Europe
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.
Visa requirements vary by nationality
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 Q4 2026.
Remote work is not permitted on visa-free tourist entry. Austria has no digital nomad visa. Working remotely while on tourist status is technically illegal, though enforcement is minimal for short stays.
Stays under 183 days generally do not trigger Austrian tax residency, provided no permanent home in Austria. Progressive rates 0-55%. Tax-free threshold: EUR 13,539/year (2026).
Residence permit for entrepreneurs establishing innovative start-ups in Austria. Requires EUR 30,000 minimum investment capital and innovative business plan. Best option for non-EU digital entrepreneurs.
Minimum $1,308.39/per_month
Alternative: Points-based system (min 50/85 points). Minimum startup capital EUR 30,000 with 50% equity. Income threshold is personal subsistence proof (Ausgleichszulage), updated annually Jan 1. Couples: EUR 2,064.12/month.
Must establish and manage an innovative company in Austria. Not designed for remote work for foreign clients.
Extension: 1095 days (max 1x)
Cost: €156
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.
Full tax residency. Worldwide income taxed at 0-55%. Tax-free threshold EUR 13,539/year (2026). Corporate tax 23% on company profits.
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.
Remote work is not permitted on a Schengen short-stay visa. The visa is strictly for tourism, business visits, or family visits without gainful employment.
Stays under 183 days generally do not trigger Austrian tax residency, provided no permanent home in Austria. Progressive rates 0-55%. Tax-free threshold: EUR 13,539/year (2026).
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.
Visa D is issued for specific purposes (study, employment, family). Remote work for a foreign employer is not explicitly addressed.
Stays over 6 months trigger tax residency. Residents taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates 0-55%. Tax-free threshold: EUR 13,539/year (2026).
Combined work and residence permit for qualified workers in shortage occupations and other key workers. Points-based system requiring job offer from Austrian employer.
Ties employment to a specific employer. After 21+ months, you can apply for RWR Card Plus with open labor market access.
Full tax residency. Worldwide income taxed at 0-55%. Tax-free threshold EUR 13,539/year (2026). Social security approx 18% employee share.
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.
The RWR Card Plus grants unlimited labor market access as both employed and self-employed. You may work for any employer or freelance, including remote work for foreign clients.
Full tax residency. Worldwide income taxed at 0-55%. Tax-free threshold EUR 13,539/year (2026). Self-employed must register with SVS and pay social security (approx 27%).
Residence and work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals with a university degree and a job offer meeting the minimum salary threshold of EUR 55,678/year.
Employment tied to the specific employer named in the application. After 21 months of qualifying employment, eligible for RWR Card Plus with open labor market access.
Full tax residency. Worldwide income taxed at progressive rates 0-55%. Tax-free threshold EUR 13,539/year (2026). Employer handles income tax withholding and social security.
Visa for young citizens (18-30) of partner countries to work and travel in Austria for up to 12 months. Available to citizens of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, and the USA.
Working Holiday Visa allows any type of employment to finance the stay, including remote work. The primary purpose must be travel and cultural exchange, not long-term employment.
Income earned in Austria is subject to Austrian tax. Stays over 183 days may trigger tax residency. Progressive rates 0-55%. Tax-free threshold: EUR 13,539/year (2026).
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