Citizens who want to move to Austria from Canada do not need a visa to enter this country unless they exceed a stay period of 3 months. This entry permit is valid for Canadians who come for tourism or business purposes, but things change for longer stays. Find out from our Austrian lawyers how to relocate to Austria from Canada and what steps to take to ensure you do not have difficulty obtaining your visa and residence permit. We can also offer detailed information about how to immigrate to Austria.
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Applying for an Austrian visa
Austria is part of the Schengen Area, and so this country offers the Schengen visa, with all the advantages of free travels to the countries that are part of this area. If a 3-month stay in Austria does not require an entry visa for Canadian citizens, things change if the stay is extended. A National D visa is a permit to enter the country which can be obtained taking into account the following formalities:
- The passport must be valid for at least 3 months from the date of application for the visa.
- Two passport photos are required as part of the visa application.
- Health insurance is required, and must be valid throughout the Schengen area. This must cover at least EUR 30,000.
- Authorities are asking for information on accommodation, but also on personal finances to cover the period of stay in Austria.
- You will also need a cover letter with information about the purpose of your visit.
- In the case of minor children, the authorities require their birth certificates and a form signed by both parents.
The formalities for obtaining an Austrian visa can seem quite complex without specialized help. But to make sure you have all the documents in order, it is best to get in touch with our lawyers in Austria. It can tell you more about how to move to Austria from Canada.
How can I obtain a residence permit for Austria as a Canadian citizen?
Citizens who want to move to Austria from Canada must also obtain a residence permit. Although there are several options, Canadians must apply for a Red-White-Red Card which is a work and residence permit valid for two years. This document can be issued if you have applied for a job or obtained a position in Austria, if you want to set up a company or if you are self-employed.
In addition, one must offer details on accommodation, health insurance, and qualifications, plus proof of language skills, so it would be advisable to speak German or take courses in this regard. We invite you to discuss more about how to move to Austria from Canada with our lawyers who specialize in this field. We are here to help and guide you in this endeavor if you want to relocate to Austria from Canada.
Residence permits for Canadians who want to retire to Austria
Many people choose to retire in a country like Austria because of the good quality of life and the opportunities offered. Those who want to immigrate to Austria from Canada and have in mind this reason must comply with certain conditions for obtaining an Austrian residence permit, and among these, we mention:
- Couples wishing to retire to Austria must provide a stable monthly income of at least EUR 2,944.
- Accommodation information is required, as well as a clean criminal record.
- Health insurance is part of the application for a resident permit in Austria as a retiree.
- Applicants must prove that they have a basic knowledge of the German language.
Therefore, Canadian couples wishing to retire to Austria are advised to take into account these immigration requirements. It is good to know that a specialist can handle all aspects of paperwork to ensure that the application will not be rejected. Discuss more on how to move to Austria from Canada with our experts.
Our immigration lawyers can offer you support for obtaining citizenship in Austria. Applicants are not obliged to give up their current citizenship, so the formalities are simplified. Among the necessary documents, we mention the birth certificate, proof of a stable income, information about accommodation, a clear criminal record, proof of fee payment, and health insurance. Call us with confidence to benefit from the necessary legal services.
Travel and work in Austria – Main conditions
The existing bilateral agreement makes the Youth Mobility scheme available to both Austrian and Canadian citizens. This program permits working in Austria, if Canadian citizens meet certain essential conditions. The main schemes available for Canadians interested in relocating to Austria are:
- Working Holiday program, for citizens aged 18 to 30. Temporary work is permitted to Canadians in Austria through this scheme.
- Intra- and Partner-Company Training Program, for Canadians aged 18 to 35. Professionals working in a Canadian company who want to access/benefit from training from a company in Austria can enter this scheme.
- Young Workers Exchange Program for Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35. Professional training in agriculture, forestry, and tourism is permitted, as long as a diploma is provided in one of these domains.
In all cases, applicants must have a valid passport with 3 months more than the length of stay. In addition, the entry permit or Visa D is issued for no more than 6 months. As for those who intend to stay more than just 6 months, they must obtain a residence permit in Austria. It is good to know that in the case of the Working Holiday Program, there is no need to present a job offer in Austria. However, this condition is mandatory for the other two relocation schemes, mentioning that a formal internship or a pre-arranged employment contract is also permitted. You can learn more about these programs that allow work and travel in Austria from our attorneys in Austria.
About Austria in a few lines
Austria is one of the most appreciated relocation destinations in the world. Business opportunities, career opportunities, and the balance between professional and family life are quite important aspects when immigrating to Austria, including from Canada. The fact that Austria offers a high standard of living is another advantage to consider when making such an important decision. Here are some interesting facts about Austria:
- Vienna is the capital of Austria, with a population of over 2,015,000, according to data for 2024.
- Of the total population of the capital, over 911,000 are immigrants.
- Around 76,000 Turks live in Vienna, over 71,000 Germans, and more than 55,000 Polish citizens.
- Over 2 million foreign citizens live in Austria, representing over 27% of the country’s total population.
Our lawyers can also help you obtain citizenship in Austria if you already live in this country. Want to know more about how to move to Austria from Canada? We invite you to contact our law firm in Austria and ask for specialist legal assistance if you need to immigrate to Austria.