Mitschrift

Immigration from EU/EEA Countries

Austria has been a member of the European Union since 1995. Under certain conditions, EU citizens may enter, stay, and work in Austria without a visa, benefiting from the free movement of persons. This also applies to people from the EEA states, which include Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. For a stay of up to three months in Austria, you only need a valid passport or identity card. If you wish to stay longer, a confirmation of registration from the MA-35 is required.

Registration Certificate for EU and EEA Citizens

People from the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland must apply for a confirmation of registration from the MA-35 within four months of entering Austria. To qualify, you must be employed or have sufficient means of subsistence along with comprehensive health insurance. The registration certificate is necessary to document your stay. When applying, you can choose from five purposes of residence: employee, self-employment, family members, training, or other. The application must be submitted in person to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, known as MA-35. It's advisable to find out in advance about the required documents for the registration certificate and bring the originals and copies of all necessary documentation.

Example: Tamás and His Daughter

Tamás is a 35-year-old Hungarian citizen with a ten-year-old daughter. He recently moved to Vienna to work as a nurse at the AKH. Being an EU citizen, he is able to start work immediately. Shortly after his move, he applies to the MA-35 for a registration certificate for both himself and his daughter. He submits original documents and copies, including his valid passport or identity card, a registration form, proof of income, and his employment contract. He states his purpose of stay as "employee" based on his contract with Vienna General Hospital, while for his daughter, he indicates "family member." After meeting all requirements and paying the necessary fees, Tamás receives the registration certificates from the MA-35, officially confirming their stay in Austria. After five years, he can apply for permanent residence, which is applicable to all EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who have lived in Austria under the EU's free movement rules for five uninterrupted years. Those who have resided in Austria for six years or longer may acquire Austrian citizenship under certain conditions.

Third-Country Nationals and the Special Case of Brexit

For individuals from the EU, the EEA, and Switzerland, there are additional considerations if they have relatives in third countries. Their relatives can benefit from a residence card for five years, are not bound by the integration agreement, and can work in Austria. The initial application for family reunification must be submitted in person to the MA-35. Due to Brexit, it is important to note that anyone with British citizenship who immigrated to Austria after January 1, 2021, falls under the third-country regulations, with certain exceptions. More information regarding immigration from third countries can be found in the videos on "Family Reunification" and "Immigration of Qualified Workers."