Austria Visa Types, Requirements, and Application
If you’re considering a trip to Austria, there are various motivations that might draw you there. Regardless of your purpose, as a foreign visitor, obtaining an Austria visa is essential. This guide will help you determine if a visa is mandatory, explore the types available, understand required documents, and provide guidance on the application process.
Who needs a visa to enter Austria?
No visa is required for your visit to Austria if you fall into one of the following categories:
- You are a citizen of 🇨🇭 Switzerland or EEA countries include:
- Your remain does not surpass 90 days and is for tourist purposes. The list of countries is:
Other than this, you’ll probably need a visa.
Austria visa types
Austria category C visa for short stays
If you’re eyeing a short visit to Austria lasting 90 days or less within a 180-day window, here’s what you need to know about the various visa options available.
- Austria airport transit visa: For citizens changing flights in Austria from specific countries, an airport transit visa is a must. The necessity of this visa depends on the regulations of the country where the airport is situated. Austria aligns with Schengen area rules, requiring an airport transit visa only for Syrian citizens.
- Austria business visa: For individuals or groups from non-European Economic Area countries or Switzerland attending meetings, unpaid trainings, or business events without employment, an Austria business visa is necessary. This category involves a more comprehensive document submission, including proof of trip financing, employee certification, and an invitation letter from an Austrian company.
- Austria tourist visa: If you’re an international tourist planning to explore Austria, a tourist visa is your key. Obtainable through consulates, authorized visa companies, or travel agencies, this visa is your gateway to experiencing the beauty of Austria.
- Austria visitor visa: For those visiting family or friends in Austria, a visitor visa is a prerequisite. An invitation letter from your Austrian host is essential for obtaining this visa.
Schengen visa
- Schengen transit visa: A Schengen transit visa becomes necessary for individuals from specific nationalities passing through a Schengen country on their way to a non-Schengen destination, even if they stay within the international transit zone at the airport.
- Schengen tourist visa: For those eager to explore the cultural wonders of a Schengen country, the Schengen tourist visa is the key. This visa, tailored for sightseeing purposes, can be obtained from any Schengen state. Remarkably, it allows travelers to visit multiple Schengen countries during the designated period.
- Schengen business visa: The Schengen Business visa caters to individuals engaging in business-related activities such as meetings, events, fairs, and commercial ventures within Schengen countries. This visa grants a 90-day stay within a 180-day period, providing flexibility for various professional pursuits.
- Schengen visitor visa: Designed for those visiting family or friends legally residing in a Schengen country, the Schengen visitor visa has specific requirements, including an invitation letter and proof of relationship.
Austria category D visa
- Austria student visa: This is a must for international students planning to pursue higher education for over three months. Alongside the basics like proof of enrollment, don’t forget the transcript from your last school year and a no-objection certificate from your receiving institution. Oh, and here’s a tip – a grasp of German is essential for those Austrian university degree programs.
- Austria employment visa: Ready to conquer the professional realm in Austria? An Austria employment visa is your ticket. Designed for individuals seeking gainful employment, it offers three options: the one-year work permit, the two-year work permit, and the unrestricted work permit.
- Austria job seeker visa: Dreaming of a career in Austria? The Austria job seeker visa is your pathway. Spend six months exploring job opportunities, and if you find your match, you can seamlessly transition to an employment permit. This visa is tailor-made for Austrian university graduates and high-caliber professionals like senior managers or scientists.
Austria visa requirements
- Passport: Your passport is the key to unlocking the beauty of Austria. To ensure a smooth journey, present an official, government-issued document not older than a decade. Keep in mind the correct validity length – a minimum of three months beyond your planned departure from Austria.
- Personal photos: Pictures speak louder than words, especially when it comes to visa applications. Include two recently taken passport-style photos, adhering to the standard passport dimensions. These snapshots are your visual introduction to the Austrian authorities.
- Completing the form: To apply for visa, you must fill out the online Visa Application Form. Print the form, provide your personal details, and sign it. If the applicant is a minor, the parents or legal guardians should sign the form.
