Travel to Austria for work

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Austria’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Austria to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.. 

Austria is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.‘rolling’. 

If you’re staying for longer, or for other types of work, you may need a visa or permit.permit. 

The Austrian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.exempt. 

If you’re working in more than one country, you need to check the entry rules of each country.country. 

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.travel. 

Visa and permit documentsdocuments 

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Austria. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.applying. 

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Austria’s Austria’s embassy or  or immigration authorities.. 

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:be: 

• translatedtranslated 
• ‘legalised’ (with an apostille) or or notarisednotarised 
• originals, or if copies are acceptableacceptable 
• signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)e-signature) 
• dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your applicationapplication 

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.visa. 

This guide uses the same terms used in Austria, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Austria’s authorities.authorities. 

Check if you need a visa or permitpermit 

You do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Austria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for specific business-related activities. Each trip must not be longer than 5 working days.days. 

These activities can include:include: 

• running or attending job interviewsinterviews 
• going to court as a witnesswitness 
• attending trade fairsfairs 
• attending board meetingsmeetings 
• meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)restaurant) 

• meeting colleagues, contractors or sellerssellers 

• fact-finding visitsvisits 
• negotiating deals or contractscontracts 
• attending conferencesconferences 
• team building activitiesactivities 
• buying goods and servicesservices 
• accompanying a tour as a tour guide, tour operator or travel agentagent 
• leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family Or for these types of training, as long as it’s for the same company or group:group: 
• classroom-based trainingtraining 
• on-the-job trainingtraining 

Attending business meetingsmeetings 

You should only attend business meetings if there isn’t a colleague in Austria who can do this on your behalf. If you have to attend you:you: 

• shouldn’t stay longer than a working weekweek 
• can’tcannot charge the client for the meetingmeeting 

These activities are usually allowed while travelling under the the Schengen visa waiver.. 

Border checkschecks 

At the border, you may be asked to show:show: 

• proof of return travel, such as plane or train ticketstickets 
• health insurance that covers your entire staystay 
• proof of accommodation for your entire staystay 
• enough money for the duration of your triptrip 

Check Austria’s exemptionsexemptions 

Certain types of work-related activities don’t require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.exempt. 

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.authorities. 

You do not require a visa or permit if you’re a musician, performer or broadcaster and in Austria for up to 4 weeks.weeks. 

This includes those involved in film, TV or radio, including the technical production team. team. Find out more about short-term artistic activity.. 

The organiser needs to to notify the local public employment service no no later than the first day of work in Austria.Austria. 

EU intra-company transfer permits (EU ICT) from other countriescountries 

You don’t need a visa or permit if you have an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) from another country and you’re going to work for the Austrian branch for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.period. 

Your employer has to notify the the Zentrale Koordinationsstelle (ZKO) of of the Federal Ministry of Finance before you travel.travel. 

Exemptions are covered by the the Schengen visa waiver.. 

Show proof of exemptionexemption 

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:be: 

• an assignment letterletter 
• employment confirmationconfirmation 
• a contractcontract 
• proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma or professional certificate, or proof of artistic activitiesactivities 

If you’re going for other work purposes for up to 3 to 6 months, you may need a short-term work permit.permit. 

If you’re going for longer than 6 months days you may need a long-term permit.permit. 

Further checkschecks 

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Austria’s Austria’s embassy or  or immigration authorities.. 

Applying for a visa or permitpermit 

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Austria’s Austria’s embassy or  or immigration authorities.. 

Taking your familyfamily 

For the short-term visa and permits listed in this guide your family won’twill not be able to get dependant visas. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the the Schengen visa waiver.. 

There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-term permit. permit. Find out about family reunification.. 

Short and long-term visa and permitspermits 

You need a short-term visa or posting permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung/Entsendebewilligung) if you’re providing short-term services to a client in Austria.Austria. 

You need to apply for one of these permit types:types: 

• posting permit if your UK employer has a contract or work order with an Austrian company 
• highly skilled key workers permit 
• short-term freelancer visa 

You need to apply for a long-term residence and work permit if you’re working in Austria because you’re:you’re: 

• transferring long term from a UK-based company to a branch in Austria 
• working for an Austrian company on a long-term Austrian contract 
• providing long-term services to a client in Austria 
• carrying out long-term self-employed work 
• a founder of a start-up company in Austria 
• conducting research work 
• working long term as an artist 

They are valid for up to 2 years and you can extend them.them. 

