Austria Residence Permit – Eligibility, Application, Processing Time
Chances are, you will need an Austrian residence permit if you wish to stay in Austria for more than 6 months. The reason is, foreign nationals need a residency permit in order to live somewhere other than their current country of residence. This could be their place of origin or another nation where they are legally entitled to reside.
Because of this, Austria only allows indigenes from EEA, EU and Swiss to visit the country. And stay without visa for up to 3months. While citizens from third-world countries needs to get a residency permit to stay in Austria for more than 6months. However, the process for applying for the permit might be a bit complicated. That is why we have put up this blog post to help you with a step by step guide on how you can apply.
Keep in mind that you will need to submit the application for Austria resident permit by yourself. Especially, if it is your first time. Also, the amount of money you will pay for your Austria permit mostly depend on your status. That is, if it is an adult or a child.
Read on to learn more about the requirements, how you can apply, exact amount of money to pay, processing time and many other important information.
What is Austria Resident Permit all about?
Austria resident permit is an official paper that you need to get if you want to stay in Austria for more than six months. The permit is basically for nationals of third-world countries. But citizens or individuals staying in Austria can also use this to bring their relatives to the country.
Generally, If you wish to stay in Austria for a period longer than three months. Nationals of the EEA, EU, or Switzerland must request a “confirmation of registration of Right of Residence under EU legislation” from the appropriate official. Also, International students who have been accepted to study at an Austrian higher education institution are eligible for a residence permit. The permit has a 12-month validity period and can be extended.
Depending on the type of residency for which you are eligible. Residence permits might be either temporary or permanent. Because of this, Austria has provided several choices for residence permits. The most often submitted applications to Austrian Consulates are the following:
- Red-White-Red Card
- Residence permit for academics, researchers, and students
- Family member
- Settlement permit – gainful employment excepted
- Settlement permit–dependant
- Red-white-red card plus
Cost of Austria Residence Permit
The cost of Austria residence permit primarily, depends on your age. By that we mean if you’re a grown adult or a child under the age of six. Thus for adult, you will pay approximately €120 to get an Austrian residence permit. While children under the age of 6 must pay €75 for a permit. Keep in mind that you might need to pay additional fees amounting up to €20.
Furthermore, the cost to apply for a permanent residency is 210 euros for individuals older than 6 years and 195 euros for from 6 and children below.
Who needs an Austria Residence Permit?
Of course, not every national needs an Austrian residence permit. Primarily, all citizens of third countries must apply for residence permit to stay in Austria. Non-EEA or non-Swiss nationals are regarded as third-country nationals in Austria.
In general, you will need an Austrian Permit if you are a:
- National of third-world country who wish to remain in Austria for more than 180 days.
- Third-country citizens who reside in Austria or who desire to reside here and who have an ICT resident permit issued by another member state.
Who does not need An Austrian Residence Permit?
You do not need a residence permit if you are from:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
Required Documents to Apply for Austria Residence Permit
The requirements to apply for a residence permit may change depending on your nationality and kind of visa. But the majority of documents are the same. To apply for a residence permit, applicants must have the following information available:
- A valid and signed passport
- Â Passport-sized picture
- Birth certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Austria
- Proof of sufficient finance
- Marriage certificate, death certificate divorce certificate, certificate showing relationship status(if needed).
- Proof of health insurance
- Application form
#1. A valid and signed passport
As a matter of principle, you cannot enter a foreign country without having your passport. So, it is mandatory that you tender a duly signed and valid passport at the point of application.
#2. Recent passport-sized picture
Your passport is needed for identification purposes and also to be attached to your submitted document. Make sure you take an A4 passport sized photograph. It should be the very recent one you took.
#3. Birth certificate
Provide your accurate date of birth certificate or age declaration. Make sure it tallies with all other information in your document.
#4. Proof of accommodation in Austria
It is mandatory that you have a place you intend to stay when you arrive in Austria. It can either be at an hotel or with an Austrian host. If it is with an host, he must have the financial ability to take care of you.
