long term tourist visa austria

Visa for Austria

What types of visa are there and where do I apply?

• Applying for a visa
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Austria Visas » Visa Types

Austria Visa Types

There are different travel permits available for Austria. The type of document a visitor needs depends on their nationality and travel plans .

The following page explains:

• Who needs a visa for Austria
• Types of Austria visa available
• How to apply for an Austrian visa

Do I need a visa to go to Austria?

Visitors from EU countries can enter Austria without a travel authorisation. There is freedom of movement within the Schengen Area.

Currently, citizens of eligible non-EU countries can enter Austria and the Schengen Area without a visa and stay for up to 90 days at a time.

Citizens of non-visa waiver countries must apply for an Austria visa before their trip.

How long can I stay in Austria without a visa?

Travellers from visa-exempt nations can enter Austria without a visa and stay for up to 90 days , in a 180-day period.

From 2025, visitors from eligible countries will need to register with the ETIAS authorisation for Austria , to continue enjoying visa-free travel.

Types of Austrian visas

Those who need a visa to enter Austria can choose from a number of visa options, depending on their individual needs .

Visitors to Austria should check the information relating to each Austrian visa to decide which one is best for them.

Austria tourist visa

Travellers who wish to enter Austria for tourism purposes can obtain an Austrian tourist visa or travel authorisation .

For visa-exempt passport holders , the ETIAS travel authorisation covers tourism trips.

For visitors from other countries , a Schengen visa is suitable for travelling to Austria as a tourist.

Both the ETIAS and Schengen visa allow the holder to stay in Austria and the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period .

Austria long stay visa

An Austrian long stay visa is suitable for visitors who intend to stay in Austria for longer than 90 days .

The long stay visa (Visa D) allows the holder to stay in Austria for a duration of 91 days to 6 months .

Austria residence permit

Residence permit for education, residence permit for third-country family members, residence permit for executives.

Students who intend to study in Austria for more than 180 days must apply for a student residence permit.

The student visa for Austria allows the holder to study at a higher education institution. It is valid for 12 months , with the option to extend it.

Residence visas for Austria are available for family members of Austrian and EU citizens . Austrian residents can also sponsor a family member, providing they meet the requirements.

Austria has the Intra-Transfer-Company (ICT) programme which grants entry to third-country employees with an office in Austria.

Austria employment permit

The red-white-red card, the eu blue card, the jobseeker visa.

The Red-White-Red Card is an Austrian immigration programme for highly skilled non-EU workers . Successful applicants can live and work in Austria for up to 24 months, with the option to renew it.

The EU Blue Card is similar to the Red-White-Red Card, but it operates across the EU . Holders of an EU Blue Card can obtain work permits in other member states more easily.

The Jobseeker visa is available for highly-qualified non-EU nationals who wish to look for a job in Austria . Applicants must score high enough on certain criteria to be eligible.

Austria visa process

The process of how to apply for an Austria visa depends on the travel document that the applicant needs.

Visa-exempt travellers will soon be able to obtain an Austrian ETIAS authorisation completely online.

Visitors who require an Austrian visa must go to an Austrian embassy or consulate or apply in person.

Austria visa documents required

• Eligible passport
• Email address
• Debit or credit card

Austrian visa applicants will need additional documents to request a visa. More information can be found by contacting an Austrian embassy.

How long does it take to get a Austrian visa?

The Austria visa processing time varies depending on the document that is needed.

Those who register with ETIAS can expect to receive the approved document within 48 hours , while an embassy visa usually takes significantly longer.

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Who requires a Visa

Citizens of EU member states, European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland do not need a visa for entering the Republic of Austria.

Nationals of other countries might require a visa in order to enter the Schengen Area or the Austrian territory.

Please check the information on whether you require a visa or not on the  website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior .

Foreigners who are not nationals of an EEA state or Switzerland and who wish to pursue gainful employment or a short-term activity similar to gainful employment (e.g. internship) always require a visa (see also “Temporary work visa”).

Nationals of those states for which the visa requirement has been lifted by means of an EU regulation are entitled to visa-free entry to Austria for a maximum of 90 days per 180 days in case of no gainful employment.

Related Links

• web: Federal Ministry of the Interior bmi.gv.at

Visa Categories

Visa c (short-stay visa).

The Schengen visa C is intended for touristic, business or visiting purposes (without gainful employment) for a maximum stay of 90 days per 180 days.

If a stay of more than 90 days is planned, you should apply for a visa D, which entitles the holder to stay in Austria up to six months.

Each application for a visa is subject to a case-by-case examination by the competent Consulate.

Holders of a Schengen visa are in principle entitled to enter and stay in the Schengen States presumed that the requirements of Art. 6 Schengen Borders Code are fulfilled and the visa is not subject to territorial restrictions.

The Schengen States are:

• Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the non-EU members Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

There are special provisions for family members of EEA citizens and Swiss citizens entitled to freedom of movement. Please find the respective information under the following  link .

Visa A (airport transit visa)

In principle, foreigners who do not leave the international transit zone of an airport during a stopover, a flight segment or international flights do not require a visa.

However, nationals of the countries listed in the following require a visa (category “A”) also to stay in the international transit zone of an Austrian airport unless they are covered by an exemption: 

• Afghanistan, Bangladesch, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethopia, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Pakistan, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria

Further information on visa requirements and exemptions can be found on the  website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior . 

D visa (national visa)

Visa D are subject to Austrian national legislation entitling holders to stays of 91 days to 6 months in Austria and can be issued for one or more entries.

Please note that an extension of a D visa in Austria is not possible. In the case of an intended stay in Austria for more than 6 months, a  residence permit   must be applied for.

The issuance of a visa D depends on the information provided by the applicant and thus on whether the intended stay in Austria for more than 90 days seems to be sufficiently documented. In exceptional cases, it is also possible to issue a visa D with a validity up to 12 months (for example on the basis of an international agreement).

A visa D issued by Austria or another Schengen State entitles the holder,to move freely in the territory of the other Schengen States for up to 90 days per 180 days, given that the holder does not plan to take up employment, is in possession of a valid travel document  fulfils the relevant conditions of the Schengen Borders Code ( Article 6 (1) (a), (c) and (e) of Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 establishing a Community Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders ) and is not on the national list of alerts of the Member State concerned.

Please note that rights acquired in one Schengen State on the basis of national regulations cannot automatically be transferred to another Schengen State. For example, study permits and work permits are in principle limited to the issuing Schengen State only.  

Examples to apply for a Visa

Visa for long-term visiting trips.

For an intended stay in Austria longer than 90 days, but not exceeding 6 months, e.g. for family visits or course participation, it is possible to apply for a visa D. Corresponding documents to demonstrate the purpose of the stay must be submitted.

Visa for the collection of a residence permit

Persons granted a residence permit have to collect the residence card from the competent authority in Austria. If a visa is required, it is necessary to apply for a visa D for entry to collect the residence permit within three months of notification by the competent Consulate.

Job seeker visa

Highly qualified third-country nationals who wish to come to Austria to look for employment and subsequently possibly apply for a Red-White-Red Card for highly qualified persons can apply for a D visa to search for a job (“job seeker visa”). The visa D is issued for six months. Please note that holding this type of visa, employment is not permitted.

For further information on the job seeker visa and the Red-White-Red Card, please visit the   Federal Government’s official information website on migration to Austria . 

Visa for participants in a ”Working Holiday Programme”

Please find more information about the Working Holiday Programmes under the following  link .

Visa for taking up temporary work

In order to take up temporary work for

• merely temporary self-employment,
• merely temporary dependent employment,
• an activity as a seasonal worker as well as
• an activity as a trainee, which requires official confirmation in accordance with § 3 (5) of the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals (Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz or AuslBG),

the issuance of a visa for gainful employment is required (§ 24 of the Aliens’ Police Act (Fremdenpolizeigesetz or FPG)).

A precondition for the issue of a visa for gainful employment is the fulfilment of the general visa requirements. In addition, in case of intended dependent employment, the required documents stipulated in the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals, and in case of intended self-employment, the relevant documents have be submitted.

In case of any questions about the Austrian labour market in general or about necessary labour market permits, please contact Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) directly:

Public Employment Service Austria (AMS)

• web: Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) ams.at

Requirements for issuing a visa

The visa requirements for Schengen visa are laid down in the EU Visa Code, the provisions for visa D are laid down in the Aliens’ Police Act (FPG). The competent Consulate examines the visa applications if the conditions for issuing a visa are fulfilled. The competent Consulate decides on each application individually, taking into account all the circumstances of the individual case.

There is no legal entitlement to a visa.

A visa application is admissible if:

• the visa application has been lodged at the competent Consulate,
• the visa application has been lodged within a period of six months and not later than 15 calendar days before the intended start of the trip,
• a correctly completed visa application form is presented,
• a valid passport not older than 10 years, valid for three months after expiry of the visa and with two free pages, is presented,
• an  ICAO -compliant passport photo is presented,
• consent is given to the collection of fingerprints (unless already stored within the last 59 months), and
•  the visa fee has been paid.

