Austria visa Austria business visa application, requirements, price, and processing time

Any visitor from a non-visa-exempt country who wishes to enter Austria to conduct business must have an Austria business visa; otherwise, they will not be allowed into the country. Like other European Union countries, Austria has stringent immigration laws to control the inflow and outflow of foreigners coming into the country, and issuing visas is one effective way to do that. If you are planning a trip to Austria soon, you need to submit a business visa application at the embassy as quickly as possible.

Traveling To Austria For Business

Austria is a country in Midwestern Europe with a very strong and dynamic economy. The country is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area and is one of the world's wealthiest countries. Based on living standards and purchasing power parity, Austrians are among the richest in the world and enjoy an exceedingly high living standard. Based on Gross Domestic Product projections, the country is among the top 20 highest on the planet.

The Austrian economy is primarily service-based, with mega banks and corporations with headquarters or branches in the country. Austria is also home to many international organizations and institutions with global connections from West to East. Due to its strong economy, there are lots of business opportunities that attract significant foreign direct investments into the country.

The ease of doing business in Austria is one of the best globally, with a diversified economy attracting investment to thriving industries like Sports, tourism, banking and insurance, investment finance, manufacturing and retail chains, and more.

Who Needs An Austria Business Visa?

If you are not from a Schengen country or a country in the European Economic Area, you need a business visa to enter Austria. Schengen visas are also required for those, not from visa-free countries like Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, etc.  

Austria Business Visa Validity

The Austrian business visa is Valid for 180 days, and it becomes active from the day it is issued to the visitor. A visitor can stay within the borders of Austria for 90 days and not a day more.

Austria Business Visa Requirements

So what are the requirements for this business visa? What documents do you need to submit to the Austrian consulate in your home country to avail of this visa? Let's have a look.

Application Form: The visa application form is an essential document with all your details, including information about your trip. When filling out the form, ensure you only submit valid information you can defend.

Passport: A passport is another important document. The embassy of Austria in your country will only accept passports with a minimum of six months validity from the proposed arrival date or three months validity from the proposed departure date. The passport must also have at least one blank page for immigration officers at the airport to affix entry and exit stamps.

Photograph: Two recent passport photographs that meet Schengen visa requirements. They must show your face clearly with a neutral facial expression, and only photos with a white background will be accepted.

Previous Passport and Visas: If you have been issued a visa in the past within the last 7 years, you may submit it too.

Professional Status: If you are a professional, you may attach a document as proof, such as your employment contract, school records, business license, pension fund, etc. The documents you submit should depend on your status.

Bank Statement: There is a minimum amount the embassy will want to see to be sure that you have the capacity to cover your bills. The bank statement maybe 6 months older or less.

Letter of Invitation: An invitation letter issued by the company or organization inviting you to Austria.

Fee: The visa application fee must be paid with the receipt attached to your application. Application fees are €80, but the fee for citizens from selected countries like Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, and Georgia is €35.

Detailed Itinerary: A detailed copy of your itinerary showing the return and departure dates, visit plans, and flight number.

Confirmed Accommodation: A confirmed hotel reservation for the number of days you wish to stay for. Reservations can be made online.

Travel Insurance: The general policy for every visitor coming to the Schengen Area is that they must have travel insurance with a minimum cover of €30,000.

Note that a civil certificate like a family card, marriage, or death certificate may be required where applicable.

To apply for your Austria business visa, prepare your documents, then book an appointment with the Austrian embassy in your home country. During the visa interview, the officer will request these documents and ask you pertinent questions about your trip.