Austria

 

Austria is one of the twenty five nations which currently participate actively in the Schengen visa agreement which facilitates the free and unhindered movement of holders of Schengen visas throughout the countries included in the scheme.

 

As a result, applicants who wish to apply for an Austrian visa for the purposes of tourism or for relocating to Austria on a temporary basis in order to conduct business will in most cases be applying for a Schengen Visa. 

 

In Austria, immigration services for those wishing to obtain a visit visa or business visa under the Schengen agreement will require the provision of the following documentation:

 

• A current passport from the country of residence with a minimum of three months of validity beyond the duration of the visa being requested. The passport must also contain at least one blank page allowing the relevant document to be attached. In addition, two passport-sized photographs must also be supplied. 

 

• Travel documentation. An airline or alternative means of travel, ticket or confirmation e-mail must be provided. Where applicable, evidence of entry clearance for a subsequent destination must also be provided. 

 

• A fully completed application form. 

 

• Evidence of the reasons for visiting Austria. 

 

• Evidence of occupational or study ties to the country of residence. This may be provided in the form of an original letter from your employer or in the case of students a similar document from the educational institute. The processing time for Austrian visa is generally 5 working days. 

 

For spouse, dependant members and children of nationals of European Union, Schengen visas are issued free of cost. But in order to be eligible for this visa, proof of the relationship will be required. 

 

If a citizen of EU or EEA countries wishes to reside and work in Austria for a period of 90 days then he/she has to apply for Austrian Residence Permit. For immigration of spouse and dependant family members Settlement Permit for Relatives is also issued by the Austrian immigration services. 

 

For applicants in Austria wishing to switch to a longer-term residency permit, applications will usually require evidence of either employment or self-employment in Austria, health insurance for both the applicant and their relatives and sufficient financial reserves for both the applicant and their relatives.