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Guidance

Travel to Austria for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Austria and how to get one if you do.

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Austria’s embassy or .

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Austria to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.Ìý

Austria is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.Ìý

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.Ìý

The Austrian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.Ìý

You must always check with the with Austria’s embassy o°ù  before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.Ìý

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.Ìý

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.Ìý

Visa and permit documentsÌý

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Austria. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.Ìý

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Austria’s embassy o°ù .Ìý

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:Ìý

  • ³Ù°ù²¹²Ô²õ±ô²¹³Ù±ð»åÌý
  • ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or notarisedÌý
  • originals, or if copies are acceptableÌý
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)Ìý
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your applicationÌý

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.Ìý

This guide uses the same terms used in Austria, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Austria’s authorities.Ìý

Check if you need a visa or permitÌý

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Austria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. Each trip must not be longer than 5 working days.Ìý

These activities can include:Ìý

  • running or attending job interviewsÌý
  • going to court as a witnessÌý
  • attending trade fairsÌý
  • attending board meetingsÌý
  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)Ìý
  • meeting colleagues, contractors or sellersÌý
  • fact-finding visitsÌý
  • negotiating deals or contractsÌý
  • attending conferencesÌý
  • team building activitiesÌý
  • buying goods and servicesÌý
  • accompanying a tour as a tour guide, tour operator or travel agentÌý
  • leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family Or for these types of training, as long as it’s for the same company or group:Ìý
  • classroom-based trainingÌý
  • on-the-job trainingÌý

Attending business meetingsÌý

You should only attend business meetings if there isn’t a colleague in Austria who can do this on your behalf. If you have to attend you:Ìý

  • shouldn’t stay longer than a working weekÌý
  • cannot charge the client for the meetingÌý

These activities are usually allowed while travelling under the Schengen visa waiver.Ìý

Border checksÌý

At the border, you may be asked to show:Ìý

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train ticketsÌý
  • health insurance that covers your entire stayÌý
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stayÌý
  • enough money for the duration of your tripÌý

Check Austria’s exemptionsÌý

Certain types of work-related activities don’t require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.Ìý

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.Ìý

You do not require a visa or permit if you’re a musician, performer or broadcaster and in Austria for up to 4 weeks.Ìý

This includes those involved in film, TV or radio, including the technical production team. .

The organiser needs to  no later than the first day of work in Austria.Ìý

EU intra-company transfer permits (EU ICT) from other countriesÌý

You don’t need a visa or permit if you have an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) from another country and you’re going to work for the Austrian branch for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.Ìý

Your employer has to notify the  of the Federal Ministry of Finance before you travel.Ìý

Exemptions are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.Ìý

Show proof of exemptionÌý

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:Ìý

  • an assignment letterÌý
  • employment confirmationÌý
  • a contractÌý
  • proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma or professional certificate, or proof of artistic activitiesÌý

If you’re going for other work purposes for up to 3 to 6 months, you may need a short-term work permit.Ìý

If you’re going for longer than 6 months days you may need a long-term permit.Ìý

Further checksÌý

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Austria’s embassy o°ù .Ìý

Applying for a visa or permitÌý

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Austria’s embassy o°ù .Ìý

Taking your familyÌý

For the short-term visa and permits listed in this guide your family will not be able to get dependant visas. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver.Ìý

There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-term permit. .Ìý

Short and long-term visa and permitsÌý

You need a short-term visa or posting permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung/Entsendebewilligung) if you’re providing short-term services to a client in Austria.Ìý

You need to apply for one of these permit types:Ìý

You need to apply for a long-term residence and work permit if you’re working in Austria because you’re:Ìý

They are valid for up to 2 years and you can extend them.Ìý

Short-term posting permitÌý

You need a  if your UK employer has a contract or work order with an Austrian company for up to 6 months.Ìý

To qualify for a posting permit you must:Ìý

  • be paid a salary at an equivalent level to a similar position in AustriaÌý
  • have relevant professional experience or a university degreeÌý
  • keep your UK employment contractÌý
  • stay on UK payrollÌý

