The Republic of Austria is a Central European state and member of the EU, EEA, and the Schengen Zone. Citizens of the EU/EEA or Schengen area can visit, stay, and work in Austria without a visa or permit. Lebanese nationals will require a Schengen visa to visit Austria. Generally, a Schengen visa is valid for a 3-month visit within a 6-month period and allows single entry/exit to the bearer.
For a Lebanese to be able to immigrate to Austria, he/she must first acquire a Schengen visa for a minimum 3-month stay. During the stay under a Schengen visa, the bearer is not allowed to work or engage in any commercial activity.
Requirements for a Schengen visa
A Schengen visa is the first step in the process of obtaining immigration. The procedure is simple but the below requirements are essential to satisfy.
- Valid passport (with 2 blank pages and 6-month validity at least)
- Duly filled visa application form
- Bank statement, pension fund proof (last 6 months from the application at least)
- Minimum €30,000 travel insurance
- Hotel reservations, airline return tickets, itinerary, etc.
Note, in case the applicant wishes to work in Austria, he/she must first secure a job before applying. An employment contract must be attached to the application for a D-type employment visa. Similarly, a business license is required to engage in any kind of business in the country.
Residence permit
The second step in the process is to apply for a residence permit. The requirements are provided below:
- Depending on purpose an EU Blue Card, Red-White-Red (RWR), or RWR Plus card is applied for
- Health insurance
- Fixed stable income proof
- Clean criminal record proof
- Proof of accommodation
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
- Academic records/Certifications
Fees for residence permit application
Since January 2022, the below-mentioned fee must be paid for each residence application:
- €1,030.49 – Single person
- €1,625.71 – Couple
- €159 – for each additional child
Cases for a residence permit and types
A residence permit can be applied for many reasons. It is important to be aware of what type of residence permit the applicant is eligible for. In any case, any stay longer than 180 days will require a residence permit.
for general employment with a particular employer here. The validity is subject to the job duration and can be extended periodically as long as the job with that particular employer continues. Another temporary residence type is the EU Blue Card which is granted to qualified workers. A Lebanese EU Blue Card holder can stay in Austria for 4 years and can move to another EU country after 15 months of employment in Austria. Note that EU Blue Card holders can only work in the field for which the card was issued.
Similarly, an RWR card can be applied for which grants unlimited employment access; meaning a person can work in any line of work he/she pleases. However, the duration for an RWR Card is 24 months only.
The fee tariff for the RWR application is as under:
Application
- €120 per adult
- €75 for children under 6 years
Granting
- €50 per adult
- €20 for children under 6 years
Biometric/personalization
- €20
National Action Plan (NAP) for integration of immigrants in Austria
The NAP was proposed by the Austrian government in 2010 and covers a wide range of topics that are considered to be integral to assimilation into Austrian society. Aspiring Lebanese shall develop some level of knowledge and fluency in these areas to increase their chances of success.
- Language & Education
- Work & Employment
- Rule of law and societal values of Austria
- Health & social issues
- Intercultural dialogue
- Sports & Recreation
- Livelihood & regional dimensions of integration