Once admissibility has been established, the Consulate examines the visa application and the following conditions for issuing a visa must be positively established for each individual visa applicant:

• Plausibility and verifiability of the purpose of the trip to Austria,
• Means of substance for living and travel expenses from own assets or income,
• Willingness of the visa holder to leave the Schengen area before the visa expires,
• Presentation of an adequate and valid travel medical insurance, covering the period of the intended stay, or, if a multiple-entry visa is applied for, the period of the first intended visit with a minimum coverage of € 30,000.

If it is not possible to prove financing by funds from one’s own assets, financial resources can be proven by an electronic declaration of sponsorship submitted by a person residing in Austria. Please visit the  website of the Federal Ministry of the Interior  for further information on the possibility of submitting a declaration of sponsorship.

Persons whose entry into Austria and the Schengen area would endanger security or public order or who do not fulfil one or more of the above-mentioned requirements, a visa will not be granted.

Applicants, whose visa application were refused, can file a legal remedy at the competent Consulate (“Vorstellung”) respectively submit an appeal to the Federal Administrative Court. Please read the information on the appeal procedure on the refusal form. For further information visit the  website of the Federal Administrative Court .

• web: Federal Administrative Court bvwg.gv.at

Consular territorial competence

As a general rule, the Consulate of the Schengen State in which the sole or main destination is located is competent for examining and deciding on an application for a Schengen visa. In case no main destination can be identified as visits to different Schengen States are planned, the Consulate of the Schengen State through whose external borders the applicant intends to enter the territory of the Schengen State is the competent Consulate for issuing a Schengen visa.

Visa for travels to Austria have to be applied for at the competent   Austrian Consulate , which is placed in the country where the applicant legally resides.

In some countries, the Austrian Consulates also offer the possibility of submitting visa applications to an external service provider. For a service fee, the service provider receives applications and forwards them to the competent Austrian Consulate for examining and decision. An external service provider plays no role in the decision-making process itself!

If there is no Austrian Consulate in the applicant’s home country, a Schengen visa can also be applied for at a Schengen embassy representing Austria if one exists.

Where is a  Schengen representation  in place?

Please note that the representing Schengen embassies may not accept the “electronic declaration of sponsorship” submitted in Austria. The form in which a declaration of sponsorship is accepted by the representing Schengen embassies can be obtained from the competent Austrian Consulate or the representing Schengen embassy. Please note that if you apply to a Schengen embassy representing Austria, this embassy is exclusively responsible for the proceedings. An appeal against the decision also depends on the legal regulations of the respective representing Schengen State.

Visas D and visa for employment can only be applied for at the competent Austrian Consulate.

• web: Competent Austrian Representation bmeia.gv.at
• web: Schengen representation bmeia.gv.at

Supporting Documents and Information

In general, supporting documents have to include a German translation at the request of the Consulate. When submitting English language documents, a translation into German is not required. Please contact the responsible Consulate directly to clarify the need for an appropriate translation of the documents into German. 

In principle, the following supporting documents and information are necessary:

• A fully completed and personally signed  application form
• Passport photo  according to  ICAO  criteria (colour, 35x45 mm)
• Passport  (at least 2 free pages, not older than 10 years, valid for at least three months beyond the duration of the applied for visa)
• Recording of biometric data in the form of  fingerprints if not collected within the last 59 months in the course of a decision on a Schengen visa application  (ten fingerprints, taken with flat fingers and digitally recorded)
• Copy of the  passport data sheet  (the page on which the photograph is located)
• Copies of previous Schengen visa
• Proof of the  means of transport  (reservation OR booking; presentation of a paid ticket is not required)
• For   travel by car : Driving licence, green insurance card, registration certificate
• Travel, health and accident insurance  (minimum coverage € 30,000, including repatriation for medical reasons) valid for the Schengen area. Family members of EEA citizens and Swiss citizens exercising their right to freedom of movement are exempt from this obligation
• For visiting trips, an informal  letter of invitation  may be presented
• If the applicant cannot provide proof of sufficient own financial means: eight-digit  ID number of the  Electronic Declaration of Sponsorship  (the inviter can submit an electronic declaration of sponsorship to the police department locally responsible for his/her place of residence)
• Certified  power of attorney from parents for underage children  travelling unaccompanied by parents
• Evidence of the applicant’s   economic, family and social roots  in his or her home country (e.g. ownership of property in the country of origin, employment, confirmation of studies, pension entitlement, proof of family ties) 

Business trips :

• Invitation  signed by the inviting  Austrian company  on company paper in the original (or company fax/mail to the Consulate), stating the purpose of the trip, dates of travel, name and date of birth as well as the passport number of the person invited
• Proof of employment  (if required)
• For self-employed people:   Excerpt from the company register  or similar document 

Airport transit:

• Copy of  visa for the onward journey  (if required)
• Copy of  flight tickets  

Specific information on supporting documents, you can find  on the Website of the competent Consulate .

• web: Electronic Declaration of Sponsorship bmi.gv.at
• DOCX:  Application for Schengenvisa - Form C1 128 KB
• DOC:  Application for national Visa - Form D 1 117 KB

Processing Time

A decision on the visa application can be taken only after payment of the visa fee and submission of all documents required by the Consulate.

Please note that for some nationalities prior consultation with other Schengen States is mandatory for processing the visa application. This consultation process can take up to seven calendar days. Consultations are currently required with  nationals of the following states .

As a rule, the processing time of an admissible Schengen visa application should not exceed 15 calendar days. If further checks are necessary, the processing time may increase to 45 calendar days.

Examining and deciding on applications for visa D must not take longer than a maximum of 6 months.

Please note that due to the high volume of work and for reasons of data protection and file traceability, inquiries have to be submitted to the Consulate in writing. Your inquiry will be immediately forwarded to the responsible person and processed as soon as possible. Only the applicant or a person authorised by him/her is a party to the procedure and thus entitled to information. For data protection reasons, telephone information cannot go beyond general information.

• web: Consultations for Nationals of the following States ec.europa.eu

Schengen Visa

For a Schengen visa, nationals subject to an EU visa facilitation agreement must pay the amount set out in the agreement (usually € 35) if they are not already exempt from fees under the agreement.

Fees are not required for the following:

• Children under the age of six
• Pupils, students, participants in postgraduate courses and accompanying teaching staff who wish to travel on study or training trips
• Researchers, as defined in point (2) of Article 3 of Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016, travelling for the purpose of carrying out scientific research or participating in a scientific seminar or conference
• Representatives of non-profit organisations up to the age of 25 participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations
• Third-country nationals of EEA countries or CH citizens entitled to free movement under the Directive on the free movement of persons (Directive 2004/38/EC) 
• Researchers from third countries as defined in Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016
• Representatives of non-profit organisations up to the age of 18 participating in seminars, conferences, sports, cultural or educational events organised by non-profit organisations
• Favoured third-country nationals and family members within the meaning of § 2 (4) (11) and (12) of the 2005 Aliens’ Police Act – FPG, Federal Law Gazette I No. 100/2005 

General information:

The use of so-called visa agencies, which demand large sums of money to obtain visas, is explicitly warned against because their services are often linked to dubious practices.

Since there are often cases of fraud in connection with Internet acquaintances, transferring money to unknown persons is explicitly warned against. Any claims that a large amount of money is required in order to obtain a visa are false. 

In case of doubt, please contact the Consulate .

Legal Framework

Bundesgesetz über die Ausübung der Fremdenpolizei, die Ausstellung von Dokumenten für Fremde und die Erteilung von Einreisetitel (Fremdenpolizeigesetz 2005 - FPG) Verordnung (EG) Nr. 810/2009 über einen Visakodex der Gemeinschaft (Visakodex)  Regulation (EU) 2019/1155 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 amending Regulation (EC) No 810/2009 establishing a Community Code on Visas (Visa Code) Richtlinie 2004/38/EG des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 29. April 2004 über das Recht der Unionsbürger und ihrer Familienangehörigen, sich im Hoheitsgebiet der Mitgliedstaaten frei zu bewegen und aufzuhalten, zur Änderung der Verordnung (EWG) Nr. 1612/68 und zur Aufhebung der Richtlinien 64/221/EWG, 68/360/EWG, 72/194/EWG, 73/148/EWG, 75/34/EWG, 75/35/EWG, 90/364/EWG, 90/365/EWG und 93/96/EWG Verordnung (EU) 2018/1806 zur Aufstellung der Liste der Drittländer, deren Staatsangehörige beim Überschreiten der Außengrenzen im Besitz eines Visums sein müssen, sowie der Liste der Drittländer, deren Staatsangehörige von dieser Visumpflicht befreit sind Verordnung (EU) 2016/399 über einen Gemeinschaftskodex für das Überschreiten der Grenzen durch Personen (Schengener Grenzkodex) Bundesgesetz über die Wahrnehmung konsularischer Aufgaben (Konsulargesetz – KonsG)   Bundesgesetz über die Erhebung von Gebühren und den Ersatz von Auslagen für Amtshandlungen österreichischer Vertretungsbehörden in konsularischen Angelegenheiten (Konsulargebührengesetz 1992 – KGG 1992) Bundesgesetz vom 20. März 1975, mit dem die Beschäftigung von Ausländern geregelt wird (Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz – AuslBG) Bundesgesetz über die Niederlassung und den Aufenthalt in Österreich Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz – NAG) Verordnung (EU) 2016/679 des Europäischen Parlaments und des Rates vom 27. April 2016 zum Schutz natürlicher Personen bei der Verarbeitung personenbezogener Daten, zum freien Datenverkehr und zur Aufhebung der Richtlinie 95/46/EG (Datenschutz-Grundverordnung)  

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Austria Visa

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Traveling to Austria

Austria visa types, personal photos, biographical documents.

