Do I need a visa to visit Austria?

EU/EEA citizens and many others (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) are visa-exempt for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. Other nationalities need a Schengen Type C visa from an Austrian consulate.

What is Austria's Red-White-Red Card?

The Red-White-Red (RWR) Card is Austria's points-based work and residence permit for non-EU skilled workers. Categories include Very Highly Qualified Workers, Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations, Key Workers, and University Graduates. The card combines residence and work permit.

How do I register as a new resident in Austria?

All new residents must register at the local registration authority (Meldeamt or Magistrat) within 3 days of establishing a main residence. You receive a registration certificate (Meldezettel), required for most administrative procedures.

Can I work in Austria as a student?

Non-EU students in Austria are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time without a separate work permit, provided the work is consistent with their student status. Working above this limit requires additional authorisation.

How do I get permanent residency in Austria?

Non-EU nationals may apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence in Austria. Requirements include German language proficiency (B1), proof of integration, sufficient income, and no criminal record.

Austria eVisa & Travel Information (2026)

Key Facts — Austria
Schengen Zone	Yes
Visa-free stay	90 days in any 180-day period
Schengen Visa Fee	€80 (adults), €40 (children 6–12)
Processing Time	Up to 15 days
Passport Validity	At least 3 months beyond intended departure
ETIAS	Required for visa-exempt nationals (2025+)

Introduction

Austria is a landlocked Alpine country at the heart of Europe, known for its classical music heritage, ski resorts, imperial architecture, coffee-house culture and the stunning Danube valley. Vienna International Airport (VIE) and Salzburg (SZG) are the main international gateways. Austria is a Schengen Area member; the Federal Office for Immigration and Asylum (BFA) and Federal Ministry of the Interior handle immigration matters.

Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many others — including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea — visit Austria visa-free for up to 90 days. Other nationalities must apply for a Schengen C visa at the Austrian consulate. Austria is notable for its Red-White-Red Card system for skilled non-EU workers.

Tourist & Short Stay

Visa-free entry requires: valid passport (3 months validity beyond departure), proof of sufficient funds, return or onward ticket, accommodation proof, and Schengen travel insurance (€30,000+). From 2025, ETIAS pre-registration is required for visa-exempt non-EU/EEA nationals.

Nationals needing a Schengen C visa apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate or an authorised application centre. Austria is the responsible Schengen country if it is your main destination. Biometric data is collected at the application centre.

Business Visa

Short business travel uses the Schengen C visa with invitation letter, company documentation, and bank statements. For extended business activity or employment in Austria, a Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card is required (apply before entry).

Work & Long-Stay: Red-White-Red Card

RWR Card — Very Highly Qualified Workers — points-based system (education, experience, age, language skills, Austria connection); requires 70+ points.
RWR Card — Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations — 50+ points; occupation must be on Austria's shortage list.
RWR Card — Key Workers — for university graduates with a job offer above the minimum salary threshold.
RWR Card — Graduates of Austrian Universities — for non-EU graduates of Austrian institutions.
EU Blue Card Austria — for highly qualified workers with a degree and salary ≥€46,000/year (2024).

Apply for the RWR Card with AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service) and then at the Austrian embassy before entry.

Student Visa

Non-EU students staying over 90 days need a student visa. After arriving on the D-Visa, register at the local registration authority (Magistrat) and apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung — Student) within 4 months. Required: university acceptance letter, proof of funds (€700/month minimum), health insurance, and accommodation.

Airport Transit

Some nationalities require an Airport Transit Visa to transit through Vienna Airport. Check the list at mfa.gv.at.

Required Documents (Schengen C Visa)

Completed Schengen visa application form
Valid passport (2+ blank pages)
Two passport photos (35×45 mm)
Return or onward ticket
Accommodation proof
Travel insurance (€30,000+, Schengen-wide)
Bank statements (3 months)
Employment, student, or business documentation
Visa fee payment

Visa Fees

Category	Fee
Adult (13+ years)	€80
Child (6–12 years)	€40
Child under 6	Free
National D-Visa (long-stay)	€100

How to Apply

Check visa requirements at mfa.gv.at or migration.gv.at
Complete the Schengen application form
Book appointment at Austrian consulate or authorised application centre
Attend with all documents; provide biometrics; pay fee
Collect passport with visa sticker

Official Links

Who Is Visa-Exempt?

EU/EEA citizens plus nationals of USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil, Israel, and many others are visa-exempt for short stays. Full list at mfa.gv.at.

Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.

Editorial Team — eVisa-Card.com

This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.

Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official Austria immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.