Entry into Austria

Before travelling to Austria, have a look at the immigration regulations regarding visas and residence permits that apply in your case. These regulations depend on your country of origin, the reason and the duration of your stay. We have collected some important information you might need below.

EU citizens and citizens of Lichtenstein, Norway and Switzerland (EEA)

As long as you have sufficient financial means to live on and valid health insurance, you have the right to travel to and reside in Austria without a visa. You need a valid travel document (passport or identity card) to enter the country. 

1 step: Meldezettel (Registration of residence in Vienna)

Once you have moved into your apartment in Vienna, you have to register at a Residence Registration Service Centre (Meldeservicestelle) within 3 days. There are multiple Residence Registration Service Centres in Vienna, and you can register in any one of them, even though it might be useful to book an appointment in your district. You can book your appointment here.

You will need to bring the following documents to your appointment:

• Valid ID/Passport

• Meldezettel: the Meldezettel is a document that you can find here, and it needs to be filled out by you and signed by your landlord

The Meldezettel is a very important document that you will also need to apply for confirmation of registration ((Anmeldebescheinigung) at a later stage. See below for more information.

Please note that if you move to a different apartment within Vienna, you will need to de-register your current address and register your new address. In this case, you will not need to apply for a confirmation of registration again, but you will require a new Meldezettel.

2 step: Anmeldebescheinigung (confirmation of registration)

As a EU/EEA citizen if you plan to stay in Austria for longer than 4 months, you must apply for confirmation of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung) within the first 4 months of your stay. The Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) has more information here.

Third-Country Nationals

If you are not a citizen of an EU/EEA state or Switzerland, you are considered a third-country national and require an entry visa and a residence permit to enter and remain in the country. The OeAD has more information here.

Staying in Austria for more than 6 months

Students that are not citizens of an EU/EEA state or Switzerland, need to apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel - Student) if they plan to stay in Austria for longer than 6 months. The application for such a permit must be submitted in person to the Austrian Embassy in the students' home country or country of residence. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with the team International Students Welcome & Support should you need help with your residence permit application.

You will need the following documents to apply for a residence permit:

1. Application form

2. Valid passport

3. Passport-sized photograph according to the ICAO criteria (colour photograph, size 3.5 x 4.5 cm) not older than 6 months

4. Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the living costs

5. Legalized police clearance certificate. Please check the website of the Embassy you are applying to for regulations about this certificate

6. Proof of accommodation in Austria  

7. WU Letter of Admission 

 

In case of a positive decision about your student residence permit application by the competent authorities in Austria, you will be able to apply for a Visa D to enter Austria and collect your residence permit. Please refer to the website of the OeAD for more information on the procedure.