• Financial materials 

Accommodation

• Educational materials 

Proof of medical insurance

Austria visa application, where to apply for austria visa, when to apply for austria visa, austria visa processing time, austria visa faq.

Austria is a sophisticated, German-speaking country known for its museums and palaces. Its capital Vienna draws well-rounded travelers seeking art and culture, while its snowy mountains attract, skiers, hikers, and lovers of natural beauty.    

You may need a visa to travel to Austria, depending on where you are from (nationality), the length of your trip (duration of stay), and your reason for travel (type of visa needed). 

There are numerous types of visas for Austria, which are valid for travel for specific purposes and times. Different Austrian visas have different Austria visa requirements and validity periods. In general, Austrian visas can be divided into two main categories: short stay visas and long stay visas (a long stay visa for Austria is required for those looking to spend more than 90 days in the country). Another main distinction relates to allowed entries: a single entry will allow you just one entry into the country; a multiple entry visa for Austria will let you enter and exit as many times as needed. 

Short Term Visas (Type C) 

Schengen visas .

• Business (Austria Schengen business visa) 
• Cultural 
• Official Visit 
• Other 
• Study (Austria Schengen student visa) 
• Tourism (Austria tourist visa)
• Visiting Family or Friends 

Long Term Visas (Type D, National) 

Long term visas for Austria include the following:

• Austria student visa
• Job seeker visa (Austria Working visa) 
• Long term visiting visa 
• Visa for collection of residence permit for Austria
• Working Holiday Program visa 

Transit Visa (Type A) 

• Austria transit visa

Austria visa requirements

The following documents are typically required for all visas to Austria:

Official, government-issued document, not older than 10 years, with the correct validity length (a minimum three months past the intended day of exit from Austria)

Your Austria visa fee will depend on the type of visa you are applying for, and possibly other factors, such as your age. Adult Schengen visas fees are traditionally €80; the basic long-term Austrian national visa fee for adults is €150.

Two recently taken photos of the applicant. Photos should be passport style (and have passport dimensions) 

Additional documents:

You will almost certainly have to submit additional documents on your Austrian visa application. Requested documents are typically those which help visa authorities confirm your identity, determine the truthfulness of your stated purpose of travel, and assess your financial state. The  type  of Austrian visa you apply for will determine your supplemental documents, which may include the following: 

Identity documents, such as your birth certificate

Financial materials 

Documents showing your finances, such as your bank balance

Information about where you will stay in Austria

Educational materials 

Proof of university education, etc.

Please note that all documents will likely need to be translated into German (unless otherwise presented in English). 

Applicants for Austrian visas should follow these general steps, which may vary slightly depending on numerous factors, including visa type and application destination. 

Choose your visa duration (Austria visa type) Determine how long you intend to be in Austria—i.e. what type of Austria visa you need: long, short, or airport. This will determine how you proceed with the subsequent application steps. Select your Austrian visa purpose Choose your reason for travel (education, business, etc.) Select your entry category Your selection of the single entry visa for Austria or the multiple entry visa for Austria will determine whether or not you may travel in and out of the country/Schengen area throughout your visa period. Consider that holders of the single-entry visa for Austria cannot return to the country after exiting. Determine where to apply Find your physical application destination (place where you will submit your visa application). This is typically the Austrian Embassy/Consulate or associated visa-application center where you live. For more information, see “where to apply.”

Access your main application form Applicants should access one of two forms: Schengen visa form C1, long stay visa form D1; both are available for download online. You will need to officially submit these forms and the rest of your application at your application destination. Gather the rest of your documents Gather your required documents as well as the supplemental ones required for your specific Austrian visa type.

Almost all Austrian visa applicants must attend a visa appointment at their application destination. Scheduling an Austrian visa interview can take days, weeks, or even months. You should reach out to the embassy/consulate/visa application center directly (via email/phone) to make an appointment.

This is where you will submit your biometric information, pay your Austria visa fee, be interviewed, and meet other requirements pertaining to your visa type. The visa appointment is typically the final stage of the Austria visa application process; you will either be granted a visa upon the conclusion of your appointment, receive a rejection, or leave to await a decision.

Please note that certain visas may require subsequent steps (for example, if you are applying for a long term Austria Working visa you may need to apply for an Austria Work permit—other long term visas may require you to apply for a residence permit for Austria. For more information about whether your visa application will subsequently require you to seek an Austria work permit or a residence permit for Austria, make sure to research the specific visa requirements for your specific visa type. 

Austria visa application processing occurs at Austrian embassies and consulates (and their associated visa application centers) around the world. Austria does not have an online visa application system. To apply, you should therefore submit a physical application to the  Austrian embassy/consulate and visa application center in your country of residence (where you will also fulfill the in-person Austria visa requirements).  If there is no Austrian mission in your country, you will likely apply for your Austrian visa through the embassy/consulate of another country, which is representing Austrian interests abroad.

Applicants for short-stay visas to Austria are advised to submit their application a minimum of fourteen days before their intended trip. And while applying well in advance is recommended, applying too early (i.e. over six months before departure) is discouraged.  

The Austria visa application processing time varies. Factors which determine how long it will take to get your visa include the following:

• Austrian visa type
• Application destination
• Your nationality
• The completeness of application

Depending on all of these factors, you could expect to receive a visa in days, weeks, or even months after you apply.

Depending on where you are from, you may need a visa to enter the country, regardless of how long you intend to stay. Some nationalities do not need a visa to travel to Austria. Regardless of your nationality, however, you will need a visa if you intend to stay in the country longer than 90 days and you are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

Get a travel document for Austria (visa) by submitting an application to your local Austrian embassy/consulate/visa application center, meeting the visa requirements, and paying your visa fee.

The amount of money you need depends on the Schengen country you are visiting. You will likely need to show several months proof of salary/bank statements in order to meet the Schengen proof of funds requirement.

Choose from among the various types of Austria visa you need to apply for by considering your reason for travel and how long you want to stay in the country. These factors will determine the type of visa you need. In addition to visa type, you should also determine how many entries you need—i.e. whether you need a multiple entry visa for Austria or a single entry visa for Austria.

Rejected Schengen visa applicants can appeal the decision, reapply, or apply for another travel document for Austria (different Austrian visa, such as an Austria Student visa).

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

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Your selection "third countries | student with notification of admission | stay for a maximum of 6 months" resulted in the following information:

Visa c or visa d.

Students who are going to stay in Austria for less than six months can apply for a Visa C (for stays of up to 90 days) or for a Visa D (for stays of from 91 days up to a maximum of 6 months) at the competent Austrian representative authority in their country of residence. These visas are free of charge.

If you are going to stay for less than 90 days/three months, you do not need a visa if you are entitled to enter Austria without a visa .

Conditions for the granting of a visa

Validity period, renewal and change to another residence title, family members, please note.

A Visa C permits you to enter all Schengen countries and to stay in those countries for a total period of 90 days within 180 days provided that you fulfil the general entry conditions.

A Visa D entitles you to enter and stay in Austria. It can be granted for a duration of 91 days up to 6 months . Holders of a Visa D also enjoy freedom of movement to other Schengen countries for up to 90 days provided that they fulfil the general entry conditions.

You have to apply for the visa in person at the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy, consulate with power to issue visa) in your country of residence before travelling to Austria. The visa will then be issued by that authority.

In the checklist you will find a list of all documents that are required for an application.

If you are already staying in the Schengen area with a residence title of another Schengen country , you may only apply for an Austrian visa at the Austrian representative authorities in Bratislava, Ljubljana or Munich .

You may apply for the visa at the competent representative authority at the earliest six months before your planned travel date. You should not apply later than 15 calendar days before your planned stay.

Processing times may vary regionally or seasonally (e.g. due to keen demand). As an orientation we recommend that you apply for the visa at least four weeks before intending to enter Austria.

Important information for US and Canadian exchange students / Fulbright scholarship holders

In principle a travel health insurance must be taken out to enter Austria with a visa (and for the whole duration of your stay). Please note that this insurance must be valid in Austria and provide sufficient cover for various health issues (insurance cover well over 30,000 Euro including guarantee to cover possible recovery and repatriation costs and costs for treatment of the COVID-19 disease).

see "Conditions for the granting of a visa"

You are not permitted to engage in gainful employment or self-employment during a visa-free stay or a stay within the scope of a Visa C or D described above. A special visa is always required for taking up gainful employment (Visa C or D with the addendum "Erwerb"). This also applies to unpaid employment (e.g. voluntary work or internships).

