Generally a differentiation is made between

• Professional representations (for visa and residence questions only the embassies and general consulates are relevant), and
• Honorary consulates, honorary general consulates which are run on a voluntary basis by Austrians abroad or nationals of the host countries.

All professional representations accept applications under the Settlement and Residence Act, all professional representations competent to issue endorsements accept visa applications. Only selected honorary consulates are entitled to accept visa applications or applications under the Settlement and Residence Act and to transmit these to the competent professional representation for further processing/action. When planning to file an application with an honorary consulate, applicants are advised to contact that consulate or the competent professional representation in advance to enquire about the competencies. For details on Austrian representations see the website of the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs.