Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows a stay in Austria exceeding 90 days, typically up to 6 months or 12 months in specific cases. Suitable for extended visits, study, or professional purposes. Requires proof of purpose, sufficient funds, accommodation, and health insurance.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 3 months to 1 year
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
Visas are issued with a validity period ranging from three to six months. In special cases, such as national interests or in accordance with international agreements, visas may be granted for up to twelve months. The start and expiry dates are indicated on the visa (visa sticker). The expiry date also signifies the latest date by which the holder must leave the country or obtain a residence permit. Generally, for stays exceeding six months, foreign nationals must apply for a temporary residence permit at an Austrian consulate in their home country or country of residence. Once the residence permit is approved, the applicant is issued the corresponding visa to enter Austria.
1 year
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The stay period for a specific visa is determined by the consulate, depending on the individual situation of the applicant and documentary evidence of the purpose of the visit. The maximum duration of stay under these visas is usually up to six months, and in certain cases, up to twelve months. For longer stays, a residence permit must be obtained. Depending on the purpose and conditions of the initial entry, it may be necessary to leave Austria to complete the process. For stays exceeding six months, applicants must initially submit an application for a temporary residence permit at an Austrian consulate abroad. Once approved, the applicant receives the appropriate visa to enter Austria and complete the residence permit procedure (obtaining a temporary resident card).
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Extension of stay under this visa is not available, except in exceptional cases where leaving Austria is impossible due to force majeure circumstances. For a longer stay, a residence permit must be obtained.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The applicant specifies the required number of entries on the visa application; however, consulates make a decision, which may vary depending on provided documentary evidence and other factors. These visas are typically issued for multiple entries.
from 15 days to 1 month 15 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Decisions on visa applications are taken within 15 calendar days from the date of submission. This period may be extended to a maximum of 30 days in individual cases, particularly when additional verification of the application is required. In exceptional cases, where additional documentation is needed, the period may be extended up to a maximum of 60 days.
€150 (~$173) - for adults
€75 (~$87) - for children under 6 years old
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
Fees may be waived or vary depending on the applicant's nationality, marital status, age, and specific purpose of the visit. The following categories of applicants are exempt from paying fees: - Researchers from third countries, as defined in Recommendation 2005/761/EG of the European Parliament and Council of 28 September 2005, for short-term stays for scientific purposes. - Representatives of non-profit organizations under the age of 18 participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events organized by non-profit organizations. - Third-country nationals and their family members falling under the definition of § 2(4), points 11 and 12 of the 2005 Aliens Police Act (FPG), BGBl. I No. 100/2005. In specific cases, visa fees may be waived for the following situations: - Official trips for holders of diplomatic passports or issuance of a diplomatic visa in an ordinary passport. - Official trips for holders of service passports or issuance of a service visa in an ordinary passport. - School pupils, students, postgraduate students, participants in master's programs, and scholarship holders studying at Austrian schools, universities, higher education institutions, or the Diplomatic Academy, provided reciprocity exists. - Foreign nationals engaged in scientific activities in teaching, development, research, or artistic endeavors, as well as teaching the arts at Austrian universities, higher education institutions, or the Diplomatic Academy. - Participants in religious, scientific, artistic, cultural, political, and sports events held in Austria, provided reciprocity is guaranteed. - Individuals under the age of 18 participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events organized by non-profit organizations. - Participants in youth exchange programs. - Participants in events promoting economic relations with foreign countries and visitors to such events, provided reciprocity is guaranteed. - Relatives of war victims or victims of political and racial persecution buried in Austria. Consular fee is the official charge for processing a visa application by an embassy or consulate of the country and does not include any additional payments that may be required depending on the place and method of submission, such as visa center fees, the cost of permits or other documents, postal or courier delivery, and others.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Issued less than 10 years ago, with a validity period exceeding the duration of the visa by at least three months and with at least two blank pages.
Photograph
Must be recent (taken within the last 6 months), in color, clear, and sized 35x45mm. The face should occupy 70-80% of the image, printed on high-quality, matte paper with a plain, light background. Hair must not cover the eyes or eyebrows. Headwear is not permitted unless worn for religious or medical reasons, and the full face must remain visible.
Visa application form
Official application form for an Austrian national visa, completely filled and signed by the applicant.
Travel health insurance
Covering all medical and hospital expenses for which the applicant may be liable for the duration of the stay in Austria, as well as medical repatriation costs and expenses in the event of death, for a minimum amount of €30,000.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Proof of financial means
Recent bank statement for the last three months or any other proof of income. This document must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself for the entire stay and for return expenses. In cases of sponsorship by a host, an invitation letter with financial commitments and proof of the sponsor's income must also be provided.
Proof of accommodation
Confirmed hotel booking, rental contract, proof of residential property or staying with a private host covering the whole duration of the stay.
Proof of a specific purpose of the visit
Depending on the specific purpose of the visit, these may be any supporting documents. For example, documents on enrollment in an educational institution, invitations or cover letters from Austrian companies and organizations, contracts, etc.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; residence permit or other document confirming the right to legally reside in the country of residence, if it differs from the one stated in the applicant's passport.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Medical certificate
In some cases, citizens or residents of some countries may be required to provide health certificates confirming that they have no easily transmitted diseases such as tuberculosis or other serious diseases that pose a risk and danger to large numbers of people. It is recommended to check the exact requirements directly with the place where the application is submitted.
Declaration of true and complete information
Signed by the applicant and confirming that all information provided in the Schengen visa application form is accurate and complete. The requirements for including this document may vary depending on where the application is submitted.
Letter of proof of employment
Letter from employer, contract, payslip, or other documents confirming the applicant's position and work status. Unemployed persons must provide a letter explaining and confirming sufficient funds. Appropriate documents corresponding to employment status must be provided, whether the applicant is employed, a student, or retired.
Letter of full-time student status
Issued by an educational institution to confirm the applicant's student status, indicating the course/class and contact information of the institution. If applicable.
Business license or registration
For entrepreneurs and self-employed, indicating the applicant’s name and business license or registration details.
Registration documents of the inviter
With details about the person, company or organization inviting the applicant.
Proof of family ties
Marriage certificate or other document confirming relationship, guardianship or family ties. If applicable.
Criminal record certificate
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country. If applicable.
Travel history
Copies of previous Austrian or Schengen visas and entry/exit stamps. Visas to other destinations may also be included, but are not mandatory.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties to the country of origin and compelling reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Valid permanent resident status or proof thereof; all preliminary procedures for visa application have been completed.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category code
A letter-based or alphanumeric code for a specific visa category, indicating its conditions or serving as an abbreviated name. This code is typically found on the visa or visa stamp.
D
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Long-term national visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Long stay visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Visitor, businessman, student, family, diplomat
Last updated 2026-03-17