A work permit or a confirmation of notification may be required for taking up gainful employment, which must be applied for by the employer at the AMS ("Arbeitsmarktservice").

In principle it is not possible to apply for a visa in Austria nor to have it renewed/extended . Once the visa expires you have to – unless you have been granted a residence title – leave the Schengen area.

Under certain circumstances you may be entitled to apply for a residence title (e.g. for a " Residence Permit – Student ") at the competent residence authority in Austria.

Please note, however, that the application for a residence title does not permit you to overstay the period of residence defined in your visa.

Family members* can also apply for a Visa C or a Visa D at the competent Austrian representative authority (embassy, consulate with power to issue visa) in their country of residence .

If family members - based on their nationality - are entitled to enter Austria without requiring a visa , they are allowed to stay in Austria without a visa for up to 90 days/three months within a time period of 180 days (Japanese nationals up to six months in Austria only).

Working in Austria is not permitted without a visa for gainful employment.

You have to register within three working days of arrival in Austria with the registration office at your place of residence. A registration with the registration office is not needed if you reside in a tourist accommodation (e.g., hotel, guest house, campsite, private room, AirBnB) for a maximum of 2 months.

You have to enclose photocopies of the following documents with the personally signed application form and additionally show the originals :

• Valid travel document, which must be valid until at least three months after leaving the Schengen territory; the travel document must contain at least two empty pages and it must have been issued within the past ten years
• Passport-sized photograph according to the ICAO criteria (colour photograph, size 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
• Notification/confirmation of admission of the Austrian higher education institution
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the living costs for the planned duration of the visa . The funds have to be in a savings book or bank account that must bear the applicant’s name and be accessible from Austria. An alternative possibility would be a declaration of guarantee (or an Electronic Declaration of Guarantee ) of a legal entity or a person living in Austria, the purchase of traveller’s cheques or a confirmation of the award of a scholarship.
• Upon request you should be able to prove the origin of the funds (possibly also by means of appropriate evidence).
• Proof of accommodation in Austria (e.g., booking of a room in a student hall of residence or confirmation of having accommodation, accommodation agreement ["Wohnrechtsvereinbarung"])
• Proof of appropriate travel health insurance (insurance cover at least 30,000 Euro, including guarantee to cover possible recovery and repatriation costs and costs for treatment of the COVID-19 disease; the insurance must be valid in the whole Schengen area) for the planned duration of your stay in Austria.
• Flight, bus or train reservation
• Proof of family ties and/or economic ties with the home country (e.g., proof of employment, proof of being a student there, spouse, children, etc.)

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Our holiday experts are here to assist you with your holiday planning. Send us a message and we will get back you as soon as we can.

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Passport & Visa for Austria

How and what documents you need to apply for a Visa to Austria.

Schengen Visa for Indian nationals

As from 2 November 2015 following the introduction of the Visa Information System (VIS), all Schengen visa applicants in India have to appear in person in order to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photography). The photograph –digitally taken at the time of the application or scanned from an existing one. For subsequent applications within 59 months, the fingerprints can be copied from the previous application file in the VIS. In case of reasonable doubt regarding the identity of the applicant, the consulate will collect again fingerprints within the 59-month period specified above. Furthermore, the applicant may request that they be collected if, at the time when the application is lodged, it cannot be immediately confirmed that the fingerprints were collected within this 59-month period. Visa applicants' biometric data can be collected by Schengen States' consulates and external service providers but not commercial intermediaries Processing Time will be a minimum of 15 days (excluding day of submission at VFS) for all the Visa categories.  However, in some cases the procedure may take considerably longer. Applications accepted at the Austria Application Center in New Delhi will be submitted on next working day at the Embassy of Austria and applications submitted at the other 17  Austrian Application Centres  will be submitted after two working days at the Embassy of Austria in New Delhi. For more details  here.

US and Canadian passportholders do not require a visa in order to enter Austria. However if you have any questions please contact the Austrian Embassy or Austrian Consulate General.

Us and canadian citizens:.

Austrian Consulate General New York: (212) 737 6400 Los Angeles: (310) 444 9310 Vancouver: (604) 687 3338 Toronto: (416) 967 4867 Montreal: (514) 845 8661 Austrian Embassy Washington DC: (202) 895 6700 Ottawa: (613) 789 1444

Australian and New Zealand citizens:

Austrian Embassy Canberra 12 Talbot Street, Forrest, ACT 2603 02 6295 1533 [email protected] Austrian Consulate General Sydney Level 10, 1 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 02 9251 3363 [email protected] Austrian Consulate General Melbourne Rm 802, 8th Floor, 180 William Street, VIC 3000 Melbourne 03 9225 8750 [email protected]

• Please check the  website of the Austrian Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs  for further contact details.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to (Legally) Stay in Europe for More Than 90 Days

When I planned my move to Sweden a few years ago, I tried to figure out how to get past the 90-day limit placed on tourist visas in the Schengen Area. This is a problem encountered by thousands of travelers every year and a question that regularly (especially this time of year) pops up in my inbox.

“How can I stay in Europe for more than 90 days?”

It’s a simple question with a very complicated answer.

I always knew it was complicated, but until I started researching how to stay there longer, I never knew just how complicated.

Fortunately, in the process of this research, I came to learn there are a few ways to stay in Europe longer than 90 days; they just aren’t well known.

This post will teach you the options for staying in Europe over 90 days as well as give you tips on how to move to Europe. But first a few things:

It’s important to note that Europe isn’t just one place — there are varying visa rules throughout the continent. When people talk about the “90-day limit,” they’re talking about restrictions on the Schengen Area, which is the visa policy that governs 27 countries in Europe. It includes most of the European Union as well as a few non-EU countries.

Note: While I call it the “Schengen Visa,” it’s not an actual visa you necessarily need to apply for. Depending on your residency status and country of citizenship, you may need to apply in advance for a Schengen Visa, however, those with an American passport do not need to apply in advance.

However, it should be noted that as of 2025, visitors from 60 countries (including the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) will need to apply for an online ETIAS, which is essentially a visa waiver, when entering the 23 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries of the Schengen. It is valid for 90 days within a 180-day period.

You can apply and pay online up to 96 hours beforehand. It is similar to the US version of ESTA (or the eTA in Canada). ETIAS cost 7 EUR for those 18-70 years old and are free for those under 18 years or over 70.

If you come from a country that requires you to get a Schengen visa you will not need to apply for ETIAS. It’s one or the other. Learn more here . (The ETIAS was originally set to launch in 2024, but has been pushed back.)

Table of Contents

• What is the Schengen Visa?

Part 1: Staying or Moving to Europe the Easy Way

Part 2: staying in the schengen area past 90 days.

• Take Advantage of the Bilateral Agreement
• Working Holiday Visas
• Long-Term-Stay Visas
• Student Visas
• Freelancer Visas
• Marriage Visas

What is the Schengen visa?

The Schengen visa is a 90-day tourist visa for Schengen Area countries, which are:

• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

  Additionally, there are several microstates that are de facto members of the Schengen Area. These are Monaco, San Marino, and Vatican City.

These Schengen countries have a border-free visa agreement that lets residents move throughout the Area without needing to show their passports every time they cross a border. Essentially, it’s as if they’re one country, and you can move as freely as you want.

Citizens of many countries are allowed to enter the Schengen Area without having to get a visa beforehand. Your passport simply gets stamped upon your arrival and departure from Europe. You’re allowed to enter and leave from any country you want — they don’t have to be the same.

Here is a map of the countries with visa waivers that can enter the Schengen without requiring a visa in advance.

Most visitors (including Americans) are allowed to spend 90 days in the Schengen Area in every 180-day period. The easiest way to think of it is that you can visit for 3 months and then you have to leave for 3 months before you can return.

However, you can also bounce back and forth between Schengen and non-Schengen countries — you just need to keep track of all your dates of entry/exit.

When I visit Europe, I fly in and out of different countries all the time. Your first entry in the 180-day period is when your 90-day counter starts. These days don’t need to be consecutive — the total is cumulative. Once day 181 hits, the count resets itself.

For example, if I come to the Schengen Area in January and stay for 60 days and then come back in June for 10 days, that counts as 70 days in 180 days. Only days you are in the zone during the period count. If you go on January 1st and stay 90 straight days, you have to leave and technically can’t come back until July 1st.

If you’re doing a lot of bouncing around, use the EU’s Schengen visa calculator . Simply input all your travel dates and it’ll tell you how many days you have remaining.

However, not all travelers are allowed such freedom.

Citizens from many countries need to apply for a Schengen visa ahead of time. You’ll be required to fill out paperwork beforehand and fly in and out of the country for which your visa is issued.

Even then, you still might not be granted a visa. Spoiler alert: citizens from African and Asian countries get screwed.

So, with that being said, how DO you stay in Europe longer? How do you get around that rule? Let me break it down for you.  

Most non-Schengen countries such as Moldova , Ireland , and some Balkan countries allow you to stay for up to 60 or 90 days. Albania even lets Americans stay up to a year!

