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Visa D — Self-Employment Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 months

Estimated Cost

€218 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

24 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Self-employment visa for entrepreneurs and startup founders with EUR 100,000+ capital investment and a viable business plan.

The Austria Self-Employment Visa permits entrepreneurs and startup founders to establish independent businesses in Austria. Applicants must present a viable business plan demonstrating economic benefit, invest a minimum EUR 50,000, and provide proof of financial means and comprehensive health insurance.

The visa is issued for 24 months and is renewable. A EUR 160 application fee applies, with 8 weeks typical processing time. Spouses have unrestricted work rights. The visa allows autonomous business operation rather than tying the holder to a single employer.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs with substantial capital and a credible business plan who want to build independently in Austria and access the EU market.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2.0 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Austria

Settlement Permit

Validity12 months

Processing2–3 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, at least 3 months validity beyond intended departure, 2 blank pages)

Completed and signed visa application form

Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm, ICAO compliant)

Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of stay

Comprehensive travel health insurance (minimum coverage EUR 30,000, valid for Schengen area)

Proof of accommodation in Austria

Specific purpose of stay (e.g., work, study, research, family reunion) with supporting documentation

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

15,701 EUR/yr

Investment

100,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and photo

Detailed business plan

Proof of investment capital

Evidence of professional qualifications

Proof of health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Criminal record certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

24-month initial residence permit enabling business establishment and family planning in Austria
Pathway to renewal for multi-year business continuity without reapplication between permits
Spouse can work without restrictions during the 24-month permit duration
Full work authorization for self-directed entrepreneurship — operate independently without employer constraints
Family reunification rights — dependents can accompany the applicant under family reunification provisions
Professional autonomy — shape your own career trajectory as a self-sustaining economic actor in Austria
No job offer requirement — pursue self-directed business ventures instead of traditional employment

Worth Knowing

EUR 50,000 minimum investment threshold is substantial — a significant capital requirement
Application fee of EUR 218 plus mandatory social insurance contributions (SVS) are substantial
Rigorous AMS assessment of business viability and macroeconomic benefit required for approval
Comprehensive business plan demonstrating long-term sustainability and economic contribution must be submitted
No pathway to permanent residence — visa does not lead to PR status despite renewability
EUR 50,000 minimum investment requirement creates a major barrier for under-capitalized entrepreneurs

Application Process

Secure job offer: Obtain binding employment contract or offer

Employer applies for work permit: Austrian employer submits work permit application

Work permit approval: Employment Authority grants work permit

Apply for visa: Submit visa application at Austrian embassy/consulate

Receive visa: Visa issued for employment duration

Enter Austria: Can begin work immediately upon entry

Application Forms

Type D Visa Application FormOptional

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Verified Claims (4)

Last verified Jun 26, 2026

Fee Breakdown

Application fee: 218 EUR

bmi.gv.at

Investment Amount

100000

migration.gv.at

Official Info

https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/self-employedkeyworkers/

migration.gv.at

Pr Pathway

true

migration.gv.at

Official Information

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Overview

Self-employment visa for entrepreneurs and startup founders with EUR 100,000+ capital investment and a viable business plan.

This visa is ideal for entrepreneurs with substantial capital and a credible business plan who want to build independently in Austria and access the EU market.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, at least 3 months validity beyond intended departure, 2 blank pages)

Completed and signed visa application form

Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm, ICAO compliant)

Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of stay

Comprehensive travel health insurance (minimum coverage EUR 30,000, valid for Schengen area)

Proof of accommodation in Austria

Specific purpose of stay (e.g., work, study, research, family reunion) with supporting documentation

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

15,701 EUR/yr

Investment

100,000 EUR

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and photo

Detailed business plan

Proof of investment capital

Evidence of professional qualifications

Proof of health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Criminal record certificate

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

24-month initial residence permit enabling business establishment and family planning in Austria
Pathway to renewal for multi-year business continuity without reapplication between permits
Spouse can work without restrictions during the 24-month permit duration
Full work authorization for self-directed entrepreneurship — operate independently without employer constraints
Family reunification rights — dependents can accompany the applicant under family reunification provisions
Professional autonomy — shape your own career trajectory as a self-sustaining economic actor in Austria
No job offer requirement — pursue self-directed business ventures instead of traditional employment

Worth Knowing

EUR 50,000 minimum investment threshold is substantial — a significant capital requirement
Application fee of EUR 218 plus mandatory social insurance contributions (SVS) are substantial
Rigorous AMS assessment of business viability and macroeconomic benefit required for approval
Comprehensive business plan demonstrating long-term sustainability and economic contribution must be submitted
No pathway to permanent residence — visa does not lead to PR status despite renewability
EUR 50,000 minimum investment requirement creates a major barrier for under-capitalized entrepreneurs

Application Process