Visa to Austria: Schengen or National Visa
Planning a trip to Austria but not sure which visa to choose? The purpose of your visit determines not only the type of visa you need but also your chances of getting it. Choosing the wrong option can result in a refusal, wasted time, and additional expenses. Austrian immigration law is strict — but with the right approach, it’s predictable.
Our law firm offers a full range of services for obtaining visas to Austria: analyzing the purpose of your trip and selecting the optimal visa type, preparing a complete set of documents in line with consular requirements, booking appointments at the visa center, and providing support at every stage. We also assist in complex cases, including refusals and urgent visas. We know the requirements of the Austrian authorities and how to build effective strategies to secure your visa.
Visa-Free Countries with an Austrian Visa or Residence Permit
An Austrian visa is more than just permission to enter one country — it is a true key to traveling across the entire Schengen area. Austria is one of the 27 countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement, allowing holders of a valid Schengen visa to move freely through countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Poland, Belgium, Sweden, and others. With a multiple-entry C-category visa, you can take repeated trips within the allowed validity and stay limits — up to 90 days in every 180-day period. This type of visa also permits transit through countries that are not formally part of the EU but participate in Schengen.
List of countries with eTA:
- Australia
- Bhutan
- Djibouti
- Canada
- Côte d’Ivoire
- New Zealand
- Russia
- Sri Lanka
- Azerbaijan
- Vietnam
- India
- Kenya
- Myanmar
- Pakistan
- United States
- Equatorial Guinea
- Benin
- Guinea
- Cameroon
- Congo
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- Uganda
- South Sudan
For holders of a Residence Permit, there is even greater freedom of movement across Europe. Although an Austrian residence permit does not always replace a visa, it allows for short-term visits to other Schengen states, including for business and tourism. If the applicant holds EU citizenship, there are no restrictions at all on travel within the European Union. The ability to use one permit for travel to dozens of countries makes the Austrian visa and residence permit a valuable tool for mobility and integration into the European space.
How the Austrian Visa Works: Features and Entry Rules
C-Type Visa — Short-Term Schengen Visa
The most common is the C-type visa, intended for short-term stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It is suitable for tourism, short-term business visits, participation in conferences and exhibitions, short-term studies or language courses, visiting relatives and friends, medical treatment in healthcare facilities. The holder of a C visa can move freely not only within Austria but also in other Schengen countries, provided the permitted period of stay is respected.
D-Type Visa — National Visa
The D-type visa is a long-term visa, issued for a period of 91 days up to 6 months, with the possibility of subsequently applying for a residence permit in Austria. It is suitable for the following purposes:
- Long-term studies at an Austrian university;
- Participation in research projects;
- Family reunification with an Austrian citizen or resident;
- Long-term medical treatment;
- Internships or volunteering programs;
- Religious and cultural activities;
- Conducting business or working under a contract.
Important! Having a D visa grants the right not only to stay in Austria but also to enter other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within six months, just like with the C visa.
To obtain a visa, you must provide proof of the purpose of your trip, as well as:
- A passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the end of your trip;
- Medical insurance covering at least €30,000;
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, sponsorship letters);
- Accommodation booking or invitation;
- Certificates from place of work/study;
- Documents confirming family ties — for family reunification;
- University enrollment certificate — for a student visa;
- Confirmation of medical treatment — for a medical visa.
You can submit your Austrian visa application through the VFS Global visa center, which operates on behalf of the Austrian consulate. Another option is to apply directly to the Austrian consulate or embassy if you are in a country where VFS is not present or direct application is allowed.
The processing time for a C-type visa is approximately 10–15 calendar days, and for a D-type visa — up to 1–2 months, especially if coordination with Austrian immigration authorities is required.
Advantages of an Austrian Visa
An Austrian visa provides the holder with a wide range of practical opportunities not only within the country but also throughout the entire Schengen area. The main advantage is free movement across 27 Schengen countries for 90 days within every 180-day period, without the need to obtain additional visas.
Visa holders can enter and exit EU countries multiple times, offering flexibility when planning trips. With a positive visa history and confirmed travel purposes, the chances of obtaining a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 5 years increase significantly. This is especially convenient for freelancers, investors, and representatives of international business.
For students, researchers, and highly qualified professionals, the visa can be the first step towards obtaining a residence permit, and subsequently — Austrian or European citizenship. Austria offers one of the most stable and respected visa regimes in the EU, and its diplomatic missions are known for their clear procedures and high level of service.
Why Choose an Austrian Visa: Difference from Other Schengen Countries
An Austrian visa is rightly considered one of the most balanced in terms of requirements, transparency of procedures, and opportunities for travel across Europe. Unlike Malta, Cyprus, and Caribbean countries, whose visa and passport programs often involve significant investments and less predictable processing times, Austria offers clear rules and reasonable processing timelines.
