Planning Your Relocation to Vienna

Welcome to AITHYRA. We’re here to support your journey every step of the way.

Visa and Entry Requirements

The HR team is dedicated to helping you seamlessly navigate your start at AITHYRA.

We understand that paperwork can sometimes be challenging, so please feel free to reach out to our team if you have any questions. We are also happy to arrange a video call to discuss any concerns and support you through the process.

HR Generalist

Alexander Hage

Visa Types

As a researcher you have the possibility to apply for
  • a residence permit researcher (Niederlassungsbewilligung Forscher) or
  • a Visa D

The preferred visa type is the residence permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung Forscher), however the application could take 2-3 months. Thus, please apply for a visa D which enables you to work and live in Austria for the first 6 months of your employment, as it is quicker to get (in some cases, it can be possible to start both concurrently). As a researcher you are always allowed to extend your visa/residence permit in Austria – regardless of the visa status – and you do not have to travel back to your home country to extend your stay. Once you arrive in Austria, we can make an appointment for the residence permit application.

Where to hand in the visa/residence permit application

You can use this link to find the Austrian embassy in the country where you are currently residing and submit your visa application.

Please contact our colleague Patrycja Johansson (pjohansson@aithyra.at); she is happy to book your journey to the embassy if needed.

Short-Term Visit – Visa C

Are you coming for an interview or visiting Austria for less than 90 days?

Learn more about Short-Term Visa

The Schengen visa C is intended for touristic, business or visiting purposes (without gainful employment) for a maximum stay of 90 days per 180 days.

Documents required:

  • Passport
  • Biometric photo
  • Completed visa-C form
  • Travel booking confirmation
  • Health-insurance proof (we will provide the insurance policy)
  • Invitation letter

Expected processing time: From our experience, a C-type visa is usually issued within 1.5 – 3 weeks after you submit the complete application.

Application form_Visa_CDownload

Long-Term Stay – Visa D

Secured a work contract with AITHYRA?

Learn more about Long-Term Visa

Visa D, national visa, are subject to national legislation and entitle the holder to stay in Austria for a period of 91 days up to six months. They can be issued for single or multiple entries.

Documents required:

  • Visa D Form
  • Biometric passport photos
  • Valid passport (valid for at least 1 more year)
  • Copies of all passport pages with entries
  • List of countries visited in the last 6 months
  • Previous visa/residence permit copies (if applicable)
  • Employment contract prepared by AITHYRA
  • Rental contract or room confirmation
  • Aufnahmevereinbarung/hosting agreement

Please note: As a researcher you never need a confirmation from the AMS (Arbeitsmarktservice) and you do not need to show a flight ticket for a round trip. The hosting agreement (Aufnahmevereinbarung) replaces these documents.

Expected processing time: Approximately 2-3 weeks until you receive the visa D sticker for your passport.

Settlement Permit – Researcher

The “Settlement Permit – Researcher” is for non-EEA individuals:

  • With a doctoral/PhD degree or equivalent
  • Or a degree allowing access to doctoral/PhD programs
  • Who plan to conduct research in Austria requiring this level of qualification

Additionally, a Hosting Agreement with a certified research institution is required. It is generally issued for 24 months.

Red-White-Red Plus Card – after 2 years

Qualified workers who are non-EEA citizens can apply for the Red-White-Red Card. This residence permit is criteria-based and each criterion is given a certain number of points. It is issued for 24 months.

Useful Resources for Visa & Entry

Information for Families

Family Reunification

If family members can join you in Austria once you have obtained a residence permit depends on different factors, mainly what kind of title you hold.

Important: Many authorities require the submission of a current extract from the criminal record as part of an initial application (for people 14 years or older). The record should not be older than 3 months and translated if not in English or German.

Learn more about family reunification options:

Childcare & Schools

Day Care

Children between ages 0 and 6 can receive free childcare and early education in Vienna at public kindergarten. You only have to pay for meals and additional activities.

The new kindergarten year starts in September. Register your child between the beginning of November and the end of December the year before.

Schools

Austria has a free public school system. Compulsory education for all children permanently living in Austria starts at age six and lasts for nine years.

The school year starts in early September and ends early in July. Most schools have “Open Door Days” every year in fall.

Useful Resources for Families

Financial Support for Families

Family Allowance

The Family Allowance is issued automatically if the child is born in Austria. Otherwise, you need to apply for it at the Fiscal Authority (FinanzAmt), online through FinanzOnline, or by mail.

The allowance is for minors up to age 18. For persons older than this, the family allowance is paid under certain conditions (e.g., vocational training).

Family Bonus Plus

The “Familienbonus” is a tax allowance reducing payable tax by up to 2,000 Euros per child and year, provided the child is receiving family allowance benefits.

The family bonus plus benefits can be received as monthly tax relief through payroll accounting or annually through the tax declaration.

Useful Resources

Accommodation

Finding Accommodation

The best way to look for housing is after arriving in Vienna. This way you can check out the different districts and connections to your workplace before choosing your new place to live. There are good short-term housing options available.

Short-term Accommodation Options

Long-term Housing Options

You can rent an apartment or house via an agency or directly from private landlords. In either case, you will typically be asked to make a deposit of 3 monthly rents.

Important: Don’t forget that you need to change your Registration (Meldebestätigung) when moving in or moving to a new apartment.

Must-Know When Renting

  • Deposit (Kaution): Usually 3 months’ rent, returned when moving out in proper condition
  • Operating Costs (Betriebskosten): Include waste disposal, lighting, elevator, maintenance – evaluated yearly
  • Fully Equipped: The apartment should come with a functional kitchen (stove, oven, fridge, cabinets, etc.)
  • Household Insurance: Strongly advised – protects belongings and includes liability protection
  • Tenant’s Associations: MieterHilfe Wien offers free consultations for tenants

Housing Platforms

Need Help?

Our HR team is here to support you throughout your journey at AITHYRA.

Contact Us