#5. Proof of sufficient finance
Proof of financial buoyancy is equally as important as your passport. Make sure you have sufficient funds that can comfortably sustain you throughout your stay in Austria. This is different from the €120 + €20 you are to pay for application.
#6. Proof of status
Provide relevant document to show your relationship status. It could be: Marriage certificate, death certificate, divorce certificate. Or certificate showing your relationship with the other person(if needed).
#7. Proof of health insurance
Every foreign national travelling to Austria must provide evidence of health insurance. This is to cover emergency medical needs, accident or illness.
How to Apply for Austria Residence Permit
There are various residency permits available in Austria for applicants and their families. Permits to stay are always issued with a specific intent in mind, such as employment or academic study.
However, prior to submitting an application for a residence permit, you must decide whether you need an Austrian National Visa D (for stays up to six months), a student visa, a researcher visa, or a work visa.
Typically, the Austrian embassy in your country of origin is responsible to issue the residency permit. There are a few exceptions to this regulation, including people who are in possession of a Visa D, family members of citizens of Austria, the EEA, and Switzerland, and non-EU nationals who are applying for a research permit.
So, to get started, follow this steps:
- Determine if you need an Austrian residence permit.
- Check the requirements.
- Make an appointment.
- Wait for response.
- Apply for an entry visa
#1. Determine if you need an Austrian Residence Permit
First things first, you need to find out if you need a resident permit for Austria. If your country is among the earlier listed countries, you wouldn’t be needing an Austrian residence permit. However, if it is not among, follow these steps to get your permit.
#2. Check the requirements
After determining your eligibility, the next thing is to find out the required documents. Thankfully, we have listed them already for you in this article. So, make sure you have all the documents at hand.
#3. Schedule an appointment.
To submit your application, you must call the embassy or consulate to book an appointment. Typically, a local representation authority handles applications for residence permits; but, in some circumstances, applications can be lodged directly in Austria.
#4. Wait for a response
After you have submitted your application, you need to wait a bit for the application to be processed. Usually, it takes around two to four weeks for the Austria Residence Permit to be processed. Once this is done, you will be notified.
Submit application for entry visa
If your nation doesn’t have a visa agreement with Austria, your residence permit most likely won’t be sufficient to enter Austria. As a result, you need to have a National D visa.
It’s advisable you apply for a residence permit and then a visa in that order. As soon as this is done, your visa will be issued. Then, you can register at the registration office in the Austrian city without needing a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get residence permit in Austria?
The process is very simple. Once you have your document intact, follow this steps to get your Austria residence permit :
- Determine if you need an Austrian residence permit.
- Check the requirements.
- Gather your documents
- Schedule an appointment.
- Wait.
- Apply for an entry visa
Does Austria give permanent residency?
Very well, they do. Usually, the best way to get permanent residence in Austria is to apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This makes it easier for skilled workers to immigrate with their families and increase the possibility of settling permanently. The Cards are given out for a year and grant the holder the right to settlement and employment with a certain employer. The following individuals qualify to apply for Austria permanent resident:
- Highly skilled professionals
- Skilled workers in fields where there is a shortfall of workers.
- Graduates from higher education institutions in Austria
How can I move to Austria permanently?
You must have satisfied the following prerequisites in order to submit an application for permanent residency in Austria:
- have had continuous legal status over the past five years in Austria.
- been able to support oneself financially, whether through independent means, work, or self-employment.
- you must have had health insurance throughout those five years.
- Must have maintained a suitable residence for those five years and had it registered with the government.
- Didn’t pose threat to public order or security.
- Additionally, you need to have finished Module 2 of the Integration Agreement, which calls for German proficiency at the B1 level.
How long does a residence permit Take Austria?
After you have submitted your application, you need to wait a bit for the application to be processed. Usually, it takes around two to four weeks for the Austria Residence Permit to be processed. Once this is done, you will be notified.
Conclusion
In summary, the Austria residence permit is a great opportunity for those looking to live in Europe. The process is relatively easy, and the benefits are many. If you are interested in applying for a residence permit in Austria, be sure to do your research and contact an immigration lawyer for help.