So, all you need to do to stay in Europe longer than 3 months is spend 90 days in the Schengen Area and then visit the UK, go to the Balkans, drink wine in Moldova, and have a pint in Ireland. If you align your schedule right, you can easily be out of the Schengen Area for 90 days and then head back into the Schengen Area with a brand new Schengen visa.

Years ago, to get around this limit, I spent three months in Bulgaria , Romania , Ukraine , and England as I waited for my clock to reset.

After that, I headed back into the Schengen area for Oktoberfest .

If you want to travel the continent for a long time without having to go through the various visa processes described below, vary your travel by visiting non-Schengen countries. There are plenty of countries to choose from while you wait for your Schengen Visa clock to reset. This is the easy, hassle-free way of doing things.

—-> Need more tips for Europe? Visit my destination guide and get in-depth information on what to see and do and how to save money .  

After all, the Schengen Area spans 27 countries and visiting so many destinations in 90 days can be a little rushed (you would have an average of just 3.5 days per country).

If you want to stay longer to travel, live, learn a language, or fall in love, then the “move around” option suggested above isn’t going to work for you. You need something else.

Luckily, there are a few ways to do this — and I can’t stress enough the importance of the word “few.” Because staying more than 90 days in the Schengen Area isn’t easy.

First, let’s understand the rule:

The Schengen law states that you can’t stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days. If you do, you’re subject to a fine and possibly deportation and being banned from re-entering the Schengen Area. How that rule is enforced, though, varies greatly from one country to another. Overstaying by a day might not be the end of the world, however, some countries do not mess around with visitors overstaying.

For example, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Switzerland, and Scandinavian countries are all very strict about entry and exit rules. If you overstay your tourist visit, there’s a good chance they’ll pull you aside. Two Australians I know were detained leaving Switzerland due to overstaying their visa by two weeks. They were allowed to go with just a warning, but they missed their flights and had to book new flights.

I know of someone who overstayed by six months, tried to leave from Amsterdam, and now has an “illegal immigrant” stamp on her passport. In order to enter Europe again, she must apply for a visa at an embassy and be preapproved:

I made the mistake of attempting to leave from the Netherlands after overstaying a Schengen visa and was caught. I overstayed by about a month, and they hand-drew some sort of insignia in my passport to note my overstay. They told me I’d have to contact the IND and find out if I would be able to enter the Schengen states again.

Another blogger told me this happened to them too so don’t overstay your visa!

That being said, if you leave from Greece , France , Italy , or Spain you may be less likely to encounter an issue, provided you (a) haven’t stayed over too long and (b) didn’t catch the immigration officer on a bad day.

When I left Greece, no one even looked at my passport. One of my friends met a guy in France, fell in love, and decided not to leave. A year later, when she finally did, the French officials didn’t even look twice. Another friend flew into France and didn’t even get an entry stamp. Spain is another place notorious for not caring and Americans who decide to overstay for months mention that as the easiest country to exit from. Still, it’s a good idea not to take your chances.

Of course, I don’t think it’s wise to overstay. A day or two? Likely not the end of the world. But a few weeks? A few months? The risk is too great. The fines can be large and I love going to Europe too much to risk being banned.

But, Matt, can I extend just extend my Schengen visa/stamp?

Unfortunately not. Simply put, you cannot extend your tourist visa or entry stamp. There’s a 90-day limit, and that’s that.

So what’s a tourist to do?  

1. Take advantage of the Bilateral Agreement

There are 23 Schengen countries to date with bilateral agreements in place with Austria having the most visa waiver agreements (for 27 non-EU countries). Moreover, there are 12 countries that have bilateral agreements with Australia.

For example, France has a bilateral agreement that allows U.S. citizens to stay an additional 90 days beyond the Schengen limit. You can enter from any Schengen country, stay 90 days in France, and then fly home. But the catch is you have to go home — you can’t go elsewhere. You have to leave Europe so you can’t use your time in France as a sneaky way to reset your Schengen clock.

Now, the France/U.S. rule is tricky. It’s based on a post-World War II agreement that was never canceled. Multiple French consulates told me yes, they thought this law existed but couldn’t tell me where to find it. A few visa services told me I was crazy. One consulate told me it was possible but only with a long-term visa.

BUT, after many calls, the US, Canada, and UK French embassies told me that yes, this law does exist and that yes, this is still valid. Then they referenced me to the French national archives.

Well, we found the actual diplomatic papers that spell this out . It took us close to a year to find it but we did.

This is the note from the French government about it:

Hi, There is a bilateral agreement between French and the U.S. by exchange letters (March 16-31 mars 1949), which allows American citizens to stay in France 90 days over 180 days, irrespective of the stays already made in other Schengen countries. However, this agreement has been made before the Schengen agreement. Today, as there is no more border control between the Schengen countries, it is very difficult to determine how long a person has stayed in France and we heard that some people had troubles with the immigration police while leaving France. Therefore, we recommend American citizens to respect the Schengen regulation which allows a maximum of 90 days on 180 days in the whole Schengen area. Consulat général de France, Service des visas 4101 Reservoir Road, Washington DC, 20007

A follow-up to the London embassy gave me this response:

“Whilst the bilateral agreement you refer to has not officially been revoked, the French Border Police has sole authority on deciding whether to apply it or not, at the time of entering or exiting the Schengen area.”

So this is really a thing. And, while they don’t like you using it, it’s still the law. Just bring proof you stayed in France for 90 days! If you plan to use this rule, bring documentation as border guards may not be aware of it.

Additionally, Denmark, Norway, and Poland also have bilateral agreements with the United States that let citizens stay an additional 90 days in each country separate from the regular Schengen Zone visa. The Denmark rule applies exactly the same way as the French one. Denmark also has a bilateral agreement that is applicable for citizens of Australia, Canada, Chile, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea .

That said, travelers can only use the Norwegian or the Danish bilateral agreement — they can’t use both (time in Norway under the bilateral agreement counts as time in Denmark and vice versa).

For Poland, you must enter and leave Poland via a non-Schengen country where you will be stamped again (i.e., direct flight from NYC). So you could do 90 days in the Schengen, fly to the UK, and then fly to Poland. Poland’s rules are simply laid out in an agreement letter the U.S. and Poland signed in 1991. ( Here’s a copy of the letter from the Polish government) .

In theory, there are also other bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Schengen countries. I’ve been told by multiple sources that Belgium, Italy, Hungary, Norway, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands all have their own bilateral agreements with the U.S. as well. This page outlines the existing bilateral agreements .

However, I reached out to each country’s consulate and none of them replied (save Portugal) in any meaningful way. They simply directed me to the standard visa FAQ page.

Regarding Portugal, a representative from the Portuguese consulate said this regarding their bilateral 60-day visa:

Please note that those 60 days are an exceptional extension that needs to be requested within Portugal at SEF office near your temporary address in Portugal.

Now, in theory, one could say thanks to borderless travel you could get your “extra 90 days in Denmark” and then just travel around, fly out of Denmark, and no one would be the wiser. One could say that. But I’ve noticed a lot more intra-Europe passport checks in recent years. I got yelled at in France for not having my passport with me while on a train to see a chateau. So, I wouldn’t recommend doing this.

Note: Most countries have bilateral agreements with other countries. Call the local embassy for more information (you’ll have better luck calling than emailing).  

2. Get a Working Holiday Visa

There is no single “working holiday” program for the Schengen or EU so applicants must apply for a visa from a specific country. Usually, applicants must be younger than 30, though age restrictions are becoming more relaxed in recent years.

Additionally, you can get consecutive working holiday visas. An Australian reader of mine got a two-year Dutch working holiday visa and then got one from Norway to stay two more years. While she and her boyfriend (who also got one) did odd jobs in Holland for a bit, they mostly used it as a way to travel around the continent.

Note : This type of visa won’t allow you to work in any other country than the one that issued it.

For Americans, there are only two options for working holidays in Europe: Ireland (non-Schengen country) and Portugal (Schengen country). Both programs are essentially the same, providing a 12-month work visa to those either currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a higher education institution.

While you must be at least 18 to apply, there’s no upper age limit, provided that you fit the other criteria. For the Portuguese visa, you can only work for 6 months out of the 12-month visa, while the Irish visa has no work restrictions.

3. Get a Long-Term-Stay Visa

However, in 2023, if you have a fully online business, there are countries within Schengen that allow digital nomad visas provided you make a certain amount of money per month and have your own health insurance. Countries that currently offer digital nomad visas include Portugal, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Malta, Romania, Spain, and Norway.

The countries that allow you to apply with the lowest online salary are Portugal, Hungary, Malta, and Croatia, which require around 2,500 EUR in income per month.

Schengen allows for a C- or D-class visa (the letter varies on the country), which is a temporary residence visa for up to one year. But the specific visa and requirements vary from country to country. Some countries are harder, some are easier, and others are nearly impossible despite being in the same visa treaty zone.

However, there are a few countries that do offer long-term visas that aren’t too hard to get:  

France offers a long-term visitor visa for a period of up to one year. According to the French Embassy, “The ‘visitor’ visa (or visa ‘D’) allows you to enter France and stay for more than three months. Long-stay visa holders will be allowed to reside in France for up to 12 months according to the validity of their visa and purpose of stay.”

