Austria does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but offers exceptional quality of life with world-class infrastructure. Non-EU citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within the Schengen area, while the Red-White-Red Card system provides pathways for entrepreneurs and skilled workers. Vienna consistently ranks among the world's most livable cities, offering excellent public transport, cultural richness, and a stable business environment.
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Visa Types
188
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Schengen Visa-Free Entry
Citizens of 60+ countries can enter Austria and the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. ETIAS authorization will be required from late 2026.
90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€107 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No visa fees or application process
✓Instant entry at border
✓Valid throughout entire Schengen area (29 countries)
✓Can be used for tourism, business meetings, conferences
✓Multiple entries permitted within 90-day quota
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport (3+ months beyond intended stay, issued within last 10 years)
•Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, invitation letter)
•Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
•Return or onward ticket
•Travel health insurance recommended
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Instant on arrival
1Arrive at Austrian border or airport
2Present valid passport to immigration officer
3May be asked to show proof of accommodation and funds
4Receive entry stamp in passport
5Entry granted for up to 90 days within 180-day period
•Use the Schengen calculator to track your 90/180 days accurately
•Register with local authorities if staying longer than 3 days
•Keep proof of accommodation and funds readily available
•ETIAS will be required from late 2026 - apply online before travel
•Consider travel insurance covering the full Schengen area
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
business
Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders
Residence permit for entrepreneurs establishing innovative start-ups in Austria. Requires EUR 50,000 minimum investment capital and innovative business plan. Best option for non-EU digital entrepreneurs.
24 months
Duration
€50,182
$54.4K fee
+€2,500 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓Path to self-employment and permanent residence
✓Can establish innovative business in Austria
✓Valid for 24 months initially, extendable
✓Family members eligible for RWR Card Plus
✓Access to Austrian startup ecosystem and funding
✓EU base for business operations
📋 Requirements (10)
•Valid passport
•Innovative business plan for products, services, or technologies
•Proof of investment capital (minimum EUR 50,000 with 50% equity)
•Evidence of controlling influence on company management
•Minimum 50 points in criteria assessment
•Proof of qualifications (tertiary education preferred)
•Language skills (German B1 or English B2 preferred)
•Proof of accommodation in Austria
•Health insurance
•Admission to Austrian incubator or startup funding agency (advantageous)
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ 8 weeks after complete application, AMS review may add 2-3 weeks
1Develop innovative business plan
2Secure EUR 50,000 investment capital
3Consider joining Austrian startup incubator or accelerator
4Apply at Austrian embassy in country of residence
5AMS evaluates business plan for innovation and economic benefit
6Immigration authority processes application
7If approved, receive Visa D to enter Austria
8Collect Red-White-Red Card at residence authority
Process: After 2 years, can apply for Red-White-Red Card Plus if business requirements met. RWR Plus allows unrestricted self-employment and employment.
Renewal: Can extend for 3 more years or upgrade to RWR Card Plus with unrestricted labor market access.
💡 Pro Tips
•Joining an Austrian incubator like Techquartier or AWS strengthens application
•Business plan should clearly demonstrate innovation and Austrian economic benefit
•German language skills helpful but English B2 also scores points
•Vienna, Graz, and Linz have strong startup ecosystems
•Consider GmbH (limited liability company) for company structure
•Work with Austrian immigration lawyer for complex applications
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
TouristPopular
Standard Schengen visa for citizens of countries requiring a visa to enter Austria. Valid for up to 90 days within 180-day period throughout the Schengen area.
90d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€170 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15 calendar days standard, up to 45 days during peak periods
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa application fee (adult)Non-refundable consular fee
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
Visa application fee (children 6-11)Reduced fee for minors
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (3+ months beyond stay, 2 blank pages, less than 10 years old)
•Completed visa application form
•Recent passport photo (35x45mm, not older than 6 months)
•Travel health insurance (minimum EUR 30,000, valid throughout Schengen)
•Proof of accommodation
•Proof of sufficient financial means
•Round-trip flight booking
•Purpose of travel documentation
📝 Application Steps
1Determine if Austria is your main destination or first Schengen entry point
2Schedule appointment at Austrian embassy/consulate or VFS center
3Complete online application form
4Gather all required documents
5Attend in-person appointment for biometrics and interview
6Pay visa fee
7Wait for processing (15-45 days)
8Collect passport with visa or receive notification
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work or engage in paid activities
•Maximum 90 days in any 180-day period
•Must leave Schengen before visa expires
•Cannot change purpose of stay once issued
•Visa may be cancelled if entry conditions not met
💡 Tips
•Apply at least 6-8 weeks before travel during peak season
•Apply at the embassy of your main destination country
•Multiple entry visa easier to obtain with good travel history
•EVE (Electronic Guarantee Letter) from Austrian host can strengthen application
•Provide clear itinerary and purpose documentation
National Visa (Type D)
Special Program
Long-stay national visa for stays between 91 days and 6 months. Required for those planning extended stays who do not qualify for residence permits. Cannot be used for employment.
