FAQ on the procedure for residence permits in connection with the coronavirus COVID-19

First time applications for residence permits made abroad
First time applications for residence permits made in Austria
- I have applied for the first time for a residence permit. What can/should I do now?
Renewal applications for residence permits
Issuance of residence permits
- I have received a notification that my residence permit is ready for pick up. What can/should I do now?

First time applications for residence permits made abroad

I have applied for the first time for a residence permit. What can/should I do now?
If you still need to submit documents, please submit them in writing by e-mail or post to the Austrian Embassy and Consulate. The Austrian Representations will forward your application as soon as possible to the domestic authority, which will decide on your application.
I have received a notification that I should apply for a Visa D to pick up my residence permit.
Or:
I have already applied for a D visa to pick up my residence permit. What can/should I do now?
Some of the consulates and visa offices at Austrian representations have limited opening hours for epidemiological reasons. At selected consulates and Austrian embassies, however, regular opening hours could be resumed. Please refer to the website of the respective representation authority for further information.
Due to the unpredictability of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), it is not yet possible to estimate when all representation authorities will be able to resume regular opening hours. Changes will be announced on the website of the respective embassy.
Therefore, please contact the Austrian Embassy or Consulate.
I have received a Visa D to pick up my residence permit. Can I enter the country and pick up my residence permit?
Please take note of the health requirements concerning entry into Austria laid down by the Austrian Ministry of Health. You can find information regarding the current regulations on the homepage of the Ministry of Health FAQ: Einreise nach Österreich (sozialministerium.at)
Please note: You have six months to collect your residence permit. The period begins when the Austrian Embassy informs you that you can apply for a Visa D to collect your residence permit. Please also inform yourself about travel warnings issued by the government of your home country. For the question of pickup of residence permits, please see below.

First time applications for residence permits made in Austria

I have applied for the first time for a residence permit. What can/should I do now?
If you still have to submit documents, please submit them in writing by e-mail or post. The authority will process your application. Please understand that in the current situation the decision will take longer. If you are no longer entitled to stay in Austria, but a decision on your residence permit has not yet been made, you can make an additional application in accordance with § 21 (3) of the Settlement and Residence Act. The authority must inform you of this requirement. The authority will decide upon your application on the basis of your individual situation, whether the residence permit can be issued, despite your stay in Austria not being legal any more.

Renewal applications for residence permits

Can I currently apply for renewal of my residence permit?
Yes. You have to apply in person. Please contact your local authority for further information.
Please make sure to submit the extension application in time. With a timely extension application, your continued stay in Austria is legal/legal.
I have applied for renewal. What can/should I do now?
If you still have to submit documents, please submit them in writing by e-mail or post. The authority will process your application. Please understand that in the current situation the decision will take longer.
I have applied for renewal. May I continue working?
You may continue to work if you
- were allowed to work on the basis of your previous residence permit AND
- have submitted an application for extension to in good time before the expiry of your current residence permit.
I am currently abroad and cannot return to Austria. I have to apply for my extension in the next few weeks. What should I do?
A return trip to Austria with the valid residence title is possible at any time. When planning your trip, please note that quarantine in Austria may be necessary. For further information on the Covid-19 entry regulation of the Austrian Ministry of Health, please visit the homepage of the Ministry of Health. FAQ: Einreise nach Österreich (sozialministerium.at)
If your residence permit has already expired, please contact the settlement authority in Austria or the Austrian Embassy or Consulate before entering Austria.

Issuance of residence permits

I have received a notification that my residence permit is ready for pick up. What can/should I do now?
At the moment, it is usually possible to pick up your residence title in. Please contact the authority, where you have applied, by telephone or in writing (by e-mail or post) about the collection or delivery of the residence permit.