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Visa and Residence in Austria
Studying in Austria is an exciting step — and preparing your visa or residence permit is a key part of the process. The exact requirements depend on your nationality and the length of your studies.
Who needs a visa?
- EU/EEA & Swiss citizens: No visa is required. You only need to register your residence after arrival.
- Other countries: You will normally need either a Visa D (to enter the country) and, later, a Residence Permit – Student, as well as to register your address after arrival.
Visa D
A Visa D is a national visa valid for 91 days to 6 months. It allows you to enter the country for the purpose of starting your studies. Please note: Visa D cannot be extended in Austria.
Residence Permit – Student
The Residence Permit – Student is the most common option for degree-seeking students. It is usually valid for 12 months and can be renewed in Austria if you can show academic progress, usually requiring you to get at least 16 ECTS in an academic year.
Learn more
Visa/Residence Permit Application Process
- 1. Apply for a Visa D in your home country
Submit your application in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. You cannot enter Austria until a decision has been made. - 2. Prepare the required documents:
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- Valid passport and biometric photo
- Admission letter from our university
- Proof of sufficient financial means (according to the current Austrian regulations, in 2025 students under 24 must show at least €703.58/month, and students 24 or older €1,273.99/month. If your rent and education costs exceed €376.27/month, additional funds are required)
- Confirmation of accommodation in Austria
- Health insurance valid at the time of application (temporary travel insurance is accepted; later you can switch to student insurance with the Austrian public system – ÖGK)
- 3. Decision & entry visa
When your application is approved, you will be informed by the embassy/consulate or by the Immigration and Citizenship Authority in Vienna (MA 35). If you need a visa to enter Austria, you will be issued a Visa D to collect your residence permit. - 4. Arrival in Austria
After entering Austria, inform MA35 as soon as possible. You will then receive an appointment to collect your residence permit card in person.
Please also kindly note:
- A valid permit is necessary not only for your studies, but also for housing contracts, health insurance, banking, and part-time work opportunities.
- Our International Office can only support you with the university documents, we are not able to provide you with legal advice.
- Processing times vary by country and can be very long — in some cases several months. We strongly advise you to apply as early as possible.
- Keep your residence permit valid and remember to renew it before it expires.
Support & resources
For official information, please check:
Registration of your address
According to Austrian law, every person (both non-EU and EU citizens) living in the country must register their residence within 3 days of moving into a new address — this applies to all residents, regardless of citizenship. Registration takes place at your local Municipal District Office (Magistratisches Bezirksamt).
If you change your address later, you must update your registration within 3 days; other personal data changes must be reported within 1 month. Before leaving Austria, don’t forget to de-register.
Keep your registration certificate (Meldebestätigung) — you’ll need it for various applications, such as opening a bank account or extending your residence permit.
How to register your address?
You can register online or in person at any Municipal District Office and at Municipal Department 62 (Zentrales Meldeservice).
Required documents:
- Completed registration form (Meldezettel) signed by your landlord
- Valid passport or travel document
FAQs
If you plan to study in Austria for more than 6 months, you must apply for a visa at the Austrian consulate or embassy before arriving.
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens need no visa. You must have sufficient financial means, valid health insurance, and a valid travel document (passport/ID). If staying longer than 3 months, register with the municipal authority within 4 months.
Applications must be submitted to the Austrian representative authority (embassy/consulate-general) abroad. Visas cannot be renewed in Austria.
You will need to submit: an admission letter, proof of funds, proof of accommodation, valid health insurance, and a valid passport.
Please try to apply for a visa at least 3 to 6 months before your planned arrival. Preparations may take time due to required legalization and translation of documents.
You must prove sufficient funds to cover living costs in Austria. Current amounts are published on official websites. For example, students under 24 must show at least €703.58/month, and students 24 or older €1,273.99/month. If your rent exceeds €376.27/month, additional funds are required. Proof can be provided through a bank account accessible in Austria, a savings book, traveller’s cheques, a guarantee letter, or a scholarship confirmation.
Yes, residence permits can and should normally be renewed in Austria. You must apply before your permit expires. Until the decision is made, you may legally stay in Austria.
No. We cannot process applications or intervene with authorities. We can only provide information. For official processing, please contact your Austrian embassy or consulate directly.
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