84 CultureShock! Austria
a residence card (National card) or “der Lichtbildausweis” for
EEA (European Economic Area) citizens. Citizens from other
countries who are going to Austria to work or study for a finite
period of time need only apply for a Temporary Residence
Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung) if they intend to stay longer
than up to two three-month periods during one calendar year.
Those who wish to live in Austria for a long period of time need
to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (Aufenthaltstitel/
Niederlassungsbewilligung). You should apply at the Austrian
consulate in your home country before departure. Hours are
limited, so check before going. Also, expect to wait about a
month for your visa to be approved. If you decide to apply
for residency after your arrival, go to the local magistrate
(Magistrat), district office (Magistratisches Bezirkamt) or
regional district office (Bezirkshauptmannschaft). Once the
six-month period is up, you are required to leave the country.Getting Your Visa
Below is a list of documents needed for a visa. Documents
must be professionally translated into German:
Current passport
Copies of previous passports
Application form
One passport-size photo
Birth certificate (original or notarised copy)
Certificate of good conduct/criminal record (from
police station)
Proof of health insurance
Proof of income or sufficient funds
Proof of lodging in Austria
Photocopies of all documents
Additional documents as applicable:
Work permit
Marriage certificate
Original letter of admission to Austrian school
Copy of round-trip ticket