Immigration EU/EEA/Switzerland

The right of residence of persons with EU, EEA or Swiss nationality 

Nationals of other EU states do not need a visa to enter Austria. In terms of residence law, they are entitled to reside in Austria for a period of up to three months. The same applies to nationals of EEA states (from Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway) and Switzerland.

The right of residence for more than three months depends on the fulfillment of certain requirements (and should be clarified in good time).

It is the so-called Registration Certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung), which serves as documentation of the right of residence of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens for more than three months in Austria. The application period for the Registration Certificate is four months from the date of entry into Austria. Various documents are necessary for the application. For further information on the right of residence of EU, EEA and Swiss citizens for more than three months and the conditions under which this is given, as well as on the Registration Certificate, see for example the website of Work in Austria (please feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions, we will be happy to put you in touch with experts in this field who will advise you free of charge). After five years of residence, an application for a document certifying permanent residence ("Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts") can be submitted if all requirements are fulfilled.

Certain third-country national family members of the above-mentioned persons also enjoy a right of residence and access to the labour market if the requirements are met. In this case, 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 a so-called Permanent Residence Card (Daueraufenthaltskarte) if all conditions are met. We recommend checking the exact requirements for the Residence Card and the necessities for the entry to Austria (e.g. visa or the compliance with allowed visa-excempt days) individually in good time. In some cases, for example, a Settlement Permit for a limited stay (and exclusively self-employed activity) may also be an option to be considered (e.g. for a life partner).

Tip: In the case of Registration certificates and Residence cards, it is a good idea to find out well in advance whether an appointment with the competent authority is required for the application. 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 the imposition of a fine).

Please also note (for example) the obligation to register your residence, according to which all persons must be registered with the authorities within three days of moving into a dwelling (for further information see Registration of residence, for example).

We would like to point out that this is only 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!