180d
Duration
€150
$163 fee
+€375 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-8 weeks typical processing time
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa D application fee (adult)National visa consular fee
€150$163
Additional (estimated)
Visa D fee (minors 6-11)Reduced fee for children
€75$81
Health insurance (6 months)Comprehensive coverage required
€300$326
Required Total
€150$163
+ Additional (estimated)
€375$407
Estimated Total
€525$570
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport (valid beyond intended stay)
•Completed visa application form
•Recent passport photo
•Proof of purpose (study admission, family visit, medical treatment)
•Proof of accommodation for entire stay
•Proof of sufficient financial means
•Comprehensive health insurance
•Clean criminal record may be required
📝 Application Steps
1Contact Austrian embassy in your country of residence
2Schedule visa appointment
3Complete application form
4Gather all required documents
5Attend appointment for biometrics and interview
6Pay visa fee
7Wait for processing
8Collect passport with Type D visa
⚠️ Restrictions
•Cannot work in Austria
•Cannot be extended within Austria
•Limited to specific purpose stated on visa
•Must leave when visa expires
•Does not provide path to residence unless combined with permit application
💡 Tips
•Apply well in advance - processing can take 2 months
•Type D visa can only be issued by Austrian embassies (not by other Schengen countries)
•Useful if planning to apply for residence permit after arrival
•Ensure accommodation and funds cover entire 6-month period
•Consider if Red-White-Red Card may be more appropriate for your situation
Red-White-Red Card (Skilled Workers)
WorkPopular
Combined work and residence permit for qualified workers in shortage occupations and other key workers. Points-based system requiring job offer from Austrian employer.
24m
Duration
€182
$197 fee
+€600 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱8 weeks standard processing after complete application
🔄Extendable +36m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Application feeFor applicants over 6 years
€156$169
Card issuance feeUpon approval
€26$28
Additional (estimated)
Document translation costsCertified German translations of documents
€200$217
Health insurance setupUntil employer registration takes effect
€400$434
Required Total
€182$197
+ Additional (estimated)
€600$651
Estimated Total
€782$848
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Job offer from Austrian employer meeting salary requirements
•Minimum 55 points in criteria assessment (qualifications, experience, language, age)
•Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates)
•Proof of accommodation in Austria
•Proof of health insurance
•Clean criminal record
•Passport photo meeting ICAO standards
📝 Application Steps
1Receive job offer from Austrian employer
2Employer may file application on your behalf with Austrian residence authority
3Or apply personally at Austrian embassy/consulate in country of residence
4AMS (Public Employment Service) reviews qualifications and labor market
5Immigration authority processes application
6If approved, receive Visa D to enter Austria
7Collect Red-White-Red Card at residence authority in Austria
8Register address and begin employment
⚠️ Restrictions
•Tied to specific employer initially
•Must meet minimum salary requirements (EUR 3,225/month in 2025)
•Points-based - must score at least 55 points
•AMS labor market test may be required
•Cannot freelance as primary activity
💡 Tips
•Check if your occupation is on the shortage list - faster processing and no labor market test
•German language skills significantly boost your points (up to 30 points)
•Employer can expedite process by filing application in Austria
•Start gathering certified translations of documents early
•Consider family reunification timing when planning move
Red-White-Red Card Plus
WorkPopular
Upgraded residence permit offering unrestricted access to Austrian labor market. Available after 24 months on RWR Card or as family member permit. Allows both employment and self-employment.
36m
Duration
€182
$197 fee
+€100 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱4-8 weeks processing
🔄Extendable +36m
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Application feeFor applicants over 6 years
€156$169
Card issuance feeUpon approval
€26$28
Additional (estimated)
Document updatesUpdated translations if needed
€100$109
Required Total
€182$197
+ Additional (estimated)
€100$109
Estimated Total
€282$306
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Current Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card held for at least 21 months within 24 months
•Or family member status of RWR/Blue Card holder
•Proof of continued accommodation
•Health insurance
•Evidence of meeting original permit requirements during stay
📝 Application Steps
1Meet eligibility criteria (21 months employment in 24 months)
2Apply at residence authority (Magistrat or Bezirkshauptmannschaft) in Austria
3Submit updated documentation
4AMS verifies employment compliance
5Pay application and issuance fees
6Receive Red-White-Red Card Plus (valid up to 3 years)
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must have held RWR or Blue Card for required period
•Must maintain residence and insurance requirements
•Cannot be absent from Austria for extended periods
•Still requires renewal (not permanent)
💡 Tips
•Apply before your current RWR Card expires (up to 3 months in advance)
•Keep records of employment compliance for the 21-month requirement
•RWR Plus is the key to labor market flexibility
•After RWR Plus, consider applying for Long-term EU Residence for more security
•Family members should apply simultaneously for coordinated permits
No, Austria does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa. Non-EU citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen area, but technically cannot work (even remotely) during this time. For legal remote work or longer stays, the Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders is the most viable option for entrepreneurs, requiring EUR 50,000 investment and an innovative business plan. EU/EEA citizens can live and work in Austria without restrictions but must register after 3 months.