Short-term posting permitpermit 

You need a a posting permit if if your UK employer has a contract or work order with an Austrian company for up to 6 months.months. 

To qualify for a posting permit you must:must: 

• be paid a salary at an equivalent level to a similar position in AustriaAustria 
• have relevant professional experience or a university degreedegree 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

It takes 4 to 10 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 months and you can extend it.it. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. The Austrian client client applies for your posting permit at the the Public Employment Service (AMS).. 

2. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You apply for a C visa: Erwerb (Schengen visa) if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You You apply for a D visa: Erwerb if you’re working for up to 4 months.months. 

3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• completed permit application formform 
• UK passport, valid for 3 months (6 recommended) from the date you intend to leave AustriaAustria 
• degree or other qualification certificate (if you have one)one) 
• employment contract or confirmation from your UK employeremployer 
• assignment agreement with the Austrian companycompany 
• contract or work order between your UK employer and the Austrian companycompany 
• health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificatecertificate 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Austria) 

Short-term highly skilled key worker permitpermit 

If your UK employer provides a contractual service to an Austrian end user you may be able to get a highly skilled key worker permit.permit. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• be working in a profession profession listed in annex servinserving 4 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which includes accountants and tax advisersadvisers 
• have a university degree or equivalent qualificationqualification 
• have at least 3 years’ professional experienceexperience 
• have worked with your employer in the UK for at least 12 monthsmonths 
• keep your employment in the UKUK 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

It’s valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.shorter. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. The Austrian client applies for your posting permit or work permit at the the Public Employment Service (AMS).. 

2. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You You apply for a C visa: Erwerb (Schengen visa) if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You You apply for a D visa: Erwerb if if you’re working for up to 6 months.months. 

3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

It’s not yet clear how long it takes to get as it’s a new permit type and the exact details are still being confirmed by the Austrian authorities.authorities. 

Make sure you apply well in advance of travel.travel. 

Short-term freelancer visavisa 

If you’re a UK-based freelancer and want to work in AustriaAustria, you can apply for a short-term freelancer visa.visa. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• be based in the UK and not be established in the EUEU 
• be providing a service service listed in annex servin 4 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which includes research and development services, market research and telecommunicationstelecommunications 
• have a degree or equivalent qualificationsqualifications 
• have professional qualifications required for your tradetrade 
• have at least 6 years’ relevant professional experienceexperience 

It’s valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.shorter. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You You apply for a C visa: Erwerb (Schengen visa) if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You You apply for a D visa: Erwerb if you’re working for up to 6 months.months. 

2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

It’s not yet clear how long it takes to get as it’s a new permit category and the exact details are still being confirmed by the Austrian authorities.authorities. 

Make sure you apply well in advance of travel.travel. 

Transferring long term from a UK-based company to a branch in AustriaAustria 

You need an an ICT residence permit if if your UK-based employer moves you to a branch in Austria to work for:for: 

• up to 3 years (with an extension), if you’re a manager or specialistspecialist 
• 1 year, if you’re a traineetrainee 

To qualify you must:must: 

• be a manager, specialist or traineetrainee 
• have worked for the UK company for at least 12 months, or 6 months if you’re a traineetrainee 
• earn a salary that’s in line with Austrian requirements for the position (collective bargaining agreement)agreement) 
• have a bachelor’s level degree or proof of relevant experienceexperience 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. The permit is granted for 1 year. If you’re a manager or specialist you can extend it to 3 years.years. 

If you have a family, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process.process. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You complete a a residence permit application using using the related guidance ‘Aufenthaltsbewilligung – ICT (12)’ or ‘Aufenthaltsbewilligung – mobile ICT (13)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.embassy. 

2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

3. You collect your ICT permit from the local immigration office.office. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaAustria 
• degree or other qualification certificatecertificate 
• employment contract or confirmation from your UK employeremployer 
• assignment agreement with the Austrian companycompany 
• employment declaration signed by the Austrian companycompany 
• organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and the host company in AustriaAustria 
• birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• police clearance certificate valid valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificatecertificate 
• proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationreservation 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)Austria) 
• proof of enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsmonths 
• a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingapplying 

Working for an Austrian company on a long-term Austrian contractcontract 

If you have an offer of employment with a company in Austria, you need to apply for one of these permit types:types: 

• a Red-White-Red Card – – a points-based residence permitpermit 
• an EU Blue Card – – for highly skilled work in Austria for at least a yearyear 

Red-White-Red CardCard 

The The Red-White-Red Card (RWR) has has a points-based system which takes into account factors such as your:your: 

• level of educationeducation 
• ageage 
• work experienceexperience 
• language 

Each factor is given points. You need a certain number of points depending on the type of work you’re doing.doing. 