A distinctive feature of the Austrian approach is a strict but fair document verification. At the same time, the applicant can choose the language of submission: German or English. Austrian consulates and visa centers often issue multiple-entry visas for up to 3–5 years, especially if the applicant has previous Schengen visas and a positive travel history.
Another important advantage is the ability to apply through official visa centers (VFS Global) in the country of residence, without the need to travel to another jurisdiction.
How to Get a Visa to Austria: Step-by-Step Guide
Determine the type of visa suitable for your travel purpose
Before starting to gather documents, you need to choose the correct type of visa:
Schengen visa type C — short-term stay up to 90 days (tourism, business visits, cultural events).- National visa type D — stay from 91 days up to 6 months (study, medical treatment, family reunification, preparation for residence permit).
Prepare the document package
The standard list includes:
- Completed visa application form (online or paper);
- Valid international passport (valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip, with at least 2 blank pages);
- Color passport-size photographs (2 pcs.);
- Financial documents: bank statements, sponsorship letters, income certificates;
- Travel itinerary: hotel reservation, flight tickets, invitation (if the purpose is a business trip);
- Insurance with coverage from €30,000, valid throughout the Schengen area;
- For visa type D — a basis for long-term stay (contract, study certificate, etc.).
Schedule an appointment to submit the application
Submission is possible through the VFS Global visa center or directly at the Austrian consulate (if VFS is unavailable). Appointments are made online; available dates may be limited during peak season.
Pay the visa fee
The cost varies depending on the visa type:
- €80 — standard Schengen visa (type C);
- €150 — national visa (type D);
Additionally, a service fee for the visa center (€20–30) may be charged. Children, students, and some applicant categories may receive a discount or fee waiver.
Undergo biometrics and interview
At the visa appointment, you will be asked to provide fingerprints and a digital photo (if applying for the first time or if more than 59 months have passed since the previous application). A brief interview about the purpose of the trip, source of funds, and itinerary may be conducted.
Wait for the result and receive the visa
The standard processing time is up to 15 calendar days. In some cases (especially for visa D) — up to 30–45 days. The application status can be tracked online via the VFS or consulate website. After approval, the passport with the visa can be collected in person or via courier service (if this option was chosen during submission).
To minimize risks and increase chances of success, we recommend consulting with an immigration lawyer and entrusting document preparation to a professional team.
Opportunities After Obtaining a Visa to Austria
Holders of a Schengen visa type C gain the right to freely travel across 27 Schengen Agreement countries, making it an excellent tool for short-term trips throughout Europe. This visa also allows visiting medical institutions and attending short-term educational courses in various EU countries. After the first successful trip, the likelihood of obtaining a multiple-entry visa in the future significantly increases.
For those applying for a type D visa, even broader prospects open up: extended stay in Austria, the possibility to submit documents for a residence permit, and even obtaining resident status upon meeting the conditions. The holder of such a visa can begin studies at Austrian universities, undergo long-term treatment, and participate in scientific and cultural programs. Moreover, with a prolonged stay, the right to work, family reunification, and applying for permanent residence emerges.
Obtaining a visa also simplifies opening bank accounts, participating in business forums, signing contracts, and other international interactions. In perspective — it is the first step toward full migration, changing tax jurisdiction, and opening new personal and professional horizons in Europe.
FAQ
If the planned stay does not exceed 90 days, a Schengen visa type C is suitable. For long-term study, medical procedures, and treatment requiring a longer stay, you need to apply for a national visa type D, which allows staying in Austria from 91 days up to 6 months and often serves as a basis for obtaining a residence permit.
The standard government fee for a category C visa is €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6 to 12. Additionally, a service fee of the visa center (about €30) may be charged. For a type D visa, the fee is higher — up to €150, depending on the purpose of the visit and the applicant’s age.
Most applicants submit documents through official VFS Global visa centers operating throughout Europe, the CIS, and other countries. However, in some cases (e.g., urgent medical or family reasons), it is possible to apply directly at the Austrian consulate with prior appointment and valid reasons.
Yes, a multiple-entry visa can be issued on the first application if the applicant provides convincing justification for frequent travel, stable financial status, and confirmed visa history (for example, trips to other EU countries, the USA, the UK, etc.). The decision is at the discretion of the consulate and depends on the purpose of the trip.
Key documents include bank statements for the last 3–6 months with a positive balance, a work certificate specifying position and salary, a sponsor letter confirming obligation (if expenses are paid by a third party). For a long-term visa, a tax declaration or documents of other income sources may be required.