How to apply for a visa in Turkey for Austria?

Turkish citizens are third-country nationals, meaning they are neither EU citizens nor citizens of the Schengen Area. Turks are therefore - like many other third-country nationals - required to obtain a visa if they want to travel to Austria or any other Schengen country. Regardless of how long the trip to Austria lasts, applying for an Austrian visa in Turkey is mandatory for Turks! Depending on the reason for your trip to Austria, you will need to gather and submit different documents for your visa application in Turkey. Do you want to visit family in Austria, take a trip to the mountains, or meet a business partner? Or do you want to work or study in Austria as a Turkish citizen? We will explain how and where to apply for a visa in Turkey for Austria, what you need, and what you should consider.

Did you know? Turkey wishes to be referred to as Türkiye in the diplomatic world. The initial initiative to replace the English word "Turkey" with "Türkiye" to avoid its ambiguous meaning has now developed into an international desire, so that in German, Turkey is now also referred to as Republic of Türkiye.

Table of contents:

What types of visas are there for Austria?

Schengen Visa C for Austria: For travel for tourism, business, or visiting purposes (without employment) for a maximum of 90 days within a period of 180 days (90/180 day rule). If the stay exceeds 90 days in Austria, you must apply for a D visa for a stay of up to 6 months.

Schengen Visa D for Austria: A D visa allows stays in Austria of 91 days up to 6 months. Important to know: An extension of a D visa is not possible in Austria. If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, you must apply for a residence permit for Austria and may only need to apply for the D visa for entry to collect the residence permit on-site. D visas are mainly issued for longer stays, job search, picking up a residence permit, and for working holiday programs.

Schengen Visa A for Austria: The A visa is the airport transit visa. Normally, most third-country nationals (including Turkish citizens) are not required to have a visa when transiting through Austria as long as they do not leave the international transit zone of the airport. Only citizens of the following countries also need a visa for the transit area in Austria: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria.

Residence Permit for Austria: Anyone wishing to stay in Austria for more than 6 months must apply for a residence permit. Residence permits are always granted for a specific purpose (e.g., "employment" or “study”). Temporary residence permits are generally issued for a duration of twelve months. However, there are also permits such as the "EU Blue Card," "Red-White-Red Card," and "Certain Residence Permits," which are issued for a longer validity. The residence permit with the longest right of residence is the "Permanent Residence - EU.” You can find the explanation of all Austrian residence permits on the website of the Austrian government.

Where do I apply for a visa for Austria in Turkey?

If you live in the Republic of Türkiye and Austria is your main travel destination, your visa applications are processed and decided at the Austrian Embassy in Ankara or at the Consulate General in Istanbul. However, depending on the type of visa you need or whether you are applying directly for a residence permit for more than 6 months, you must submit your application to different authorities. For applications for classic short-term visas (Schengen visas or C visas) and D visas, you submit your application to the official partner of the Austrian Embassy VFS Global. Applications for residence permits for stays over 6 months or for employment are accepted only by the Consulate General in Istanbul or the Austrian Embassy in Ankara. Here is a detailed overview:

1. Application for C visas and D visas Turkey Austria (less than 6 months stay):

  • Visa Center VFS Global: in Istanbul (Harbiye district/ Altunizade district), Bursa, Edirne, Ankara, Antalya, İzmir, Muğla (Bodrum), Gaziantep, and Trabzon.

2. Application for residence permits Turkey Austria (more than 6 months stay):

How do I apply for a visa for Austria in Turkey?

You must always appear in person for your visa application - whether at VFS Global or at the Austrian diplomatic missions in Turkey. During this appointment, your fingerprints will be taken. These are referred to as “biometric information.” Unless you have provided your biometric data in the last 59 months, you may be able to apply without appearing in person. Please schedule an appointment in advance with the appropriate authority. Additionally, each applicant – including minors – must apply for a separate appointment.

Appointments for C visas and D visas Turkey Austria

  • Appointments at VFS Global: You can only book appointments for short-term visas for Austria through VFS Global via the appointment booking portal. You can either schedule an appointment online or call: 0090 212 373 58 25.

Appointments for residence permits Turkey Austria

What do I need to apply for an Austria visa in Turkey?

Are you coming to Austria for a holiday or to visit relatives and friends? Is there a business meeting planned in Vienna or do you have other plans in Austria? Depending on what you intend to do, you will need to submit additional documents. If you plan to stay long-term, study, or work in Austria, you should expect even more requirements, including proof of German language skills.
However, you will always need the following documents.

Checklist for Austria Visa Turkey:

  • Visa application form: completely filled out and signed (forms are available free of charge on-site at the counter or as a download on the website of Austrian diplomatic missions, such as at the Consulate General in Istanbul under "Forms")
  • Valid passport: with a remaining validity of at least 3 months after departure. The date of issue must not be more than 10 years old. Additionally, there must be two consecutive blank pages in the passport.
  • Residence permit for non-Turkish citizens: a valid Turkish residence permit must be attached
  • 2 passport photos: recent and biometric in color (3.5 x 4.5 cm) with face, forehead, ears, and neck uncovered
  • Details about your employment: as an employee, you need an employment certificate on company letterhead in original in German or English, as well as the last 3 months' payslips (if applicable, additional proof)
    • For self-employed individuals: information about your own company
    • For farmers: certificate from the Chamber of Agriculture
    • For retirees: proof of pension (either bank statements or pension card)
    • For students: confirmation from the educational institution including confirmation of absence
  • Proof of round-trip travel: round-trip tickets, or if traveling by car, include a copy of the vehicle registration and international driver's license, and specify the exact travel route
  • Accommodation proof for the entire duration: hotel reservations or possibly an invitation letter from a host
  • Proof of financial means: For the trip and return to your home country, you must prove that you can afford this (e.g., original bank statements from the last 3 months with bank stamp and signature sample). If you cannot provide proof of sufficient financial means, then provide the eight-digit ID number of the electronic commitment declaration (your host can submit an electronic commitment declaration at the competent state police directorate in Austria)
  • Travel health and accident insurance for the Schengen area: You need a visa incoming insurance for the requested travel period with a minimum coverage of 30,000 euros valid for all Schengen countries (when applying for a visa with a long-term validity that allows multiple entries, proof of insurance for the duration of the first stay must be provided.) We have compiled information about suitable Schengen insurances for you below.