To get this visa, you must set up an appointment at the French consulate near you. You can’t walk in — you must make an appointment.

At this appointment, you’ll need the following documents:

• One application form filled out completely and signed
• Three passport photos
• Your original passport, which must have been issued less than 10 years ago, be valid for three months after your return, and have at least two blank pages left
• A letter certified by a notary public that promises you won’t engage in work
• A letter of employment stating current occupation and earnings
• Proof of income (you’ll need copies of a pension certificate or your last 3 bank statements)
• Proof of medical insurance that includes evacuation insurance and medical coverage of at least €30,000 (a copy of your US health insurance card is not acceptable as proof, you need a detailed description of coverage)
• Proof of accommodation in France. (If you don’t have an official document such as a sublet agreement, you can include a letter describing your accommodation arrangements).

Note : You can’t apply for this visa more than three months before your arrival date.

France-Visas is the official visa website for France. It details all the types of visas and has a helpful “visa wizard” where you put in your situation and it tells you what type of visa you should apply for as well as all the documents that you need.

You can also visit the French Embassy website for links to local embassies and consulates for more information. Find your closest consulate here .

This post has some helpful information to get you started on long-term visas in particular .  

Sweden also offers a long-term stay tourist visa for a maximum period of one year. Here’s a brief overview of what you need:

• Residence permit for visitor’s application form
• Notarized copies of the pages of your passport that show your identity and the validity of your passport, as well as copies of all the other visas/stamps you have. Your passport also needs to be valid for 3 months after your stay.
• A bank statement showing your means of supporting yourself for the duration of your stay (450 SEK for each day of your stay)
• A return airplane ticket
• Proof of medical coverage of at least 30,000 EUR

Most people who apply for this visa have family in Sweden. If you don’t, you’ll need to have clear reasons as to why you need to stay longer and show ample proof that you can support yourself (i.e., “I want to meet Swedish guys/girls” won’t cut it!).

You can apply either in Sweden or outside the country. If you’re applying from Sweden, you can apply online, and then make an appointment at the consulate or embassy to show your passport and get fingerprinted. If you’re applying outside of Sweden, you need to file your application in person at the consulate or embassy. When you file your application abroad, you’ll also be interviewed about your intended trip and the purpose for staying in Sweden.

You can learn more about the process on this government page .

Spain offers a couple of long-term visas. The Golden Visa is based on a sizable financial investment in Spain, either into a company (minimum 1 million EUR), real estate (minimum 500,000 EUR), or invest in a new business such as in science or tech that creates local employment opportunities. The other more attainable and popular long-term visa targets retirees and is called the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa. It requires that you spend at least 183 days in Spain, which would make you a legal resident for tax purposes. During this time, you are unable to work in Spain (so you’ll need to have enough savings to get you by). However, studying and unpaid internships are permitted.

The big catch for this visa is that you need to have at least 26,000 EUR in your bank account (ideally more). Since the visa is designed for retirees, the assumption is that you’re coming here to rest on your financial laurels after a lifetime of saving up — hence the sizeable requirement.

The visa has been denied to people who are remote workers so I wouldn’t recommend this visa if you’re a digital nomad (Spain is supposedly working on a visa specifically for digital nomads, though it’s not currently available). This is a bit of a gray area though. If you can show enough savings to financially sustain yourself for a year without working, you can get this visa. You just cannot use monthly statements (such as from your remote job) to prove income; financial proof must be savings or passive income (such as a pension).

In addition to having sizable savings, you’ll also need to fill out the application, submit your passport and additional photos, pay a fee, and provide the following:

• Proof of private health insurance (from an authorized company in Spain not travel insurance)
• A doctor’s note certifying that you’re healthy
• A criminal background check translated into Spanish

You must apply for this visa in your country of residency (usually with the help of lawyers). The application varies per country, usually between 120-900 EUR (it’s around 125 EUR for Americans and over 500 EUR for Canadians).

This consulate page has all the specific details you need regarding the application .

Portugal has multiple long-term stay visas. First, there is a Golden Visa, which requires a minimum investment in the country of 280,000 EUR and takes around 18 months to process. The D7 Passive Income visa, which is similar to Spain’s non-lucrative visa, is more realistic for most people.

To apply for the D7 visa in Portugal you need:

• Proof of health insurance covering at least 30,000 EUR
• A background check
• Proof of financial means to stay in Portugal (8,460 EUR)
• Letter of purpose and intent in Portugal
• 2 passport photos
• Proof of accommodation

The main difference between the Portuguese and Spanish long-term visas is that you only need an income of around 8,460 EUR instead of the 26,000 EUR in savings that the Spanish visa requires. You still cannot work on this visa, so your income must be passive (investments, pension, rental property, etc.).

The D7 visa can work for digital nomad as it is valid for 4 months. Portugal is much more accepting of remote work as proof of income for the visa application than Spain.

Portugal also offers the D2 immigrant Entrepreneur visa, which isn’t designed specifically for digital nomads, but could be used by specific entrepreneurs. You’ll need to submit a business plan and demonstrate you have enough capital to get started. You’ll also need to explain why you want to start your business in Portugal (or move it there). You’ll have a much higher chance of getting approved if you have invested upwards of 5,000 EUR in your business and speak some Portuguese (it’s not required, but these visas are regularly rejected so it will give you a leg up).

In short, there are a lot of steps for a temporary visa. However, you can get this extended and eventually apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years.

You’ll need to apply for both of these visas in your country of residency.

The official Portuguese visa website has more information about specific visas and requirements. You can locate your nearest Portuguese consulate here .

A note on long-term visas: Keep in mind that the information above is just for reference. There may be more requirements needed for your application and not all visas are open to everyone. You’ll want to contact your local embassy for specifics and additional information.  

4. Get a Student Visa

All Schengen Area countries offer student visas that are easy to obtain so long as you’re enrolled in a recognized university program. This would require you to pay for the course and you may also have to show proof of minimum fund requirements, but it will virtually guarantee you a visa if you are accepted.

One of the best countries to do this is Spain, where a whole industry has sprung up to help students study Spanish. There are tons of schools that will allow you to enroll and write letters stating you’re a student there. You’ll need to apply in your home country but the process is relatively straightforward. This post details the requirements .

Germany is another popular choice, as post-secondary schools there are essentially free. While there may be more competition, the costs are much lower. However, you need to show proof that you have money in a bank account to cover your expenses. As of October 2022, that amount is 11, 208 EUR in a blocked bank account.

In Germany, you might also be able to work up to 120 full days, or 240 half days (20 hours a week) while you study as well. You can learn about the application process here .

While most student visas allow you to stay in a country for one year, I would only consider getting one if you actually plan on studying. If you’re just getting a student visa to travel and play tourist, it’s not going to be worth the cost and paperwork since you’ll need to set up everything from a residential address to a bank account to a local phone number and more.  

5. Get a Freelancer/Remote Worker Visa

There are several countries that offer freelancer visas and visas geared towards the increasing number of remote workers. This process is a little more complicated and not for the casual tourist. These visas are meant for people who actually want to live and work in Europe. If you’re just a casual tourist, expect to be denied. But if you’re a digital nomad, this is the visa for you.

Schengen countries that offer freelancer or remote worker visas include:

• Germany (no set income amount, but you need a business plan and upwards of 10,000 EUR in savings)
• Estonia (3,500 EUR income/month)
• Czechia (5,600 EUR in savings)
• Portugal (2,800 EUR income/month)
• Greece (3,500 EUR income/month)
• Malta (2,700 EUR income/month)
• Hungary (2,000 EUR income/month
• Croatia (17,800 HRK (2,300 EUR income/month)

Non-Schengen countries that have them include:

• Romania (no set income, reports of successful applicants range from about 3,700 EUR/month)
• Georgia (2,000 USD income/month)
• Iceland (1,000,000 ISK income/month (6,617 EUR), only valid for up to 6 months)

Germany is the country most used by people who want to reside in Europe. If you’re a freelancer, digital nomad, artist, or have some form of income, this is the visa to get. If you are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the U.S., Israel, South Korea, or Japan you can apply after you arrive in Germany (everyone else needs to apply in advance).

The visa only lasts for three months, however, it is designed to be extended into a residency visa which would then last for three years. I have many friends who have gotten this visa. As long as you follow the steps, you should be fine. This post has more information about the process .

Most of these visas follow a similar format: apply, pay a fee, submit proof that your business can stay afloat, then wait to be accepted. However, some have more stringent requirements.

For example, Estonia’s freelancer visa requires a monthly income of at least 3,500 EUR per month leading up to your application. For the Czechia visa, you need to have at least $6,000 USD in your bank account (the lovely folks at Wandertooth, who did this process a couple of years ago, can walk you through the steps ).

If you are a digital nomad and are considering working remotely from the EU you can compare these programs to see which one bests suits your goals (though Germany is likely the best place to start since it’s one of the easiest to get).  

