Residence Permit

If you plan to stay in Austria for a period exceeding six months, you must apply for a residence permit and not for an entry permit (visa). Residence permits are issued by the authorities in Austria. They are solely issued for stays exceeding six months.

PLEASE NOTE that you must submit your application for a residence permit to the Austrian Embassy in Ottawa before you actually leave for Austria. In general, you are not allowed to go to Austria as long as your application has not been approved.

Yet, spouses and minor children of EU & EFTA citizens residing permanently in Austria file their application after their arrival in Austria. The same is true for all foreign nationals who may enter Austria under the visa waiver-program (e.g. Canadians, U.S. citizens, Mexicans, Brazilians). In short, Canadian citizens file their application directly with the Austrian authorities after their entry into Austria.

The residence permit, once issued, is to be picked up at the issuing authority in Austria. The fees charged amount in most cases to € 100.00. In addition, (almost) all non-EU or non-EFTA citizens who both apply for a residence permit and plan to stay in Austria for more than 24 months must sign an "Integration Agreement."

I) Aufenthaltsbewilligung (temporarystay in Austria for a certain purpose = Temporary Residence Permit), i.a.

• "Betriebsentsandter:" employee sent TDY (temporary duty)
• "Forscher:" researcher (individual doing research work at an Austrian academic, research or educational institution)"Künstler:" artist (self-employed or employed) "Rotationsarbeitskraft:" rotational employee (company representative/manager/executive) "Schüler:" student attending school (grade 1-12) in Austria "Selbständiger:" self-employment "Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit:" e.g. au-pair, journalist, guest lecturer, ... "Studierender:" student attending college/university in Austria

II) Niederlassungsbewilligung (for foreigners who plan to stay in Austria for a longer time period = Long-time Residence Permit), e.g.

• any purpose, private reasons (e.g. move to Austria in retirement)
• employment or self-employment under certain circumstances
• family reasons (in a few, clearly definded cases)

III) Aufenthaltstitel "Familienangehöriger" (issued to spouses and minor children of EU or EFTA citizens having permanently resided in Austria)

IV) Aufenthaltstitel "Daueraufenthalt - EG" (issued to foreign nationals who have had the right to stay in Austria for at least the last five years; Integration Agreement has already been fulfilled)

V) Aufenthaltstitel "Daueraufenthalt - Familienangehöriger" (issued to individuals who have held an Aufenthaltstitel "Familienangehöriger" for at least the last five years; Integration Agreement has already been fulfilled)

VI) Anmeldebescheinigung (EU & EFTA citizens [except Swiss] who both work and therefore take up residence in Austria. Also issued to accompanying EU & EFTA spouses and minor children)

VII) Daueraufenthaltskarte (for non-EU & non-EFTA spouses and minor children of EU & EFTA citizens [except Swiss])

Application procedure

1. The Austrian Embassy will accept only complete applications. Applications may be submitted by mail. The Embassy, however, reserves the right to demand that you appear in person
2. You will be required to provide certified German translations of ALL foreign-language documents (except passport and Canadian PR card)
3. If the applicant is a minor, the application must be signed by both parents or legal guardians. These signatures must be notarized by a notary public
4. If you wish to have your documents returned by mail or courrier service, please enclose a prepaid self-addressed return envelope with your application. The Austrian Embassy does not assume responsibility for any lost mail
5. Any applicable consular fees must be paid in CAD at the time you submit your application. Please pay in cash or per money order
6. Please note that there is no legal claim on obtaining the residence permit you are applying for. Please allow at least one month for processing your application since all applications are to be sent to Austria.

Documents (if applicable) to be submitted:

• Correct application form, duly filled out and signed (NOTE that the forms are available only in German). All application forms are listed on the website of the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior (see below)
• valid and signed passport (passport must be valid for at least three months beyond date of return)
• copies of previous passports
• one recent picture, passport format, colour, front view
• birth certificate - long form only
• proof of health/travel/accident insurance (letter from insurance company confirming coverage in Austria)
• police clearance record
• proof of lodging in Austria (e.g. lease contract, ownership papers)
• proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statement of last two months, scholarship, research grant, other proof of income)
• if stay in Austria is sponsored by someone residing in Austria (does not apply to au pair applicants): Statement of financial liability (Haftungserklärung - form on the website of the Interior Ministry: see below).
  
  
• family reasons/reunion: marriage certificate, divorce certificate, death certificate, certificate giving evidence of relationship to another individual
• students: original letter of admission to Austrian school or university/college
• employee: work permit (issued by the Austrian Employment Service AMS), statement of salary or income, letter by employer
• self-employed: last income tax statement, contract letter, business plan, letter of agreement, etc.
• au pair: au pair contract (signed by both au pair and host family), letter of certification (issued by the Austrian Employment Service AMS)

FURTHER DOCUMENTATION MAY BE REQUIRED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS!

PLEASE NOTE: Since the information on our website is constantly updated, please refrain from confirming the listed requirements by telephone. We are grateful for your cooperation.