Entry and Residence in Austria (Visa & Residence Permit)

Visa and residence procedures can take several weeks or even months and may require legalisation and certified translations. Please prepare your documents early.

We aim to keep this page up to date. However, requirements may change. Only the responsible authorities or embassy can provide binding information and make final decisions.

The entry document you need for Austria (visa and/or residence permit) depends on your citizenship and the length of your stay.

Please note: The visa/residence application is the student’s responsibility. USTP provides general guidance only. All information on this page is without liability.

EU/EEA and Swiss citizens

• Citizens of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland may enter and live in Austria without a visa or residence permit.
• If you stay in Austria for more than 3 months, you must apply for a Registration Certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) within 4 months of arrival.

Checklist and details (OeAD): Confirmation of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung)

Non-EU/EEA citizens (third-country nationals)

• If you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you must follow Austria’s entry and residence rules for third-country nationals (visa and/or residence permit).
• Important: Some nationalities still need a visa to enter Austria, even if a residence permit will be issued for the stay. Always follow the instructions of the Austrian embassy/consulate responsible for your place of residence.

1. Study programmes fully based in Austria (degree-seeking BA/MA at USTP)

If you will study in Austria for more than 6 months, you usually need a Residence Permit – Student (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student). This permit is typically issued for 12 months and can be renewed if you continue your studies.

Checklist and details (OeAD): Residence Permit – Student (no mobility programme)

2. Joint Master Programmes (students spending semesters in different countries)

All Joint Master students at USTP start in Austria, but you will spend other semesters at partner universities. What you need for Austria depends mainly on how long you will stay in Austria in total.

We would recommend Option 1, as it can reduce administrative effort during your Joint Master studies.

Option 1: Residence Permit – Student (mobility programme) (up to 2 years)

Option 2: Visa for Austria (up to 6 months / one semester)

For your mobility semesters abroad, you must also check the entry/residence rules of each partner country. Partner universities will provide guidance for their country. In addition, Joint Master students should check the official webpages of their study programme, as they may contain programme-specific guidance:

• FAQ GRACE
• FAQ Citizen-Centered Digital Health and Social Care