Austria self-employed visa

The activity must benefit the Austrian economy beyond the business itself, for example through a sustained investment of at least EUR 100,000, by creating or securing jobs, by transferring know-how or new technologies, or by being significant for a region.

The business plan should cover the market and competition analysis, the planned headquarters and your objectives. Add evidence of the capital transfer and of jobs to be created or secured in Austria, proof of the qualifications the activity requires, company agreements where they exist and trade licences where necessary. For a first application a criminal record extract from your country of origin is often required, ideally not older than three months; if you lived elsewhere for more than six months, you need one from that country too.

The residence authority forwards the application, with the business plan and evidence of investment, to the AMS, which gives an opinion on the macroeconomic benefit within about three weeks. If positive and the insurance requirement is met, the card is issued.

You can apply abroad in person at the Austrian mission, or in Austria after lawful entry; an in-person application in Austria lets you remain while it is pending even if the visa-free period or visa expires. If approved, the mission notifies you and you apply for a type D visa to collect the card.

Register your address at the registration office (Meldezettel) within three days of moving in and collect the residence card from the competent residence authority. Holders of most residence titles must fulfil the integration agreement (Module 1, A2 German) within two years.

After the 24-month card you receive a settlement permit, and after a completed two-year settlement period a three-year settlement permit.

Renew in person at the residence authority for your place of residence in Austria, no earlier than three months before the card expires and no later than its expiry date; the fee is EUR 218. A timely application keeps your right of residence and your current labour-market access until the decision, and a confirmation valid for up to three months can be placed in your passport so that you can travel back to Austria. A late application only counts as a renewal if an unforeseeable event stopped you and you apply within two weeks after it ends; otherwise it is treated as a first application.

The card allows only the self-employed activity described in the application. Employment requires a change of purpose to a Red-White-Red Card for very highly qualified workers, other key workers or skilled workers, with a binding job offer and that category’s points.