6. Get Married to a European

Fall in love with a European (or at least a friend) and apply for a marriage visa! You’ll get to stay there while the application process goes through and then you can move to Europe and stay there forever with the love of your life! That’s a win-win! (This is a joke. Don’t get married just for a visa to stay in Europe!)

The best, easiest, and most effective way to stay in Europe long-term is to increase the number of countries you visit so you’re in the Schengen Area for only 90 days. As I said, there are a lot of countries not in the Area so this is easy to do.

If you’re like me and want to stay in the Schengen Area longer than 90 days (or just want to move to Europe because it’s awesome), be prepared to work the system. It’s not impossible to stay long-term in the Schengen Area. By understanding the system and using the few loopholes that do exist, one can legally stay past 90 days and enjoy all Europe has to offer without worrying about being barred for life.  

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Book Your Trip to Europe: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

For suggestions on where to stay during your trip, here is a list of my favorite hostels in Europe .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Europe? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Europe for even more planning tips!

NOTE: Due to the complexities of visas and the uniqueness of everyone’s situation, we do not answer any visa related questions in the comments or via email. Thank you.

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A Complete Guide to Austria Visa Requirements

Austria – the name itself makes one think of old Viennese palaces and a country filled with rich cultural heritage. Austria is a beautiful country and attracts a large number of tourists as well as people looking to find employment and live in Austria long term. But depending on which country you are a citizen of and what your purpose and duration of travel is, you may or may not need to apply for a visa to enter, live and work in Austria. Before you go ahead and do that, it is important to find out what the Austria visa requirements are and which visa you are eligible for.

Austria falls in the Schengen region of Europe which means that you can apply to the Austrian embassy for a Schengen visa if you port of entry into Europe is Austria or if you are going to spend the most number of days in austria during a multi-country trip in Europe. However, the Austria visa requirements vary from one category to another. So if you are a business traveller, the documents you have to submit, will differ from what a tourist would have to submit.

TYPES OF AUSTRIAN VISAS AND AUSTRIAN VISA REQUIREMENTS:

Along with understanding Austria visa requirements, it is good to know what are the different categories of visas available and which one you should ideally be applying for. In addition to a list of generic documents, which we will discuss later in the article, every visa type mentioned below needs the applicant to submit a few specific documents that may not be needed if they are applying for a different category of visa.

Tourist visa  – This is probably one of the most popular Austrian visas people apply for! This visa is meant for those looking to visit Austria for less than 90 days for non-business purposes. According to Austria visa requirements, the following documents are required to be submitted especially for a tourist visa application to the embassy:

• Invitation letter with the address and phone number from family member or sponsor – if applicable
• Bank statement from the last 6 months
• Passport copies

Business visa  – This visa is given to those who are planning to visit Austria for temporary work related purposes. However, do keep in mind that this does not grant the applicant to take up new employment in Austria. The documents required for applying for a business visa are:

• Invitation letter from the Austrian company you will be visiting and their detailed address along with your travel dates A letter from your employer stating/allowing your business travel
• Proprietorship/Partnership documents
• The invitation letter must also mention how the expenses of the applicant is going to be covered during his/her travel. It must be made clear whether it will be sponsored by the employer or the Austrian company.

Visa for cultural activities, sports or film crew  – This is a special visa given to applicants who want to travel to Austria to participate in cultural or sporting events. In addition to that, film crew can also apply for a visa to get permission to shoot a film in Austria. Documents required to be submitted to fulfil Austria visa requirements for this category are:

• Invitation letter from the concerned authorities with details of the nature of events or activities. This letter must also mention the purpose of visit as well as how expenses will be covered
• List of names of all travelling crew members
• Duration of stay
• Travel itinerary

Student visa  – This category of visas is required only for applicants who are intending to study in an Austrian institution, conduct research or even undergo some kind of educational training and internship for less than 6 months. The documents required to be eligible for this visa are the following:

• An enrollment certificate of an offer letter showing acceptance into a course or training program
• Certificate of completion or courses attended earlier
• Financial sustenance or proof of sponsorship/scholarship

Transit visa  – As per Austria visa requirements, a transit visa is required if you foresee a layover of a few hours in Austria before heading to your destination. But only applicants from a few countries need to obtain this visa. The list includes the following countries:

• Afghanistan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Myanmar/Burma

In order to get an airport transit visa in Austria, you will need to submit a copy of your valid visa for your final destination. For all other countries not mentioned on this list, a transit visa is not required if you plan to stay within the international transit area in the airport.

Official visit visa  – If the purpose of your travel is to attend intergovernmental meetings, consultations, negotiations or events, this is the visa you will need. The following documents will have to be shown to the embassy in order to be eligible for this visa:

• The official invitation copy
• Identity of applicant
• Purpose of journey (negotiations, meetings, event by intergovernmental organizations, consultations)
• Details of accommodation

Work/employment visa  – Two kinds of work visas are issued by the Austrian embassy – short term and long term. Short term work visas are for those who want to travel to Austria for work for less than 90 days, while long term work visa allows the applicant to work upto 6 months in Austria. The 2 most important Austria visa requirements for this category are:

• Permission by the Austrian Labor Market Authority “AMS”
• Letter of support from the Austrian employer and/or copy of work contract

GENERAL AUSTRIA VISA REQUIREMENTS:

In addition to the above-mentioned specific documents for each category of visa application, the usual set of documents also need to be submitted to successfully meet Austria visa requirements. The list includes the following documents:

• Correct application form duly filled out
• Valid passport
• 2 passport-sized photographs
• Travel insurance  with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000
• Round-trip  flight reservations  or a complete travel itinerary
• Hotel reservation  or proof of accommodation
• Letter of no objection from employer
• Bank statements from the previous 3 months

Austria visa requirements vary from one category of visa to another. When applying for a specific visa, make sure you check the list of documents to be submitted thoroughly. The above guide should help you identify which visa you are eligible for and what are the accompanying documents you need to produce to the embassy.

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This European Country Offers a Digital Nomad Visa for Remote Workers — How to Apply

Here's what you need to know before applying for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa.

Eligibility Requirements

Why spain is great for digital nomads, how to apply, moving to spain, traveling around spain.

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Remote work is here to stay, and millions of people are embracing the work-from-anywhere lifestyle, often referred to as being a “digital nomad.” In fact, some sources estimate that there will be around one billion digital nomads around the world by 2035. And thousands of those nomads may be headed to Spain. 

In 2023, Spain introduced its Digital Nomad Visa, which allows foreigners to live in the nation as residents if they are working remotely for a company based outside of Spain or are self-employed and exclusively use a computer or telecommunication system to work.

Ready to learn more? Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering applying for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa. 

Those looking to apply for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa are required to provide proof of income that is “at least 200 percent of the monthly Spanish national minimum wage,” which is approximately $2,704 per month or $32,479 per year, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website explains . If the applicant travels with family, the first family member must prove “additional financial means of at least 75 percent of the Spanish minimum wage,” or about $1,100 a month. Each additional applicant must show proof of 25 percent of the Spanish national minimum wage. 

Applicants must also show a copy of their university degree or professional certificate, confirming that the applicant has “at least three years of experience in his/her business activity” and show proof of working for a foreign company for at least three months prior to applying. 

There is also one special caveat for those who are self-employed: “He/she can also work for a company located in Spain, as long as the percentage of this particular work does not exceed 20 percent of the total amount of his/her professional activity,” the ministry explained. 

Additionally, applicants must show proof of health insurance that is valid in Spain. Digital Nomad Visa holders will not have access to Spain’s public healthcare system. There are, however, companies entirely dedicated to digital nomad health insurance . 

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

The benefits of working and living in Spain are pretty endless — and I’m speaking from experience. As someone who lived there in 2010, long before the term “digital nomad” existed, and now lives in its next-door country of Portugal, I can personally attest to how magnificent the historic sites, the food, and the culture really are in Spain. But you don’t need to just take my word for it. 

“For me, the main draws of Spain as a digital nomad destination are the low cost of living, the beautiful Mediterranean climate, and the vibrant culture,” Allison Sicking, the travel blogger behind Viva La Travelista , shared. Originally from the United States, Sicking spent time in Mexico as a digital nomad before working her way through the Digital Nomad Visa process in Spain. “I studied abroad in Spain in 2011 and absolutely fell in love with the country and the no pasa nada way of life. I knew from that experience that I wanted to live there one day, and now as a digital nomad, I have the opportunity to make that dream a reality. Plus, having easy access to other European countries for weekend getaways is a major plus.” 

The cost of living is also an attractive reason to go for this visa. According to Expatistan’s calculator , the cost of living in the United States is 62 percent more expensive than living in Spain. Food is about 40 percent more expensive in the U.S. than in Spain, while housing is a whopping 105 percent more expensive in the U.S. 

But you really won’t sacrifice any quality of life for these prices. After all, you’re trading in a more expensive lifestyle for the chance to live in a place that values rest, late-night dining, and savoring great wine — plus, some potential tax savings. 

