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Residence Permit – Researcher Mobility
VisasAustriaResidence Permit – Researcher Mobility
AustriaAustria•Europe
Open

Residence Permit – Researcher Mobility

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

Up to 8 weeks

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Up to 2 years

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

The Residence Permit – Researcher Mobility is designed for third-country nationals who already possess a valid 'Researcher' residence title from another EU member state, excluding Ireland and Denmark. This permit facilitates the mobility of highly skilled scientific personnel within the European Union, allowing them to conduct research in Austria for periods exceeding 180 days within a 360-day timeframe. It streamlines the process for researchers who need to continue their scientific work at an Austrian research institution, ensuring that their mobility does not hinder their ongoing academic or professional projects.

Applicants must provide a hosting agreement with a certified Austrian research institution and demonstrate that they possess the necessary qualifications, such as a doctoral degree or a university degree that grants access to PhD programs. The permit allows the holder to pursue research activities immediately upon meeting the necessary documentation requirements. The application fee for this residence permit is €218. It is an essential tool for fostering scientific collaboration and ensuring that international researchers can seamlessly integrate into the Austrian research landscape while maintaining their legal status within the broader EU framework.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

RWR-Karte — Red-White-Red Card
Austria flagAustria

RWR-Karte — Red-White-Red Card

Validity24 months
Processing2 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be a third-country national holding a valid 'Researcher' residence title from another EU member state (excluding Ireland and Denmark).

Must have a doctoral/PhD degree or a university degree allowing access to doctoral programs.

Must have a hosting agreement with a certified research institution in Austria.

Must prove sufficient financial resources to cover living costs.

Must have locally customary accommodation in Austria.

Must have health insurance covering all risks.

No threat to public order or security.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

doctorate or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed application form.

Valid travel document (passport).

Passport-sized photograph (not older than 6 months).

Valid residence title 'Researcher' from another EU member state.

Hosting agreement with an Austrian research institution.

Proof of academic qualifications (PhD or equivalent).

Proof of sufficient financial resources.

Proof of locally customary accommodation.

Proof of health insurance.

Police clearance certificate (for initial application).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Allows researchers to continue their work in Austria without needing additional labor market permits
  • Streamlined mobility process for researchers already holding a permit in another EU state

Worth Knowing

  • The permit is strictly tied to the duration of the research activity and the validity of the original EU permit
  • Must be applied for as soon as it is known that the stay will exceed 180 days

Application Process

1

Secure a hosting agreement with an Austrian research institution

2

Enter Austria legally (visa-free if applicable)

3

Submit the application in person to the locally competent residence authority

4

Provide biometric data and required supporting documentation

Ready to see if the Residence Permit – Researcher Mobility is your path?

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