Overview
Austria is a Schengen member. Long-stay visas and residence permits are handled by the Austrian authorities (Magistrat or Bezirkshauptmannschaft). Austria has a unique points-based immigration system — the Red-White-Red Card (RWR) — for skilled workers, self-employed persons, and family members.
Visa Types
- Valid passport (3+ months beyond return)
- Completed visa application form
- 2 passport photos
- Travel insurance €30,000 (Schengen-wide)
- Proof of accommodation
- Return travel ticket
- Proof of financial means (min. €55/day)
- Fee: €80
Austria's points-based system for skilled workers. Points are awarded for qualifications, work experience, age, language skills, and salary. Categories include: Very Highly Qualified Workers, Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations, and Other Key Workers.
- Minimum 70 points from the RWR scoring system
- Recognized qualifications (via NARIC Austria)
- Job offer meeting minimum salary (varies by category)
- German language skills (B1 advantageous)
- Valid passport
- Criminal background check
- Health insurance
- Acceptance letter from Austrian university
- Proof of financial means (€900/month)
- Health insurance valid in Austria
- Proof of accommodation
- German language proficiency (for German-language programs)
- Criminal background check
Application Process
Check Points Score
Use the official RWR online scoring tool (migration.gv.at) to see if you qualify for the Red-White-Red Card before applying.
Apply at Austrian Consulate
Submit your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country. Long-stay processing: up to 8 weeks.
Travel & Register
Enter Austria, then register at the Meldeamt (registration office) within 3 days to get your Meldezettel (registration certificate).
Collect Residence Permit
Collect your RWR Card or residence permit from the local authority (Magistrat). Biometrics are taken at this stage.
Tax System
Austria's tax authority is the Finanzamt Österreich. Tax residents — those with a permanent home or habitual abode in Austria — are taxed on worldwide income. Austria has a progressive income tax system with relatively high top rates, a mandatory church tax for members of recognised religious organisations, and no general wealth tax.
⛪ Kirchenbeitrag (Church Contribution): Unlike Germany's church tax (which is a percentage of income tax), Austria charges a fixed mandatory annual contribution (Kirchenbeitrag) to members of the Catholic Church and other recognised denominations — typically €100–€400/year depending on income. You can formally leave the church (Kirchenaustritt) to avoid it.
| Tax | Rate |
| Income Tax — up to €12,816 | 0% |
| Income Tax — €12,816–€20,818 | 20% |
| Income Tax — €20,818–€34,513 | 30% |
| Income Tax — €34,513–€66,612 | 40% |
| Income Tax — €66,612–€99,266 | 48% |
| Income Tax — €99,266–€1,000,000 | 50% |
| Income Tax — above €1,000,000 | 55% |
| Capital Gains Tax (KESt) | 27.5% (securities); 25% (bank interest) |
| VAT (MwSt/USt) — Standard | 20% |
| VAT — Reduced (food, books, culture) | 10% |
| VAT — Reduced (accommodation) | 13% |
| Corporate Tax (KSt) | 24% (reduced from 25% in 2024) |
| Dividend Withholding Tax | 27.5% |
| Real Estate Transfer Tax | 3.5% |
| Land Register Fee | 1.1% |
| Inheritance / Gift Tax | None (abolished 2008); notarial fees apply |
| Wealth Tax | None |
| Social Security — Employee (approx.) | ~18.12% |
| Social Security — Employer (approx.) | ~21.48% |
| Tax Year | Calendar year |
| Tax Return Deadline | April 30 (paper) / June 30 (online) of following year |
13th and 14th month salaries: Austrian employment contracts typically include a 13th month (holiday pay, June) and 14th month (Christmas bonus, November). These are taxed at a flat 6% rate — a significant benefit compared to the marginal rate on regular salary.
⚠️ Mandatory Tax Filing: Unlike some countries where filing is optional, Austrian employees with income from multiple sources, investment income, or significant deductions are required to file an annual tax return (Arbeitnehmerveranlagung / Einkommensteuererklärung). Failure to file when required can result in penalties.