“One of the greatest appeals of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is access to an improved Non-Resident Income Tax Regime ,” Patricia Palacios, the co-founder of España Guide , a travel guide dedicated to promoting her home country of Spain, explained. “As a result, Digital Nomad Visa holders can pay a 24 percent flat tax rate on income, instead of the standard progressive rate (which can reach 48 percent). You can take advantage of this special rate for up to five years.” 

The process of applying for a Digital Nomad Visa isn’t hard, per se, but there is a fee and a lot of documentation involved, and everything has to be precise. This includes the aforementioned proof of employment or business ownership, financial statements showing proof of income, proof of health insurance coverage that specifically covers any medical costs in Spain, and a criminal background check. After submission, the approval process can take several months, so plan accordingly.

“Another advantage of the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is that you can apply both from abroad or from Spain,” Palacios explained. “If you are abroad, you first need to apply for a visa at the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate . This visa is valid for one year, and afterward, you’re eligible for a two-year renewable residence permit.” 

Or, as Palacios shared, if you’re already legally in Spain (which you can do on a tourist visa for up to 90 days as an American citizen), you can apply directly for a three-year visa. The application can be done online through the electronic office of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration .

“Either way, after renewing the visa for a total of five years, you can apply for permanent residence. And, after 10 years, there is a pathway to Spanish citizenship,” Palacios added. 

Once you’re all approved, you’ll need to visit your local police station in Spain, where they’ll take fingerprints and issue your residence card, which has an additional cost of about 15€ (around $16).

“Regarding the processing time, it takes around two months when applying from abroad. It’s usually about half that time when applying from Spain,” Palacios added.

Palacios shared one more tip: Use the application time as a great excuse to come on an extended vacation, and maybe start exploring which neighborhood you want to call home in Spain. 

“Even though it’s possible to apply from abroad, it’s a bit easier and much faster to apply while in Spain,” Palacios said. “Just enter the country with a tourist visa and apply on arrival.”

Once you’ve obtained a visa, it’s time to start looking for a place to live. The housing market in Spain varies greatly by city and by season, just like in the U.S. 

In major cities like Madrid and Barcelona , it’s common to find apartment rentals on local listing sites like Idealista or Fotocasa. As Housing Anywhere broke down, the average private room in Madrid will cost around €575 (about $660), a studio apartment is about €990 ($1,070), and a one-bedroom apartment is around €1,500 ($1,625).

However, the website warns that “the accommodation hunt in Madrid is fierce,” especially during the end of summer and beginning of fall with incoming students also moving to the city. According to the site, “The high demand also makes the prices go up. So the best advice we can give you would be to start your housing search as early as May.” 

It's also a good idea to learn some Spanish before you move. “Not everyone speaks English, and knowing the language will help daily,” Timon van Basten, a digital nomad in Spain who runs Travel Spain 24 , shared. Van Basten said you can use those new language skills to make friends with locals or other expats, too. “There are many digital nomad and expat groups in Spain for support and socializing.” 

Additionally, van Basten says (and I concur) that it’s critical to lean into Spanish culture and its unique pace of life. “Spain has a more relaxed lifestyle, including the siesta tradition, which might take some getting used to,” van Basten added. 

Bogdan Angheloiu/Getty Images

Once you’re in Spain, it’s easy to get out and explore. The nation’s high-speed trains and extensive bus network make it simple and affordable to go see the intricate palaces of Andalusia, the modernist landmarks of Catalonia, the beaches along the eastern coast, and more. 

There are also plenty of festivals digital nomads can take part in around Spain, including the famed La Tomatina — or “tomato throwing” — in August and the Running of the Bulls in July. Outdoor enthusiasts will also find plenty to do in Spain, including exploring the hiking trails of the Pyrenees, surfing the northern coast of Basque Country, and kiteboarding in Tarifa.

You'll need to show a bank statement before entering this country (here is why)

W hile a passport from most Western countries will generally grant one visa-free access to hundreds of different nations, those who have traveled to a place that does require a tourist visa (or who have applied for work authorization or a longer stay) will know just how much of a headache that can be.

The standard is to provide not only documentation proving one's identity and employment but in what some cases can be ticket and hotel stays (often booked before the visa gets approved), a list of assets and several months of bank statements. The goal is to prove that one has funds to cover the trip and is not at risk of remaining illegally after the visa's expiration date.

Related: A country just went visa-free for visitors with any passport

While Brazil has been allowing Americans to visit the country for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism for the last five years, the country has recently announced that it will re-introduce an e-visa for those looking to enter. The decision will also apply to citizens of other Western countries such as Canada and Australia and, while initially intended to start in April 2024, has been pushed back until April 10, 2025 as the country works out the online system that will make it possible to apply for the visa online.

These are the documents you'll need to show to get a visa for Brazil

Once rolled out however, getting a tourist visa for Brazil will require paying a $185 application fee and submitting significantly more paperwork than at the moment — including proof of residence and employment, a letter of intent declaring why one wants to visit the country and funds proven through either the last three bank statements or six pay stubs.

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Those who do not have $2,000 USD in their account consistently over several months will need to have a sponsor who guarantees to take on financial responsibility should the visa holder run out of money while in the country.

"Starting from April 10th, 2025, passport holders from Australia, Canada, and the United States will require a visa for entry into Brazil," the Brazilian Embassy in the United States said in a statement. "[...] If your arrival is scheduled on or after April 9th, we strongly recommend applying for your eVisa in advance to prevent travel disruptions caused by delays or missed connections."

This is where you'll need to go to apply for a Brazilian visa

Once granted, the visa will be valid for the next 10 years or until one's passport expires. Brazilian citizens have never had visa-free access to the U.S. and currently have to pay a significantly higher application fee of $180 to receive one. 

The visa will also be valid only for visits of up to 90 days at a time; after reaching the limit, one will need to leave and stay away for at least the same time period before returning on the same visa. As all tourist visas, it does not grant the right to work or live in the country long-term. 

The application will be available online while the embassy recommends applying at least two months before one's scheduled trip.

Weak Yen Drives Japan’s Record-Breaking Tourist Arrivals

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 17th, 2024 at 10:11 AM EDT

The depreciation of the Japanese yen against major currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar, has played a pivotal role in driving unprecedented levels of tourist arrivals to Japan.

Peden Doma Bhutia

Japan’s tourist arrivals soared to a record-breaking high last month, with over 3 million visitors exploring the country, as reported by the Japan National Tourism Organization on Wednesday.

Contributing to this milestone were a weak yen, currently trading at a 34-year low against the dollar, along with the influx of travelers eager to see Japan’s famed cherry blossoms.

This is  the first time Japan has surpassed the 3 million-visitor mark in a single month, surpassing the previous high of 2.99 million in July 2019.

Compared to the same period last year, March arrivals increased by almost 70%, and were up approximately 12% compared to March 2019.

Top Source Markets

South Korea emerged as the leading source market for Japan’s tourism, contributing over 663,000 arrivals, followed by Taiwan and China.

Despite Chinese arrivals remaining 35% below 2019 levels, tourist numbers from 17 markets, including Europe, the U.S., Australia, Vietnam, and India, hit an all-time high. Tourism arrivals from Australia went up 87%, while the U.S. experienced a surge of over 64%.

For the first quarter of this year (January-March), Japan welcomed over 8.5 million tourists. During this period, international travelers collectively spent JPY1.8 trillion ($12 billion), averaging approximately JPY210,000 ($1,358) per person per stay — a record-breaking figure.

As Japan aims to attract 60 million foreign visitors annually by 2030, the country looks to surpass its pre-pandemic high of 32 million arrivals by 2025 .

In 2023, Japan hosted around 25 million visitors, who collectively spent a record JPY5.3 trillion ($34 billion), with an average tourist spending approximately JPY210,000 ($1,360) per stay.

The China Focus

As Chinese arrivals are still below pre-Covid levels, Japan has been wanting to increase tourism numbers from China.

On Monday, China’s biggest online travel company Trip.com Group announced that it will be working with Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) to support the recovery and growth of Japan’s tourism industry.

As a leading global travel service provider, https://t.co/QnNAnxosSn Group has been working closely with the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and various Japanese prefectures to support the recovery and growth of Japan's tourism industry. With a focus on attracting… pic.twitter.com/odRfr4ai2b — Trip.com Group (@tripcomgroup) April 15, 2024

“With a focus on attracting affluent Chinese travelers aged 20-40, our collaborative efforts aim to showcase Japan’s natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse experiences,” the company said in a release.

In 2023, Trip.com Group noted encouraging signs of recovery, with passenger numbers reaching 58% of 2019 levels.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa

This month, Japan also introduced the digital nomad visa tailored for remote workers, requiring a minimum annual income of JPY 10 million ($68,300) to qualify.

Citizens from 49 countries and territories with either a tax treaty or reciprocal visa-exemption with Japan, including all EU nations, U.S., UK, Turkey, Australia, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, can apply.

Holders of the digital nomad visa can stay in Japan for up to six months.

Applicants must be tourists working remotely for overseas companies or freelancing for international clients. They must possess private health insurance. Accompanying spouses and children are permitted to stay for the duration of the visa.

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Photo credit: Japan's famed cherry blossoms. Yu Kato / Unsplash