Guide to Obtaining Residency in Austria

Obtaining a residency visa in Austria is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Austria gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Gather the necessary documents for residency status in Austria. This includes a valid passport, proof of health insurance, proof of financial means, and a valid visa.
• Complete the application form for residency status in Austria. This form can be found on the Austrian government website.
• Submit the application form and the necessary documents to the Austrian government. This can be done in person or by mail.
• Wait for the Austrian government to process the application. This can take up to several weeks.
• Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a residence permit. This permit will be valid for a certain period of time.
• Apply for a tax number.
  • Visit the local tax office in Austria.
  • Fill out the application form for a tax number.
  • Submit the application form and the necessary documents to the tax office.
  • Wait for the tax office to process the application. This can take up to several weeks.
  • Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive a tax number.
• Register with the local authorities in Austria. This can be done in person or by mail.
• Wait for the local authorities to process the registration. This can take up to several weeks.
• Once the registration is approved, the applicant will receive a confirmation letter.

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Austria. If you're moving to Austria, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Austria.

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Austria. If you're moving to Austria, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Austria.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Austria?

"If you plan to extend your stay in Austria for an extended period of time, you will need a valid passport and a residence permit issued by the relevant authorities. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, you may be eligible for a residence permit that can be issued for the purpose of vacation, studies, work, or family reunification or other reasons. In most cases, visas are not required and will be issued automatically along with the residence permit. You may need to complete certain formalities in order to be issued your residence permit, such as attending an interview with the local authorities," said one expat living in Austria.

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Austria. If you're moving to Austria, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Austria.

We've partnered with Homelike, to connect expats and newcomers with temporary accommodations in Austria. If you're moving to Austria, rent a short-term, furnished apartment or home for the first few months from Homelike and take your time figuring out the best place to live in Austria.

"In order to visit Austria for any length of time, foreign citizens must obtain a visa from the Austrian Embassy or Austrian Consulate in their home country prior to the trip. The visa application form needs to be completed and submitted along with the applicant’s passport and documents such as authentication of purpose of the journey and proof of sufficient funds. Depending on the purpose of the journey, additional documents may be required. To be eligible for residency in Austria, foreign citizens must meet certain requirements and follow a certain set of steps. Depending on their purpose for moving to Austria, individuals may need to complete a residence permit application form, submit proof of international health insurance coverage, provide proof of sufficient financial resources and demonstrate their language proficiency in German. Additionally, they may need to provide different documents and fulfill certain other criteria to be eligible for the Austrian residence permit," commented one member living in Austria.