It takes 4 to 10 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 months and you can extend it.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. The Austrian client  at the .Ìý

  2. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You  if you’re working for up to 4 months.Ìý

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

  • completed permit application formÌý
  • UK passport, valid for 3 months (6 recommended) from the date you intend to leave AustriaÌý
  • degree or other qualification certificate (if you have one)Ìý
  • employment contract or confirmation from your UK employerÌý
  • assignment agreement with the Austrian companyÌý
  • contract or work order between your UK employer and the Austrian companyÌý
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificateÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Ìý

Short-term highly skilled key worker permitÌý

If your UK employer provides a contractual service to an Austrian end user you may be able to get a highly skilled key worker permit.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

  • be working in a profession , which includes accountants and tax advisersÌý
  • have a university degree or equivalent qualificationÌý
  • have at least 3 years’ professional experienceÌý
  • have worked with your employer in the UK for at least 12 monthsÌý
  • keep your employment in the UKÌý
  • stay on UK payrollÌý

You must not get paid in Austria.Ìý

It’s valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. The Austrian client applies for your posting permit or work permit at the .Ìý

  2. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You  if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You  if you’re working for up to 6 months.Ìý

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

It’s not yet clear how long it takes to get as it’s a new permit type and the exact details are still being confirmed by the Austrian authorities.Ìý

Make sure you apply well in advance of travel.Ìý

Short-term freelancer visaÌý

If you’re a UK-based freelancer and want to work in Austria, you can apply for a short-term freelancer visa.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

  • be based in the UK and not be established in the EUÌý
  • be providing a service , which includes research and development services, market research and telecommunicationsÌý
  • have a degree or equivalent qualificationsÌý
  • have professional qualifications required for your tradeÌý
  • have at least 6 years’ relevant professional experienceÌý

It’s valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You  if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You  if you’re working for up to 6 months.Ìý

  2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

It’s not yet clear how long it takes to get as it’s a new permit category and the exact details are still being confirmed by the Austrian authorities.Ìý

Make sure you apply well in advance of travel.Ìý

Transferring long term from a UK-based company to a branch in AustriaÌý

You need an  if your UK-based employer moves you to a branch in Austria to work for:Ìý

  • up to 3 years (with an extension), if you’re a manager or specialistÌý
  • 1 year, if you’re a traineeÌý

To qualify you must:Ìý

  • be a manager, specialist or traineeÌý
  • have worked for the UK company for at least 12 months, or 6 months if you’re a traineeÌý
  • earn a salary that’s in line with Austrian requirements for the position (collective bargaining agreement)Ìý
  • have a bachelor’s level degree or proof of relevant experienceÌý
  • keep your UK employment contractÌý
  • stay on UK payrollÌý

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. The permit is granted for 1 year. If you’re a manager or specialist you can extend it to 3 years.Ìý

If you have a family, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. You complete a  using the related guidance ‘’ or ‘’ and it to the Austrian embassy.Ìý

  2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

  3. You collect your ICT permit from the local immigration office.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaÌý
  • degree or other qualification certificateÌý
  • employment contract or confirmation from your UK employerÌý
  • assignment agreement with the Austrian companyÌý
  • employment declaration signed by the Austrian companyÌý
  • organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and the host company in AustriaÌý
  • birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  •  valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificateÌý
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)Ìý
  • proof of enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsÌý
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingÌý

Working for an Austrian company on a long-term Austrian contractÌý

If you have an offer of employment with a company in Austria, you need to apply for one of these permit types:Ìý

Red-White-Red CardÌý

°Õ³ó±ð  has a points-based system which takes into account factors such as your:Ìý

  • level of educationÌý
  • ageÌý
  • work experienceÌý
  • languageÌý

Each factor is given points. You need a certain number of points depending on the type of work you’re doing.Ìý

Points required for:Ìý

  •  – minimum 70 pointsÌý
  •  – minimum 55 pointsÌý
  •  – minimum 55 pointsÌý
  •  – no points requiredÌý