Points required for:for: 

• highly qualified workers – – minimum 70 pointspoints 
• skilled workers in a shortage occupation – – minimum 55 pointspoints 
• other key workers – – minimum 55 pointspoints 
• graduates of a university or college of higher education in Austria – – no points requiredrequired 

If you’re highly qualified, a skilled worker in a shortage occupation, or a a key worker  you must:must: 

• have a bachelor’s level or vocational degree, be eligible for admission to university or have proof of relevant work experienceexperience 
• have an offer of employment with a company in AustriaAustria 
• be placed on Austria’s payrollpayroll 

If you’re a key worker  check how much you need to be earning to qualify.. 

Your salary must be paid in 14 monthly instalments a year (Austria makes 2 payments in 2 of the months).months). 

Your Austrian employer will need to complete a labour market test.test. 

Self-employed workers and  and start-up founders can can also apply for this permit.permit. 

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get a Red-White-Red Card. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it.it.  

The Red-White-Red card can only be issued until the validity of your passport. This permit type could lead to permanent residence after 5 years if you meet the criteria.criteria.  

If you have a familyfamily, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. type. Find out about family reunification.. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You complete a a residence permit application using using the related guidance ‘Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (1)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.embassy. 

2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

3. You collect your RWR Card.Card. 

Application documents

documents 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaAustria 
• degree or other qualification certificatecertificate 
• signed employment contract with an Austrian employeremployer 
• employer declaration stating your salary signed by the Austrian employeremployer  
• birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• police clearance certificate valid valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• health insurance covering your stay in AustriaAustria 
• proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationreservation 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)Austria) 
• proof of enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsmonths 
• a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingapplying 

EU Blue CardCard 

To qualify for an an EU Blue Card residence permit  you must:must: 

• have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree levellevel 
• have an offer of employment from an Austrian company for at least 1six yearmonths in a related sector to your degree subject  
• be placed on Austria’s payrollpayroll 
• meet gross annual salary requirements 

Your employer must complete a labour market test to make sure you’re not taking work that could be carried out by a jobseeker in Austria who is equally qualified for the role.role. 

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. It could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.criteria. 

If you have a familyfamily, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. type. Find out about family reunification.. 

How it works

works 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You complete a a residence permit application using using the related guidance ‘Blaue Karte EU (3)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.embassy. 

2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

3. You collect your EU Blue Card from the local immigration office.office. 

Application documents

documents 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaAustria 
• degree or other qualification certificatecertificate 
• signed employment contract with an Austrian employeremployer 
• employer declaration stating your salary signed by the Austrian employeremployer  
• birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• police clearance certificate valid valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• health insurance covering your stay in AustriaAustria 
• proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationreservation 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Austria) 
• proof you have enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the previous 3 monthsmonths 
• a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingapplying 

Providing long term services to a client in AustriaAustria 

You can apply for a  work permit to provide services (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) if if your UK employer has a service agreement with an Austrian company.company. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• have relevant professional experience or university degreedegree 
• keep your UK employment contractcontract 
• stay on UK payrollpayroll 
• be paid a salary that is equivalent to the Austrian standard salary for a similar positionposition 

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It allows you to work for more than 4 months up to 1 year and you can extend it.it. 

You won’twill not be able to get dependant visas for any family members if you have a work permit to provide services. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the the Schengen visa waiver or or if they have their own permit.permit. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. The Austrian client submits your work permit application to the the Public Employment Service (AMS).. 

2. You apply for a D visa: Erwerb if you’re staying for up to 6 months. If you’re working for more than 6 months you’ll need to apply for a residence permit at the Austrian embassy. This is in addition to the permit your employer applies for.for. 

3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

4. You collect your residence permit card if you’re staying for more than 6 months.months. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaAustria 
• degree or other qualification certificate (if you have one)one) 
• UK employment contractcontract 
• assignment agreement with the Austrian companycompany 

• contract or work order between your UK employer and the Austrian companycompany 

• health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificatecertificate 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)Austria) 

Self-employed workwork 

You can apply for a Red-White-Red (RWR) Card as a a self-employed key worker if if your self-employed occupation is economically beneficial to Austria.Austria. 

