How long does the residence permit take?

The authority has up to 90 days from a complete application. Apply at least three months before you travel — the decision is made while you are still abroad.

Can I work on a student permit?

EU/EEA/Swiss: yes, no limit. Non-EU students: up to 20 hours a week, once the employer has obtained a Beschäftigungsbewilligung (work permit) from the AMS — for students it is granted without a labour-market test.

Proof of funds is below the threshold — what now?

A scholarship letter, a parental sponsorship with the sponsor's documents, or topping up a blocked account before you apply all count. The OeAD advisers can look at your case in advance.

Anmeldung deadline missed by a week — am I in trouble?

Registering late can cost a fine of up to €726. Register as soon as you can anyway — don't leave it open.

Visa & residence

Who needs a visa?

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens — no visa, no permit. Register your address (Meldezettel) within three days at any Meldeservice office, then apply for an Anmeldebescheinigung at MA 35 within four months. The fee is €44 (2026).

Everyone else who studies for more than six months needs a residence permit, the “Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student”. You apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate for the country you live in, before you travel, and wait there for the decision. Once it is approved you get a visa D to travel in and collect the card at MA 35. A stay of three to six months (a language course, one exchange semester) only needs the visa D itself.

Documents — student permit

Admission letter from a Vienna university or Fachhochschule
Valid passport and a recent passport photo (35×45 mm)
Proof of accommodation: dorm contract, Mietvertrag, or sub-lease
Proof of funds for 12 months (2026) — €722.58 a month under 24, €1,308.39 from 24; rent above €386.43 a month is added on top. A blocked account, savings or a scholarship letter all count.
Health insurance that covers all risks in Austria, shown at the latest when you collect the card (ÖGK student rate: €78.84 a month)
Birth certificate, with an apostille and a certified German translation where required

Where & when

The authority has up to 90 days to decide, so apply at least three months before you plan to travel. The fee is €218.

MA 35 (Dresdner Straße 93, 1200 Wien) hands out the card and handles extensions: apply before the permit runs out, at the earliest three months before. Already in Austria legally, visa-free or on a visa D? You may file a first application at MA 35 instead — but filing does not let you stay beyond what your visa or visa-free period allows.

Plan so the decision arrives before your visa or visa-free stay ends: staying on without a valid title is an offence that can bring a fine and a ban on re-entry. Filed an extension in time? Keep the confirmation of timely application (Bestätigung über die rechtzeitige Antragstellung) with you.

Official details and forms: oead.at, wien.gv.at and migration.gv.at.