- Schengen travel insurance: Ensure you have travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000. The insurance should encompass all potential medical issues or emergencies during your travel.
- Accommodation confirmation: Submit proof of accommodation for your entire stay in Austria. This could be a hotel booking or a rental agreement.
- Financial stability confirmation: Demonstrate your financial ability to support your stay by presenting your bank statement.
- Letter of purpose: Draft a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, and a brief overview of your travel plans.
- Civil status documentation: You need to include a copy of your civil status document, such as a birth certificate or marriage license, with your Schengen Austria Visa application.
- Travel itinerary: Provide a detailed travel itinerary for your journey.
- Previous schengen visa copies: If you’ve held a Schengen visa before, include copies of these visas in your application.
- Invitation proof: If you’re invited to Austria by a family member or friend, submit proof of the invitation.
- Employment verification: If you are employed, include an employment letter issued by your employer along with other necessary documents.
How to apply for Austria visa?
Step#1. Prepare your visa application
Embarking on the journey to obtain an Austrian visa requires careful planning. The process may vary depending on factors like visa type and application destination. To start, meticulously prepare your visa application documents.
- Choose your visa duration (Austria visa type): One pivotal decision in this process is determining the duration of your stay in Austria. Are you eyeing a long-term commitment, a short visit, or a layover at the airport? This choice dictates the subsequent steps in your application journey.
- Select your Austrian visa purpose: Identify the primary reason for your travel to Austria. Whether it’s for education, business, or another purpose, clarifying your intent streamlines the application process.
- Choose your entry category: Opting for a single entry visa or a multiple entry visa holds significance. Your decision influences your ability to move in and out of Austria or the broader Schengen area during the visa validity. It’s crucial to note that holders of a single-entry visa cannot return after leaving the country.
- Determine where to apply: Usually, this involves the Austrian Embassy/Consulate or a designated visa-application center in your location. For specifics, refer to the “where to apply” section.
Step#2. Fill out your visa application
To initiate the process, start by completing the necessary visa application. There are two forms available: Schengen visa form C1 and long-stay visa form D1. You can easily download these forms online. Remember, submitting these forms is a crucial step, and it must be done officially at your designated application destination.
Step#3. Access your main application form
Whether you’re opting for the Schengen or long-stay visa, accessing the correct form is paramount. You need to make sure you download the appropriate form online, and be prepared to submit it at your chosen application destination.
Step#4. Schedule your visa interview appointment
Most Austrian visa applicants are required to attend a visa interview at their application destination. It’s important to note that scheduling the interview may take varying amounts of time, ranging from days to weeks or even months.
To secure your slot, proactively reach out to the embassy, consulate, or visa application center through email or phone.
Step#5. Attend your visa interview
The visa interview is a critical stage where you’ll submit biometric information, pay your Austria visa fee, undergo an interview, and fulfill other requirements specific to your visa type.
This Austria visa appointment generally marks the final phase of the Austria visa application process. At the end of the interview, you’ll either be granted a visa, receive a rejection, or await a decision.
Austria visa fees
Schengen cisa C
- Regular: $88.00
- Children (6 to 12 years): $44.00
- Children (0 to 6 years): Free of Charge
- Citizens of specified countries: $39.00
Austrian national visa D
- General: $164.00
- Children (0 to 6 years): $82.00
- Residence-related Fees
- Residence Permit: $131.00
- Residence Permit for Minors (under 18 years): $82.00
- Fingerprints for Residence Permit: $22.00
Passport and ID fees
- New Passport: $83.00
- Passport for Children (under 12 years): $33.00
- New Personal ID: $68.00
- Personal ID for Minors (under 16 years): $30.00
Miscellaneous frees
- Certificate of Citizenship: $53.00
- Certificate of Citizenship for Children (under 2 years): Free of charge for the first time
- Authentication of a Signature: $88.00
- Certificate of Good Conduct (Criminal Record): $46.00
- Ordering of Documents from Austria: $27.00
Apart from the application fee, there might be additional charges for certain services. These could include fees for biometric data collection or express processing. It’s advisable to inquire about any supplementary charges related to your application.