Austria

Austria Visa & Immigration Services

Spain is one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for students, professionals, families, retirees, and remote workers. As a member of the Schengen Area, Spain offers flexible short-term travel options as well as long-term residence pathways for work, study, and settlement.

We provide end-to-end guidance to help you choose the right Spanish visa and successfully complete your application.

Type A visa: airport transit visa

This visa is for travellers who need to pass through the international transit area of an Austrian airport on their way to another country. Nationals of certain countries may require this visa even if they do not leave the airport

Type C visa: short-stay visa

This is the standard tourist visa. A type C visa can be issued for a total stay of 90 days within a 180-day period, and entitles the holder to enter and reside in the Schengen area.

Type D visa: long-term visa

This is for stays longer than 90 days but typically up to 6 months. It’s a national visa and is often used as a preliminary entry permit before applying for a residence permit or other long-term purpose.

Visa D – Long-Stay (National) Visa

For stays longer than 90 days (typically up to 6 months)

The Visa D is a national long-stay visa issued to non-EU nationals who intend to remain in Austria for an extended period. It is commonly used as a temporary entry and stay permit and, in many cases, acts as a preliminary step toward applying for a residence permit once in Austria.

Visa D holders may also travel within the Schengen Area for short periods, provided general entry conditions are met.

Typical Visa D Purposes Explained

Long-Term Visits & Extended Family Stays

 This option is suitable for individuals who wish to stay in Austria for an extended period to visit close family members or relatives, beyond the 90-day Schengen limit. It is commonly used for prolonged private stays where a full residence permit is not immediately required.

Ideal for:
Family visits, caregiving, or extended private stays.

Job-Seeking & Professional Orientation

Visa D may be issued to individuals who wish to enter Austria to search for employment, attend interviews, explore professional opportunities, or prepare for a future work permit application.

Ideal for:
Skilled professionals planning to secure employment before applying for a formal work or residence permit.

📌 Employment is not permitted until the appropriate work authorization is obtained.

Academic & Research Stays (Over 90 Days)

For students, researchers, or academics participating in long-term study programs, research projects, or academic cooperation that exceed 90 days but do not yet fall under a full student residence permit.

Ideal for:
Visiting researchers, exchange academics, and students preparing for longer-term enrollment.

Internships & Temporary Programs

For individuals undertaking approved internships, traineeships, or short-term professional programs in Austria that exceed 90 days but are limited in duration.

Ideal for:
Graduates, trainees, or participants in international exchange or professional development programs.

Working Holiday Programs

Visa D is also used for Working Holiday arrangements for eligible nationalities under bilateral agreements with Austria. This allows young adults to travel and work temporarily to support their stay.

Ideal for:
Young travelers combining cultural exchange with short-term employment.

📌 Eligibility depends on nationality and age limits.

Typical Visa D Purposes Explained

  • Legal stay in Austria beyond 90 days

  • Freedom of movement within Austria during the visa period

  • Limited travel within the Schengen Area

  • Acts as a bridge to a residence permit in many cases

  • Suitable for temporary, preparatory, or transitional stays

Planning to stay in Austria for more than 90 days?

Let us guide you through the Visa D application process step by step.

Visa C – Short-Stay (Schengen) Visa

For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period

The Visa C (Schengen Visa) is the most commonly issued Austrian visa. It allows non-EU nationals to stay in Austria for short periods and also travel freely within the Schengen Area, subject to the 90/180-day rule.

This visa is suitable for temporary visits and does not permit long-term residence or employment.

Common Purposes Under Visa C

Tourist / Visitor Visa

For individuals traveling to Austria for holidays, sightseeing, cultural exploration, or leisure trips. This visa allows short stays in Austria and other Schengen countries without engaging in work or long-term study.

Family Visit / Private Stay Visa

For visiting family members or friends residing in Austria. Applicants may be required to submit an invitation letter, proof of accommodation, or evidence of their relationship with the host.

Business Visa

For professionals traveling to Austria for short-term business activities, such as meetings, conferences, negotiations, trade fairs, or corporate events. This visa allows business-related visits but does not permit employment or paid work in Austria.

Short-Term Study, Training & Transit

For participation in short educational courses, seminars, workshops, language programs, or training sessions lasting less than 90 days, as well as for transit through Austria when applicable.

Important Notes for Visa C

  • Maximum stay: 90 days within any 180-day period
  • Valid for Austria and other Schengen countries
  • Paid employment is not allowed
  • Extensions are granted only in exceptional cases

Applying for an Austrian Schengen Visa (Visa C)?

 We take care of the process so you can focus on your travel plans.

Visa A – Airport Transit Visa

For travelers transiting through Austrian airports

The Airport Transit Visa (Visa A) is required for nationals of certain countries who need to pass through the international transit area of an Austrian airport while traveling to a third country. This visa is strictly for airport transit purposes only.

Who Needs Visa A

  • Travelers changing flights in Austria without entering the country

  • Nationals of specific countries subject to transit visa requirements

Key Points

  • Transit only — entry into Austria is not permitted

  • Stay is limited to the international transit zone of the airport

  • Does not allow overnight stays or airport exit

  • Required only for designated nationalities under Austrian and Schengen rules

📌 If you plan to leave the airport or stay in Austria, a different visa type is required.

Not sure which Austria visa is right for you?

Our consultants review your plans, assess your eligibility and guide you step by step – from choosing the correct category to preparing documents and booking your appointment.

Contact us today to receive a personalised Austria visa consultation