Can I work remotely on a tourist visa or visa-free stay in Austria?
Technically, no. Austrian law requires authorization to work, including remote work. While enforcement for short tourist stays is minimal, it exists in a legal gray area. If discovered working without authorization, you could face fines and future visa complications. For legal remote work, consider the Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders or ensure you have proper work authorization. EU/EEA citizens can work freely after registering their residence.
How does taxation work for freelancers in Austria?
Austria uses a progressive income tax system: 0% up to EUR 13,308, then 20% to 55% for higher brackets. Self-employed must register with the tax office (Finanzamt) and SVS (social insurance for self-employed). VAT (20%) applies if annual turnover exceeds EUR 55,000 (from 2025). Freelancers (Neue Selbständige) pay SVS contributions covering health, pension, and accident insurance. Quarterly advance tax payments are required. Tax residency is established after 183 days in Austria.
How do I open a bank account in Austria?
EU residents can open accounts relatively easily with Meldezettel (address registration), valid ID, and sometimes proof of income. Online banks like N26 and Revolut offer the easiest setup for EU residents. Traditional banks (Erste Bank, Bank Austria, Raiffeisen) require in-person appointments. Non-EU residents need a valid residence permit in addition to other documents. All EU legal residents have the right to a basic payment account under EU law.
What is the cost of living in Austria for digital nomads?
Budget EUR 2,000-2,500 per month for a comfortable lifestyle. Vienna breakdown: Rent EUR 800-1,200/month for one-bedroom apartment, utilities EUR 150-200, groceries EUR 200-300, dining out EUR 10-15 per meal, public transport EUR 50/month, coworking EUR 160-370/month, internet EUR 30-50. Salzburg and Graz are slightly cheaper than Vienna. Austria has high quality of life but costs match major Western European cities.
What is the Meldezettel and how do I get one?
The Meldezettel (residence registration) is mandatory for anyone taking up residence in Austria. You must register within 3 days of moving in at your local Meldeservicestelle (registration office) or Magistrat. Requirements: completed Meldezettel form signed by your landlord/property owner, valid passport or ID. The service is free, and you receive a Meldebestätigung (confirmation). This document is essential for opening bank accounts, getting phone contracts, and applying for residence permits.
What is the Red-White-Red Card and how do I qualify?
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria's points-based immigration system for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and their families. Key categories include: Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations (50+ points, job offer required), Other Key Workers (55+ points, EUR 3,225/month minimum salary), Start-up Founders (50+ points, EUR 50,000 investment, innovative business), and Self-Employed Key Workers (EUR 100,000 investment, macroeconomic benefit). Points are awarded for qualifications, experience, age, and language skills.
Is health insurance mandatory in Austria?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all residents and required for visa/residence permit applications. Employees are automatically enrolled through ÖGK (Austrian Health Insurance Fund) via employer contributions. Self-employed register with SVS. For visa applications, travel insurance with EUR 30,000 minimum coverage throughout Schengen is required. International options include Allianz, Cigna Global, and SafetyWing. Public insurance provides comprehensive coverage including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
What are the best cities in Austria for digital nomads?
Vienna is the top choice, offering excellent infrastructure, cultural richness, and numerous coworking spaces (Impact Hub, WeWork, Talent Garden). It ranks among the world's most livable cities but has higher costs (EUR 2,000-2,500/month). Salzburg offers a more relaxed atmosphere with beautiful Alps access. Graz is a growing tech hub with a younger international community. Innsbruck appeals to outdoor enthusiasts. All cities have reliable internet (average 87 Mbps) and excellent public transport.
Can I get permanent residence or citizenship in Austria?
Permanent residence (Daueraufenthalt-EU) is possible after 5 years of continuous legal residence, provided you have stable income, health insurance, accommodation, and German language skills (B1 level). Austrian citizenship typically requires 10 years of residence (6 years in some cases) and renouncing other citizenships - Austria generally does not permit dual citizenship. Red-White-Red Card holders can apply for Card Plus after 2 years, then permanent residence after 5 years total.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 3, 2025