Residency
Austria — Residency: Visa Overview
Austria offers the Red-White-Red Card and EU Blue Card for workers, a settlement permit without employment, family reunification, and visa D for short stays.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceAustrian migration portal — types of immigrationLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Why this matters
A clear understanding of visa requirements is crucial for a smooth relocation process in Austria.
Key facts
- The Red-White-Red Card is points-based (70 points for the very highly qualified, 55 for shortage occupations and other key workers); the EU Blue Card has a 2026 threshold of EUR 55,678 gross.
- A settlement permit without gainful employment needs monthly income of EUR 2,616.78 for a single person in 2026 and a quota place.
- Visa D covers stays of 91 days to six months; longer stays need a purpose-specific residence permit applied for from abroad.
- EU citizens may stay three months without notification and longer stays need notifying the settlement authority.
Steps
- Determine Eligibility — Check the official government website for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility criteria.
- Gather Required Documents — Typical documents include a valid passport, proof of financial means, and health insurance.
- Submit Application — Applications can be submitted through the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in the individual's home country or in Austria.