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Long-term immigration to Austria for third-country nationals

If you want to move to Austria as a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national in order to work for more than six months, you generally need a residence permit. The type of permit most suitable for you depends on several factors, such as your qualification and job details.

Your immigration process to Austria explained

Are you curious about the workings of an immigration process to Austria as an international skilled worker? Allow us to explain the six easy steps in the following video and to support you in your own immigration process!

Overview of a typical immigration process

  • Job offer

    The prerequisite of a residence permit is a binding job offer by an Austrian employer. You then have an option of several types of residence permits. These residence permits are also work permits at the same time.

    Find a job

  • Finding the right residence permit for you

    As soon as you have a job offer by an Austrian employer, you can find out which residence permit you qualify for. The type of permit most suitable for you depends on several factors, such as your qualifications, job details and family status.

    Residence permit finder

  • Preparing your application

    Immigration Guide Austria will provide you with requirements for your permit and with an instruction on which documents you need to include in your application. A well-prepared application will result in faster processing by the Austrian authorities.

    Prepare your application

  • Submit your application

    As soon as you and your future Austrian employer

    • have assembled all the necessary documents, and
    • you have decided where in Austria you are going to live,

    your future employer submits your application to the responsible branch of the Immigration and Residence Authority in Austria. Alternatively, you submit your application with the Austrian Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.


    If you are planning to immigrate with family members, your future employer can also submit their application at the same time as yours to the responsible branch of the Immigration and Residence Authority in Austria. Alternatively, they can submit their application with the Austrian Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence.

    Please note
    Whether or not the Austrian Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence is involved in the application processing depends on your (and your family’s) nationality and country of residence.

  • Application processing by the authorities

    While different Austrian authorities process your application, you may hand in any last missing documents via email. The Immigration and Residence Authority approves your application. Again, depending on your nationality, the authority notifies the Austrian Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence. Special rules apply if you already live in an EU/EEA country.

    While you are waiting

  • Receiving your permit

    You give your fingerprints and present your original documents in a personal appointment with the Immigration and Residence Authority in Austria. Your residence permit is then printed. Only once you receive your residence permit, you can start working in Austria!

    First steps in Austria

Do you want to study and work in Austria?

Do you want to establish a company in Austria?

Special rules apply to those who would like to establish their own company in Austria. Find out which residence permit you may be eligible for!

Are you a close family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national?

Special privileges apply to you! Find out everything about your family reunification with an EU/EEA/Swiss family member.

Are you a seasonal worker looking to stay in Austria long-term?

Find out more about the Red-White-Red - Card for Regular Seasonal Workers ("Rot-Weiß-Rot - Karte - für Stammitarbeiter:innen")

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