FAQ

The process for obtaining a residence permit comprises 8 steps:

After registration, an application is created containing the applicant's CV and some basic information.

The documents are subjected to a free initial check to ensure that the requirements for the residence permit are met.

If the initial check is positive, the employer and applicant collect all relevant documents.

Once all the necessary documents are available, the application is submitted to the residence authority.

The authority decides on the application within 8 weeks.

If visa-free entry is not possible, a Visa-D must be applied for to enter Austria. This process is initiated automatically by the residence authority and the Austrian embassy abroad.

After entering Austria, the applicant must appear in person at the authority.

Finally, the residence permit is collected, which enables the applicant to start working in Austria.

Documents abroad are normally issued in the national language. Once they have been certified by an apostille or over-certification, they must be translated into German. In Austria, only court-approved translators are allowed to translate certified documents. If the foreign document is in English or German, a certified translation is generally not required.

If an apostille is not possible because the country has not joined the international agreement, legalization is required. Legalization also confirms the authenticity of a document. The first step is an intermediate legalization by the foreign ministry of the issuing country (e.g. the foreign ministry in China). The intermediate legalization is then over-legalized by an employee of the Austrian embassy or consulate.

An apostille must be affixed to documents issued by foreign authorities and courts. It replaces over-certification and confirms the authenticity of the document. A specially authorized authority in the home country issues the apostille. This simplified form of legalization is accepted in many countries on the basis of an international agreement. Documents that do not originate from public authorities, such as confirmations from foreign employers, do not require an apostille.

An application for renewal can be submitted at the earliest three months before the current residence permit expires. The extension must be applied for on the last day of validity, otherwise it will be regarded as an initial application. If the extension is applied for in good time, residence in Austria remains legal, even if the old residence permit has expired and the new one has not yet been issued.

You will receive all the necessary documents for the application from us. However, personal support is not included in our all-inclusive price package. Should you nevertheless require individual support, you can request this from us.

Regardless of the type of residence permit, certain requirements must be met. These include health insurance cover, which is automatically guaranteed by compulsory insurance in a statutory health insurance fund when taking up employment. Another important point is proof of accommodation, although this criterion is no longer relevant for the RWR card and the EU Blue Card due to legal changes. In addition, proof of sufficient financial means to cover living expenses must be provided. These currently amount to € 1,030.49 for single persons, € 1,625.71 for married couples and an additional € 159 for each child. This criterion is usually also fulfilled by salary payments. Finally, your residence must not pose a threat to public safety and order, which is why an extract from the criminal record must be submitted with every initial application.

If your nationality allows you to enter Austria without a visa, you can use this option to collect your RWR card or EU Blue Card. Please note, however, that visa-free entry for tourist purposes does not entitle you to collect your residence permit. Normally you need a visa D, which is specifically intended for collecting a residence permit in Austria. You do not have to apply for this visa yourself, as the Austrian residence authority will ask the Austrian embassy in your home country to initiate a visa D procedure. The embassy will then make an appointment with you to issue the D visa. You can then travel to Austria to receive your RWR card or EU Blue Card.

A total fee of € 160 must be paid for all types of RWR cards and the EU Blue Card. These consist of € 120 for the application fee, € 20 for the issuing of the residence permit and a further € 20 for the personalization and production of the card. For the "EU permanent residence" residence permit, however, the total application fee is € 215.

The applicant is only permitted to take up employment if the RWR card or EU Blue Card is already in his/her possession. This means that even if the decision is positive, no employment may be started before the residence permit has been collected. This is necessary because the labor inspectorate or the financial police can carry out checks in the company at any time, during which the RWR card or EU Blue Card must be shown. If this regulation is violated, an administrative offense is committed, which can be punished with a fine of between € 1,000 and € 50,000.

Migration and immigration procedures are carried out by the authorities of the federal states. Responsibility is based on the planned place of residence of the applicant and not on the location of the employer, as is often assumed. For example: If A plans to work for Muster GmbH in Vienna but wants to live in Mödling, Lower Austria, then the Mödling district authority is responsible. This is because A will reside in the district of Mödling in Lower Austria, and therefore the Mödling district authority will process the application on behalf of the federal state of Lower Austria.

By law, the Austrian residence authorities must process the application within eight weeks. However, experience has shown that it takes several weeks to collect, translate and certify all the necessary documents. If the immigration authorities request additional documents, this can lead to a delay of around two weeks.