Immigration EU/EEA/Switzerland
Nationals of other EU member states do not require a visa to enter Austria. Under residence law, they are permitted to stay in Austria for up to three months. The same applies to nationals of EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) as well as Switzerland.
To stay in Austria for more than three months, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals must meet the conditions for a right of residence under EU law. In most cases, EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who work here in Austria on an employed basis meet these conditions.
EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens who have a right of residence under EU law and therefore stay in Austria for more than three months must obtain a Registration Certificate ("Anmeldebescheinigung") to document their right of residence. This must be applied for within four months after entering Austria.
Various documents must be prepared and presented at the appointment with the competent authority. Further information can be found, for example, on the website of Work in Austria.
After five years of residence, and if all applicable conditions are met, an application for a Certificate of Permanent Residence ("Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts") can be submitted.
Certain third-country national family members of the above-mentioned persons may also be entitled to a right of residence under EU law and access to the labour market, provided they meet the legal requirements. In such cases, they are issued a Residence Card (Aufenthaltskarte) by the competent authority to document their right of residence, which must be applied for within four months after entering Austria. It is valid for a period of five years. After five years of uninterrupted legal residence, they can apply for a so-called Permanent Residence Card (Daueraufenthaltskarte) if all conditions are met. We recommend checking the exact requirements for the Residence Card and the requirements for entry to Austria (e.g. visa or the compliance with allowed visa-exempt days) individually in good time. Please note that in certain cases, alternative options may be more appropriate.
Tip: For Registration certificates and Residence cards, we recommend checking well in advance whether an appointment with the competent authority is required. As appointments with the authorities can be booked up for some time in advance, this is important to ensure that your application will be submitted in time (failure to apply in time may result in a fine).
Please also note, for example, the obligation to register your residence, according to which, in principle, all persons must be registered with the authorities within three days of moving into a dwelling (see Registration of residence).
Please note that this is a brief, general summary which does not claim to be exhaustive (e.g. there are other groups of persons who are entitled to a stay in Tyrol/Austria exceeding three months and who have to apply for a Registration Certificate). The legal situation of each person, including the question of their obligations, must always be examined individually and comprehensively. Among other things, Tyrolean regulations may also be relevant (e.g. on the prohibition of the use of flats and houses as "illegal leisure residences" - illegale Freizeitwohnsitze - in Tyrol).
We will be happy to help you with any questions you may have and also put you in touch with experts in this field who will advise you free of charge!
Please note
We are happy to answer your questions and help you find expert advice on specialist topics!
It is advisable to also find out about other relevant topics before moving to Austria, e.g. regarding tax and social security issues.
Some initial information for people moving to Tyrol to work for a Tyrolean employer can also be found at “Your arrival in Tyrol - FAQs for employees”. Please note, however, that each situation is unique, and therefore, different or additional topics and information may be relevant for you.