There are no point requirements.requirements. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• intend to make a substantial financial investment in AustriaAustria 
• create new jobs or secure existing jobs in AustriaAustria 
• work in an occupation that is of considerable importance for a region of AustriaAustria 

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.criteria. 

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. type. Find out about family reunification.. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You complete a a residence permit application using using the related guidance ‘Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (1)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.embassy. 

2. Your application will be forwarded to the the Public Employment Service (AMS) who who will evaluate whether your work is economically beneficial to Austria.Austria. 

3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

4. You collect your Red-White-Red Card from the local immigration office.office. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process.process. 

Usually, they need to see documents that relate to the economic benefits of your work, such as:as: 

• business plansplans 
• evidence of transfer of investment capital and intention to create new jobs or secure existing onesones 
• professional qualification certificatescertificates 

They will also need to see:see: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months after your intended return datedate 
• diploma or other qualification certificatecertificate 
• health insurance covering your stay in AustriaAustria 

• proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips or investment capital

  capital 
• birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• police clearance certificate valid valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationreservation 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Austria) 
• a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingapplying 

Start-up foundersfounders 

Founders of a start-up in Austria can apply for a a Red-White-Red Card.. 

To qualify you must:must: 

• establish a company for ‘innovative products, services, processing methods or technologies’technologies’ 
• create a detailed business planplan 
• have a controlling influence on the management board of the companycompany 
• meet capital and equity requirements 
• score at least least 50 points  

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. It could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.criteria. 

To extend it you must go through another examination process with the the Public Employment Service (AMS).. 

If you have a familyfamily, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. type. Find out about family reunification.. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You complete a a residence permit application using using the related guidance ‘Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (1)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.embassy. 

2. Your application will be forwarded to the the Public Employment Service (AMS) who who will evaluate whether your work is economically beneficial to Austria.Austria. 

3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

4. You collect your RWR Card.Card. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaAustria 
• degree or other qualification certificatecertificate 
• business plan detailing your innovative business ideaidea 
• evidence of special skills, such as testimonials and certificatescertificates 
• evidence of investment capitalcapital 
• evidence that you have controlling influence on the company (at least 50% equity share)share) 
• evidence of funding for start-up companies in Austria or admission to a business incubatorincubator 
• language certificates for English or GermanGerman 
• health insurance covering your stay in AustriaAustria 
• proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsmonths 
• birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• police clearance certificate valid valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationreservation 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Austria) 
• a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingapplying 

Research workwork 

You can apply for a a settlement permit for research if if you work for a recognised research institution.institution. 

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 2 years and you can renew it. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.criteria. 

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. type. Find out about family reunification.. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You complete a a residence permit application using using the related guidance ‘Niederlassungsbewilligung – Forscher (11)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.embassy. 

2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

3. You collect your permit from the local immigration office.office. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaAustria 
• hosting agreement with a research institutioninstitution 
• health insurance covering your stay in AustriaAustria 
• proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsmonths 
• birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• police clearance certificate valid valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationreservation 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Austria) 
• a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingapplying 

Working as an artistartist 

If you want to work in Austria as an employed or self-employed artist you can apply for a a settlement permit for artists.. 

You need to provide one of the following:following: 

• a declaration from your employer confirming that you will comply with the conditions of your employmentemployment 
• a contract for self-employed work for a minimum of 6 monthsmonths 

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 1 year and can be renewed. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.criteria. 

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. type. Find out about family reunification.. 

How it worksworks 

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.prepare. 

1. You complete a a residence permit application using using the related guidance ‘Niederlassungsbewilligung – Künstler (9)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassyembassy 

2. You register your address with the local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.arriving. 

3. You collect your work and residence permit card from the local immigration office.office. 

Application documentsdocuments 

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:need: 

• UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave AustriaAustria 
• proof of artistic qualifications or description of previous workwork 
• employer declaration in line with the ‘Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz’ for employed artistsartists 
• contract for self-employed work for a minimum of 6 monthsmonths 
• language certificates for GermanGerman 
• health insurance covering your stay in AustriaAustria 
• proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 monthsmonths 
• birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• police clearance certificate valid valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)) 
• proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservationreservation 
• registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)Austria) 
• a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applyingapplying 

Austrian government guidanceguidance 

Read official Austrian government information on on visas, work permits, and residence permits.. 

Check for business travel changeschanges 

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.notice. 

You should always always check general travel advice for Austria for for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.travel.