Please note: Always check with official authorities which forms you may still need specifically for your visa. On the website of the Austrian Consulate General in Istanbul, you will also find all forms and information regarding the individual visas for Austria (in German and Turkish). You can also view a list of all necessary documents for the individual visas at VFS Global Turkey Austria (select your purpose of stay to learn more).

Here are some examples of additional forms:

  • Tourist visa Austria Turkey: You must outline your specific travel plans and your travel route.
  • Business visa Austria Turkey: Proof of general cost coverage of travel expenses, e.g., by the Turkish company. Invitation letter from a company or institution from Austria or possibly an electronic commitment declaration (EVE)
  • Visitor visa Austria Turkey: When visiting relatives: proof of family relationships (Tam Vukuatli Nüfus Kayit Örnegi). If no electronic commitment declaration is available, then hotel reservation or a letter from the inviter with a copy of the passport, registration confirmation, and rental agreement or land registry extract
  • For a short language course visa Austria Turkey: For participation in the language course: registration confirmation and paid invoice. For students: study certificate in original.

Good to know: All documents that are in Turkish must be officially translated into German or English.

How much does an Austria visa cost for Turks?

Depending on the type of visa or residence permit as well as the age and situation of the applicant, different fees apply. The fee is paid directly at the time of your visa application.

  1. Cost of Schengen visa type C (up to 3 months)

Cost: Click on our visa fee page to see the current prices for Schengen visa type C, as Schengen visa fees are raised every few years for all Schengen countries.

Free of charge: The Schengen visa is free for children under 6 years old, students, participants in postgraduate studies, and accompanying teaching staff who wish to enter for study or training stays. Also for researchers who are traveling for research purposes or for a seminar and for representatives of non-profit organizations up to the age of 25 who participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.

  1. Cost of Schengen visa type D Austria (up to 6 months)
  • D-visa for persons over 6 years: 150 €
  • D-visa for children under 6 years: 75 €

Free of charge: The D-visa for Austria is free for researchers from third countries who are traveling for research purposes, representatives of non-profit organizations up to the age of 18 who participate in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural, or educational events organized by non-profit organizations, and for beneficiaries from third countries and their family members. (Source: Austrian Consulate General in Istanbul)

  1. Cost of residence permit for Austria (over 6 months)
  • Temporary residence permit: 160 € for persons over 6 years, 145 € for children under 6 years.
  • Permanent residence permit "Long-term residence – EU": 210 € for persons over 6 years, 195 € for children under 6 years. (Source: Federal Ministry of the Interior)

How long does the visa application take in Austria?

If you are applying for a short-stay visa (Schengen Visa Type C), your visa application will be processed within 15 working days. In contrast, the processing time for residence permits for stays longer than 6 months takes 3 to 6 months. We recommend submitting your visa application at least 4 weeks before your planned travel from the Republic of Turkey to Austria, to allow time for any possible queries. In some cases, an application can also take several weeks. If you wish, you can apply for your Austria Turkey visa up to 6 months before entry and at the latest 15 days prior. Make sure to provide complete information and documents, as the processing time may be extended or your application may be denied in the worst case.

Tip: Be sure to provide your current email address and mobile phone number. This will help your application be processed more quickly in case of any questions.

How can AXA assist with an Austria Turkey visa?

As a Turkish citizen, you must have a Schengen travel health insurance for your visa and entry from Turkey to Austria. The AXA Schengen travel insurance is an insurance approved by all embassies and Schengen countries for visa applications. Choose from the cost-effective Low-Cost option or use the Multi-Trip insurance for one year or longer if you frequently travel from Turkey to Austria or other Schengen countries. If you also want to travel to other European countries that are not part of the Schengen Area, we offer the Europe-Travel insurance. As a relative or acquaintance, you can also take out the insurance as Incoming insurance for your foreign guests. All insurance policies can be conveniently completed online on our site. In just a few minutes, you will receive your insurance confirmation for your visa by email.

Are you interested? Here you can find the prices for each insurance policy and get a non-binding quote online.

The benefits of AXA Schengen insurance at a glance:

  • Attractive prices
  • No deductible
  • Fast online booking
  • Medical remote consultation via video app
  • 24/7 support and assistance in emergencies
  • Refund of travel insurance costs if your visa application is denied, provided you can present an official receipt
  • No medical questionnaire

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FAQ

Can I travel to other countries in Europe with an Austria visa?

Yes, with a Schengen Visa Type C and Type D, you can move freely within the Schengen Area and travel to all other Schengen countries for up to 90 days (within a 180-day period). Unless your visa is issued as LTV (limited territorial validity).

What should I do if my Austria visa is denied?

You can file an appeal against the decision on the visa denial within 4 weeks. Address your appeal to the authority that made the decision and to the Federal Administrative Court.

What do I need for an Austria visa?

Depending on the length of stay and the purpose of travel, you will need to provide different documents. Generally, you need a valid passport, biometric passport photos, a Schengen health insurance, and proof of your financial means.

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