Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- With a passport of the “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, you can enter without a visa for short stays, usually for up to 90 days within any 180-day period (BMI).
- As a visa-exempt third-country national (Drittstaatsangehörige), you may also submit your first application for a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) in Austria (oesterreich.gv.at).
- Hong Kong takes part in the Working Holiday Programme for 18- to 30-year-olds (oesterreich.gv.at).
- Austria and Hong Kong have a double taxation agreement, in force since 01/01/2011 (BMF).
- A Hong Kong Class B driving licence can be exchanged without a practical test (oesterreich.gv.at).
Hong Kong is an international hub for finance and trade; Vienna is a stable base with a high quality of life. For people from Hong Kong, the move is easy to plan. With the right passport, you enter without a visa and can submit many applications directly in Austria. For a longer stay, however, you still need a residence permit. This guide shows you the most important routes for 2026.
Your status with an HKSAR passport
According to the BMI, the travel document you carry is what counts at entry (BMI – entry). The visa exemption applies only to passports of the “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region” (BMI). If you travel on a different document, check your status in advance in the BMI list.
With an SAR passport, you are a third-country national but exempt from the EU visa requirement. Visa-free stays are generally limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. To work or settle in Austria, you need a residence permit.
New: visa-exempt third-country nationals will soon need an ETIAS travel authorisation. According to the BMI, the launch is expected from the fourth quarter of 2026 (BMI – ETIAS).
Entry and where to apply
You have two options:
- Application abroad: at the Austrian representation responsible for your place of residence (migration.gv.at).
- Application in Austria: as a visa-exempt third-country national, you may submit your first application in Austria during your permitted stay.
Important: the application does not extend your visa-free stay. If your permitted time ends before the decision, you must, as a rule, leave the country (oesterreich.gv.at). So plan your timing carefully.
Working in Austria
For skilled workers, the most important route is the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte). For Other Key Workers (Sonstige Schlüsselkräfte), the 2026 minimum salary is €3,465 gross per month plus special payments, and you need at least 55 points. The fee is €218. Highly qualified university graduates should also consider the EU Blue Card.
Working Holiday: The programme with Hong Kong is reciprocal. People aged 18 to 30 may work in Austria during a Working Holiday stay. Depending on the programme, the stay lasts six or twelve months. Wage and working conditions and social security rules must be observed (oesterreich.gv.at).
Studying in Austria
Once you have been admitted, you apply for the “Residence Permit – Student” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student). If you may enter without a visa, you can apply in Austria. For 2026, the reference amounts for the required funds are €722.58 under the age of 24 and €1,308.39 from the age of 24 (migration.gv.at).
Alongside your studies, you may work up to 20 hours a week with an employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung). The employer applies for it at the AMS. More: Studying in Austria and Staying after your studies.
Starting a company and investing
Companies and founders from Hong Kong have several options:
- Found a GmbH or FlexCo or open a branch office (Zweigniederlassung).
- Start-up Founder Card (Start-up-Gründer-Karte) – at least €30,000 in capital and 50 points.
- Self-employed Key Worker (Selbständige Schlüsselkraft) – for example with an investment of €100,000.
The Austrian Business Agency ABA helps international companies set up in Austria.
Would you like to live in Austria without working? For this there is the quota-based “Settlement Permit – except gainful employment” (Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit). In 2026, you need a regular income of at least €2,616.78 per month as a single person and €4,128.24 as a married couple (migration.gv.at). Only want to invest? See Investing in Austria without relocating and Entrepreneurs and investors.
Property
As a third-country national, you generally need approval under the land transfer law (Grundverkehrsrecht) of the federal province to buy land or apartments. In Vienna, the Vienna Act on Property Acquisition by Foreigners (Wiener Ausländergrunderwerbsgesetz) applies (City of Vienna). Details: Buying property as a foreigner.
Tax and social security
- Double taxation: The DTA with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region covers taxes on income and on capital. It was signed on 25/05/2010 and has applied since 01/01/2011. An amending protocol of 25/06/2012 has been in force since 03/07/2013 (BMF). According to the BMF, you can apply for relief at source with a certificate of residence (BMF). Overview: BMF list of DTAs.
- Social security: The overview published by the Ministry of Social Affairs does not include a bilateral agreement with Hong Kong (Ministry of Social Affairs). If you work in Austria, you are generally insured here.
Our partner tax advisers will clarify your personal tax questions.
Qualifications and driving licence
Qualifications: The advice centres for qualifications obtained abroad (Anlaufstellen) offer free advice (oesterreich.gv.at).
Driving licence: After taking up residence, you may generally drive with your Hong Kong licence for six months. Within this period, you must have it exchanged. For Class B, a Hong Kong licence needs no practical test; for other classes, a test is generally required (oesterreich.gv.at).
Business links between Hong Kong and Austria
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Hong Kong (Austrian Trade Commission) is located at 13/F, Diamond Exchange Building, 8–10 Duddell Street, Central. Phone +852 2522 2388, [email protected] (ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA). The AußenwirtschaftsCenter Hong Kong also advises on Macau.
The WKO points out that Hong Kong, as a Special Administrative Region, has its own rules (WKO). Hong Kong is also separate for tax purposes: Austria has concluded a DTA of its own with the Special Administrative Region (see above).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Austria? Not for short stays with an SAR passport. For work, study or a longer stay, you need a residence permit.
Does the visa exemption apply to every travel document? No. According to the BMI, it applies only to passports of the “Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”.
Can I apply in Vienna? Yes, if you may enter without a visa. However, the application does not extend your permitted 90 days.
Do I have to retake my driving test? Not for Class B, provided you have your licence exchanged within six months.
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