In the following chapters, you will find out under which conditions artists and cultural workers from third countries are allowed to live and work in Austria. 

The specific permit you need depends on where you come from, how long you want to stay, and what job you want to do. 

Fundamentally, third-country nationals who wish to enter Austria require a visa. In order to simplify cross-border travel, Austria and the Schengen states have concluded agreements with other countries so that their citizens can enter Austria without a visa. This means that your nationality determines whether you need a visa to enter the country. You can check which nationals need a visa to enter Austria and which do not in the list of visa requirements published by the Austrian Ministry of the Interior.

As Austria is part of the Schengen area, third-country nationals can enter other Schengen states with an Austrian visa (which is not geographically restricted). Since joining the Schengen Agreement, agreements on visa free entry have been concluded between the Schengen area and third countries. 

If you would like to stay and work in Austria for a longer period of time, a visa is not always sufficient. Here is an overview:

  • Short-term, temporary stay: 
    If you want to stay in Austria for up to 3 or 6 months, you must check the list of visa requirements of the Austrian Ministry of the Interior to see whether you need a visa. If you need one, the following options are available:
    • Type C visa (tourist visa): I am only coming for tourism purposes or to participate in short training or a business trip.
    • Type C visa (gainful employment): I would like to stay and work in Austria for up to 3 months.
    • Type D visa (gainful employment): I would like to stay and work in Austria for up to 6 months.

Info: Artists and cultural workers who only enter Austria for a one-day performance or an artistic production lasting a maximum of 8 weeks and are employed for this purpose by an employer in Austria do not need a work permit under certain conditions. Their employers only need to report their employment. Further details can be found on the subpage ...I am coming for an artistic performance at short notice.

If you would like to work on an employed basis during this time, you will need a work permit in most cases. 

If you want to work independently during this time, you do not need a work permit. However, you must register with the Austrian tax office and apply for a tax number. 

  • Longer-term, temporary residence: 
    If you want to stay in Austria for more than 6 months, a visa is no longer sufficient. You need a residence permit. There are 3 different types:
    • Red-White-Red Cards
    • Settlement permits
    • Residence permits. If you wish to work during your stay, you will need to apply for a work permit in addition to your residence permit in many cases.

Info: This settlement permit is specially tailored for artists from countries outside the EEA. It is usually issued for one year. Further information can be found on the subpage Settlement Permit - Artist. 

  • Permanent residence: 
    If you have already been legally resident in Austria for a certain period, you can apply for EU permanent residence under certain conditions. This allows you to live and work in Austria indefinitely. 

In the following chapters, you will find out in detail which regulations you need to observe for visas, residence permits, and working in Austria. 

How long do you want to stay?

The different residence permits