If you’re highly qualified, a skilled worker in a shortage occupation, or a   you must:Ìý

  • have a bachelor’s level or vocational degree, be eligible for admission to university or have proof of relevant work experienceÌý
  • have an offer of employment with a company in AustriaÌý
  • be placed on Austria’s payrollÌý

If you’re a key worker  .Ìý

Your salary must be paid in 14 monthly instalments a year (Austria makes 2 payments in 2 of the months).Ìý

Your Austrian employer will need to complete a labour market test.Ìý

Self-employed workers a²Ô»å start-up founders can also apply for this permit.Ìý

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get a Red-White-Red Card. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.ÌýÌý

The Red-White-Red card can only be issued until the validity of your passport. This permit type could lead to permanent residence after 5 years if you meet the criteria.ÌýÌý

If you have a family, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. .Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. You complete a  using the related guidance ‘’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.Ìý

  2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

  3. You collect your RWR Card.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaÌý
  • degree or other qualification certificateÌý
  • signed employment contract with an Austrian employerÌý
  • employer declaration stating your salary signed by the Austrian employerÌýÌý
  • birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  •  valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • health insurance covering your stay in AustriaÌý
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)Ìý
  • proof of enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsÌý
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingÌý

EU Blue CardÌý

To qualify for an   you must:Ìý

  • have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree levelÌý
  • have an offer of employment from an Austrian company for at least 6 months in a related sector to your degree subject Ìý
  • be placed on Austria’s payrollÌý
  • Ìý

Your employer must complete a labour market test to make sure you’re not taking work that could be carried out by a jobseeker in Austria who is equally qualified for the role.Ìý

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. It could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.Ìý

If you have a family, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. .Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. You complete a  using the related guidance ‘’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.Ìý

  2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

  3. You collect your EU Blue Card from the local immigration office.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaÌý
  • degree or other qualification certificateÌý
  • signed employment contract with an Austrian employerÌý
  • employer declaration stating your salary signed by the Austrian employerÌýÌý
  • birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  •  valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • health insurance covering your stay in AustriaÌý
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Ìý
  • proof you have enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the previous 3 monthsÌý
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingÌý

Providing long term services to a client in AustriaÌý

You can apply for a   if your UK employer has a service agreement with an Austrian company.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

  • have relevant professional experience or university degreeÌý
  • keep your UK employment contractÌý
  • stay on UK payrollÌý
  • be paid a salary that is equivalent to the Austrian standard salary for a similar positionÌý

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It allows you to work for more than 4 months up to 1 year and you can extend it.Ìý

You will not be able to get dependant visas for any family members if you have a work permit to provide services. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver or if they have their own permit.Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. The Austrian client submits your work permit application to the .Ìý

  2. You if you’re staying for up to 6 months. If you’re working for more than 6 months you’ll need to apply for a residence permit at the Austrian embassy. This is in addition to the permit your employer applies for.Ìý

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

  4. You collect your residence permit card if you’re staying for more than 6 months.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

  • UK passport valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaÌý
  • degree or other qualification certificate (if you have one)Ìý
  • UK employment contractÌý
  • assignment agreement with the Austrian companyÌý
  • contract or work order between your UK employer and the Austrian companyÌý

  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificateÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)Ìý

Self-employed workÌý

You can apply for a Red-White-Red (RWR) Card as a  if your self-employed occupation is economically beneficial to Austria.Ìý

There are no point requirements.Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

  • intend to make a substantial financial investment in AustriaÌý
  • create new jobs or secure existing jobs in AustriaÌý
  • work in an occupation that is of considerable importance for a region of AustriaÌý

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.Ìý

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. .Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. You complete a  using the related guidance ‘’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.Ìý

  2. Your application will be forwarded to the  who will evaluate whether your work is economically beneficial to Austria.Ìý

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

  4. You collect your Red-White-Red Card from the local immigration office.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process.Ìý

Usually, they need to see documents that relate to the economic benefits of your work, such as:Ìý

  • business plansÌý
  • evidence of transfer of investment capital and intention to create new jobs or secure existing onesÌý
  • professional qualification certificatesÌý

They will also need to see:Ìý

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months after your intended return dateÌý
  • diploma or other qualification certificateÌý
  • health insurance covering your stay in AustriaÌý
  • proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips or investment capitalÌý
  • birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  •  valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Ìý
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingÌý

Start-up foundersÌý

Founders of a start-up in Austria can apply for a .Ìý

To qualify you must:Ìý

  • establish a company for ‘innovative products, services, processing methods or technologies’Ìý
  • create a detailed business planÌý
  • have a controlling influence on the management board of the companyÌý
  • Ìý
  • score at least Ìý

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. It could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.Ìý

To extend it you must go through another examination process with the .Ìý

If you have a family, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. .Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. You complete a  using the related guidance ‘’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.Ìý

  2. Your application will be forwarded to the  who will evaluate whether your work is economically beneficial to Austria.Ìý

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

  4. You collect your RWR Card.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaÌý
  • degree or other qualification certificateÌý
  • business plan detailing your innovative business ideaÌý
  • evidence of special skills, such as testimonials and certificatesÌý
  • evidence of investment capitalÌý
  • evidence that you have controlling influence on the company (at least 50% equity share)Ìý
  • evidence of funding for start-up companies in Austria or admission to a business incubatorÌý
  • language certificates for English or GermanÌý
  • health insurance covering your stay in AustriaÌý
  • proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsÌý
  • birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  •  valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Ìý
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingÌý

Research workÌý

You can apply for a  if you work for a recognised research institution.Ìý

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 2 years and you can renew it. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.Ìý

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. .Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. You complete a  using the related guidance ‘’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.Ìý

  2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

  3. You collect your permit from the local immigration office.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaÌý
  • hosting agreement with a research institutionÌý
  • health insurance covering your stay in AustriaÌý
  • proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsÌý
  • birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  •  valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Ìý
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingÌý

Working as an artistÌý

If you want to work in Austria as an employed or self-employed artist you can apply for a .Ìý

You need to provide one of the following:Ìý

  • a declaration from your employer confirming that you will comply with the conditions of your employmentÌý
  • a contract for self-employed work for a minimum of 6 monthsÌý

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 1 year and can be renewed. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.Ìý

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. .Ìý

How it worksÌý

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.Ìý

  1. You complete a  using the related guidance ‘’ and submit it to the Austrian embassyÌý

  2. You register your address with the local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.Ìý

  3. You collect your work and residence permit card from the local immigration office.Ìý

Application documentsÌý

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:Ìý

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaÌý
  • proof of artistic qualifications or description of previous workÌý
  • employer declaration in line with the ‘Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz’ for employed artistsÌý
  • contract for self-employed work for a minimum of 6 monthsÌý
  • language certificates for GermanÌý
  • health insurance covering your stay in AustriaÌý
  • proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsÌý
  • birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  •  valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)Ìý
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationÌý
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Ìý
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingÌý

Austrian government guidanceÌý

Read official Austrian government information on .Ìý

Check for business travel changesÌý

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.Ìý

You should always check general travel advice for Austria for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.Ìý

Updates to this page

Published 21 May 2021
Last updated 15 April 2024 Show all updates
  1. Additional information on the description and application documents for the Red-White-Red card and EU Blue Card.

  2. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 11 September 2023.)

  3. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 21 July 2023).

  4. There is a new application form for the following permits: EU Blue Card, ICT residence permit, Red-White-Red Card, settlement permit for research and settlement permit for artists. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 22 March 2023).

  5. Content reviewed. No changes made. (The information provided is up-to-date as of 9 January 2023).

  6. Updated the section 'Check if you need a visa or permit'. If you're doing travelling for of the business-related activities listed here, each trip must be no longer than 5 working days. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

  7. You'll no longer be asked to show an invitation letter explaining your trip at border checks. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

  8. Added information on how to apply for the new 'Short-term highly skilled key worker permit' and 'Short-term freelancer visa'.

  9. First published.

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