land measuring 1100 m² for €42,000 in a beautiful location in Schwarzenau, in the Zwettl district, with a convenient location. This plot is located near the Schwarzenau train station, just a 2-hour train ride from Vienna and about 1.5 hours by car.

Real estate in Vienna

Apartments are available for sale in Vienna, Austria, with a total area of 26 m² for €169,000.

Austria. The variety of options available allows every buyer to find the optimal choice for themselves and their family, taking into account their preferences and budget.

Apartment in Linz

This is a great solution for a single person or a young couple who value cozy living spaces. The area of 58 m² includes a bedroom, a living room, and a loggia, providing comfortable living.

A villa in a quiet rural area

A villa with an area of 118 m² and a plot of land measuring 617 m², equipped with a garden, swimming pool, and terrace, is the perfect choice for lovers of country living.

Mansion in Schalken-Mattighofen

With a living area of 240 m² and 8 rooms on a 940 m² plot, this mansion offers comfort and space for a large family or those who appreciate spaciousness.

City apartment in Vienna

The area of 98 m² with 4 rooms and 2 loggias, located near Schönbrunn Park and public transport, is ideal for city living.

Modern apartment in the center of Vienna

A cozy apartment of 52 m² with a quiet inner courtyard, close to attractions - an excellent choice for those who appreciate comfort and convenience.

Find your perfect home among these properties - the Austrian Alps are waiting for your choice!

Real estate company Immotrading GmbH

It offers a variety of real estate options in Austria. Among the listings are 33 carefully restored apartments in a historic building, designed in English style, with sizes ranging from 30 to 140 square meters. Here you can find a diverse selection, from versatile micro-apartments and elegant two-level apartments in vintage style to classic English townhouses with bright front doors and unique designs.

House in the center of Weisenkirchen

There is also an opportunity to purchase a house with an area of 550 square meters. This apartment building has great potential. The first and second floors have already been renovated and are in excellent condition. The land plot is 166 square meters, making it an attractive investment property.

Exclusive apartment in Vienna

If you consider real estate for sale in Vienna, you can pay attention to an exclusive apartment with an area of 41 square meters. The location is in the 6th district of Vienna (Mariahilf). It represents a combination of modern elegance and the functionality of a smart home. The area has a unique charm and an innovative approach. Life here pulses with the rhythms of urban activity, featuring cozy cafes, trendy boutiques, and vibrant streets.

Modern three-room apartment

If you love a modern lifestyle, another interesting option could be a stylish contemporary three-room apartment or a classic American-style townhouse – a wonderful combination of comfort and functionality.

Unique apartment in Khitsing

The feature of the apartment in Hitzing is that it has three balconies, offering a stunning view of Lake Traunsee. Another significant factor is the presence of three buildings in the new residential complex, each equipped with stairs and an elevator. The basement and first floors are mostly in natural conditions. The basement houses technical and storage rooms. The apartments on the first floor have an atrium that opens to the south and is located below ground level.

Real estate offers in Vienna

In Vienna, there are also offers - a one-bedroom apartment for 560,000 euros and a two-bedroom apartment for 580,000 euros. The sales listing includes a balcony, a basement storage room, and a parking space in the underground garage. These living spaces have convenient areas of 75 and 54 square meters, respectively. The apartment is equipped with all the necessary amenities for comfortable living.

Life in the very central district of Vienna

The life of a person in the very central district of Vienna - Innerer S

The application should be submitted in person to the relevant authority at your place of residence, which could be the governor's office or a local administrative body.

Extension of the permit application:

• Passport and photograph(made no more than six months ago)
• Documents confirming place of residence (rental agreement or ownership documents)
• Health insurance policyand income verification
• Additional documentsdepending on the grounds for extension

Advantages of residence permit holders in Austria:

• The ability to leadentrepreneurial activity
• Receivingsocial benefits
• Freetraveling through the Schengen Area

After five years of residence with a residence permit, you can apply for permanent resident status and subsequently for Austrian citizenship. Once you obtain permanent resident status, you will be able to live not only in Austria but also in other European Union countries.

Requirements for Austrian citizenship:

• Knowledge of the German language at a B2 level
• Renunciation of citizenship of another country
• Residence for at least 183 days a year

The process of reviewing a citizenship application can take a year or more. If you need additional information or assistance, you can contact the Austrian embassies or consulates in Russia.

Foreigners in Austria

At the beginning of 2020, Austria had just under 9 million residents, among whom just over 2 million were foreigners. In the first six months of this year, 4,200 people obtained Austrian citizenship, which is 20.5% less than in the first half of 2019. Serbs, Bosnians, Turks, Kosovars, and Iranians currently make up the largest groups of naturalized foreigners.

Visa regime

Austria is part of the Schengen Agreement, which means that citizens of Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan need a Schengen visa to enter. Ukrainians only need a biometric passport for travel for tourism purposes. Different types of visas, such as transit visas, short-stay visas, national visa D, and others, provide foreigners with various options for arranging their stay in the country.

Residence permit

For those wishing to stay in Austria for an extended period, there is a residence permit that allows you to live in the country for six to twelve months, with or without the right to work.

Visa application for Austria

To apply for a visa to Austria, you need a completed and signed application form in English or German, two color photographs (3.5*4.5 cm), a foreign passport, copies of the passport pages with your photo and previous Schengen visas, proof of travel, and other necessary documents depending on the purpose of your trip.