Austria is a popular relocation choice for foreigners because of its excellent living standards and excellent work harmony. 30% of its inhabitants in 2019 were born abroad. 

It’s crucial for Indians who want to go to or live here to comprehend how the country’s immigration system operates. There are many alternatives to think about, including short- and long-term visas, residency cards, and nationality. Locating a company that will act as a supporter in Austria will likely be necessary for Indians to immigrate. You must start the immigration procedure at the embassy in Delhi.

This useful guide explains visa categories, how to file requests, and what are the demands of the authorities. 

Types of Austrian visa 

You might require a visa if you intend to travel to or reside in the country. Here are the standard categories of visas:

  • A short-term visa entitles you to a stay of no more than six months in the nation. Temporary stay visas are available for a period longer than six months.
  • Permanent stay cards for persons who wish to work and who intend to settle permanently.

If Indians want to move to Austria, they can apply for a temporary or permanent residency visa.

Temporary residency visa 

Here are a few types of temporary residency visas that are suitable for Indians planning to move. 

Student visa 

You must apply for a student pass at the Austrian embassy in India if you have been admitted as a pupil at a local institution. You are allowed to stay and learn here with this license, which is valid for the duration of your education. It does not, nevertheless, grant you employment rights in the country.

Researcher visa

A pertinent permit is required if you want to conduct scientific studies and lecture at a higher educational grade in Austria. Ph.D.-holding researchers should file for a residence permit researcher if they have a sponsorship contract with a recognized academic institution.

This license typically lasts for two years, which is 90 days more than the period of your hosting contract. If you do not have a sponsorship contract and you intend to lecture and carry out research in Austria, you can request a “Residence Visa – Special Cases of Gainful Employment”. This license is revocable and has a 12-month expiration date.

AU pair

You can think about being an au pair if you’re looking to live in an Austrian household and get a little monthly payment in return for watching their kids. This is so typical that a specific stay card known as Special Instances of Paid Work was created for it.

Permanent residency permit

Indian nationals who wish to live and operate in the country permanently must obtain a permanent residency permit. Though permanent doesn’t necessarily imply you can stay indefinitely, it does imply you may not have a set period on your card and that you’re free to work.

Red-White-Red card

The Red-White-Red pass acts as a residency license and a working authorization for foreign nationals. The majority of people with one got it because of their job. Its duration, which is typically 24 months and extendable, is dependent on the objective of the permit. You can move unrestrictedly all through the Schengen region with this pass.

The following people are eligible to apply for one: 

  • Extremely skilled personnel. 
  • Independent key employees. 
  • Business owners. 
  • Skilled personnel in professions with a staffing crisis. 
  • Graduates learning in Austria. 
  • Other key personnel.

Red-White-Red plus card

The Red-White-Red Plus card must be applied for by foreign nationals who want to transfer their spouses and children to Austria. As long as the original supporter maintains their residency status, this visa enables specific close relatives to remain in Austria. The initial permission is valid for a year and can be extended. 

Permanent residency in Austria

You must have met the following criteria over the previous five years to be eligible for permanent residence status:

  • Remained in the country for at least five years;
  • Have enough financial means;
  • Have medical insurance;
  • Have a proper residency place; and
  • Have no criminal history.