Austria Residence Permit Application & Form 2026: Where & How Austria residence permit application and form 2026: Where to apply? Which form? Which documents? Step-by-step for third-country nationals. Topics: Migration, Residence Permits.

Austria Residence Permit Application & Form 2026: Where & How

Anyone from a third country coming to Austria and wanting to live here longer than 90 days needs a residence permit. Before you receive the permit, you must file an application and fill out a form. This guide explains where to find the right form, how to fill it out step by step, and which documents to bring to the application.

Which form do I need?

On oesterreich.gv.at you will find the official application forms for all Austrian residence permits:

• Aufenthaltsbewilligung (temporary, purpose-bound)
• RWR-Karte (points-based system for skilled workers)
• RWR-Karte plus (unrestricted labour market access)
• EU Blue Card (for highly qualified with higher education)
• Niederlassungsbewilligung (long-term residence with labour market access)
• Daueraufenthalt – EU (long-term residence permit)

Tip: there is one unified main form for all types, but depending on the type additional fields are activated. The online instructions on oesterreich.gv.at explain every field.

Where do I apply?

First-time application (from home country): At the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. For citizens of Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein: first-time application in the home country is not required — go directly to the Bezirkshauptmannschaft in Austria.

Follow-up or extension (in Austria): At the Bezirkshauptmannschaft of your main residence. In Vienna this is the Magistrat (MA 35).

What documents do I need?

The Bezirkshauptstellung or embassy requires for the application:

Document	Note
Passport	Valid ≥ 6 months at application
Birth certificate	Certified translation into German
Marriage certificate	If applicable
Criminal record certificate	From home country, max. 3 months old
Employment contract or job offer	With salary indication
Education certificates	Diploma, certificates (certified translation)
Health insurance proof	ÖGK or private insurance
Passport photos	2 pcs, biometric
Application form	Fully completed

How do I fill in the form?

The PDF form can be filled in on the computer or by hand. We recommend the electronic version:

1. Personal data: exactly as in the passport (including names in Latin script).
2. Purpose of stay: employment, family reunification, study, research.
3. Employment data: employer, position, gross monthly salary.
4. Accommodation: address of main residence in Austria.
5. Financial means: own income or maintenance by relatives.
6. Health insurance: ÖGK or private insurance.
7. Existing permits: previous residence permits in Austria or other EU states.
8. Signature field: personal signature at the end.

Important: do not leave any fields blank. If something does not apply, write «entfällt» or «nicht zutreffend».

What happens after the application?

After the personal application, you will receive an application receipt. With it you may legally stay in Austria until a decision is made. The processing time depends on the type and workload:

• First-time application from home country: 2–4 months
• Follow-up application in Austria: 4–8 weeks
• Extension: 4–12 weeks

For questions about the status of your application, you can contact the service line of the Bezirkshauptmannschaft or track the application through the electronic client portal of your state.

When do I need a lawyer?

In the following cases we recommend legal support:

• Rejection of the first-time or follow-up application
• Complex family situations (binational marriage, international children)
• Previous visa problems or entry bans
• Starting a business in Austria with your own residence permit
• Asylum or subsidiary protection proceedings

The Arbeiterkammer (AK) offers free initial consultations for employees. Also the Österreichische Integrationsstiftung advises migrants free of charge.

Related topics and official sources

Related guides on how2austria.com

• Extend Austria Residence Permit: Instructions & Deadlines — most applications in Austria are extensions.
• Austria Residence Permits: Types, Requirements & Application — overview of all permits.
• Austria Citizenship: Complete Guide 2026 — those who held a residence permit for 10 years can apply for citizenship.

Official sources

• Residence Permit Application Form — oesterreich.gv.at — official PDF download.
• Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz (NAG) — RIS — full text of the law.
• Residence and Settlement — oesterreich.gv.at — service portal.
• Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) — residence permits and citizenship.
• Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) — Employment Permit — requirements for foreign workers.
• Austrian Integration Fund — free advice for migrants.

Legal notes

This guide summarizes the Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz (NAG). Application forms are only available in German. Certified translations may only be issued by court-certified translators — a list can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Justice. For individual cases, consult an attorney or the competent Bezirkshauptmannschaft — this article does not replace individual legal advice.