Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- Israeli citizens enter visa-free for short stays – as a rule, 90 days within any 180-day period (BMI).
- As a visa-exempt third-country national, you may also submit your first application for a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) in Austria (oesterreich.gv.at).
- Since 2017, there has been a Working Holiday Programme with Israel (BMEIA).
- Austria and Israel have a social security agreement (Ministry of Social Affairs) and a double taxation agreement (BMF).
- An Israeli category B driving licence can be exchanged without a practical test (oesterreich.gv.at).
Israel and Austria have close ties in science, technology and culture. For Israeli citizens, getting started in Austria is comparatively easy: you enter visa-free and can submit many applications from within Austria. For a longer stay, however, you still need a residence permit. This guide shows the most important routes for 2026.
Your status as an Israeli citizen
You are a third-country national, but exempt from the visa requirement (BMI). Visa-free stays are generally limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. To work or settle, you need a residence permit (BMI – entry).
Entry and where to apply
You have two options:
- Application abroad: at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence. In Israel, this is the Austrian Embassy in Tel Aviv. It explains the procedure under “How do I submit an application?”.
- Application in Austria: As a visa-exempt third-country national, you may submit your first application in Austria during your permitted stay.
Important: submitting an application does not extend your visa-free stay. If the permitted period ends before the decision, you generally have to leave (oesterreich.gv.at). Applications must be submitted in person.
Working in Austria
For skilled workers, the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) is the most important route. For Other Key Workers (Sonstige Schlüsselkräfte), the 2026 requirements are a minimum salary of €3,465 gross per month plus special payments and at least 55 points. The fee is €218. Highly qualified professionals should also look at the EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU).
Working Holiday: Austria has a Working Holiday Programme with Israel. It entered into force in 2017; in 2018, the duration was extended to twelve months (BMEIA). You will find the current conditions on the BMEIA website.
Family reunification: Spouses must be at least 21 years old. Requirements include German at level A1, accommodation, health insurance and sufficient income. Reference amounts for 2026: €1,308.39 for single persons, €2,064.12 for married couples, plus €201.88 per child (migration.gv.at).
Studying in Austria
Once admitted, you apply for the “Residence Permit – Student” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student) – as a visa-exempt national, you can also do this in Austria. In 2026, you must prove monthly funds of €722.58 if you are under 24 and €1,308.39 from the age of 24 (migration.gv.at).
Alongside your studies, you may work up to 20 hours per week with an employment permit. After graduating, a one-time extension of twelve months to look for a job or start a business is possible (oesterreich.gv.at). Read more: Studying in Austria and Staying after your studies.
Starting a company and investing
Israeli founders have several options in Austria:
- 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) – e.g. with an investment of €100,000.
If you only want to invest, you will find guidance under Investing without relocating and Investors.
Real estate
As a third-country national, you generally need approval under the land transfer law (Grundverkehrsrecht) of the federal province to acquire land and apartments. In Vienna, the Vienna Act on Property Acquisition by Foreigners (Wiener Ausländergrunderwerbsgesetz) applies (City of Vienna). Details: Buying property as a foreigner.
Taxes and social security
- Social security: The bilateral agreement with Israel is in force (Ministry of Social Affairs).
- Double taxation: The current DTA was signed on 28/11/2016 (BMF). The BMF provides forms for withholding tax relief for Israel (BMF).
Our partner tax advisers will clarify your personal tax questions.
Qualifications and driving licence
Qualifications: The advice centres for qualifications obtained abroad offer free advice in Vienna, Linz, Graz and Innsbruck (oesterreich.gv.at).
Driving licence: After establishing your main residence, you may drive with your Israeli licence for six months. The exchange must take place within these six months. For category B, no practical test is required; for other categories, it is (oesterreich.gv.at).
Business links between Israel and Austria
The WKO is present on the ground with its foreign trade centre (AußenwirtschaftsCenter) in Tel Aviv (WKO). According to the economic report (April 2026), Austria exported goods worth €529 million to Israel in 2025 and imported goods worth €247 million. The most important product group in both directions is pharmaceuticals. The WKO names FoodTech, GreenTech, medical technology, infrastructure and high tech as sectors with opportunities (WKO).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Austria? Not for short stays. To work or stay longer, you need a residence permit.
Can I submit my application in Vienna? Yes, as a visa-exempt national. However, the application does not extend your permitted 90 days.
Do my Israeli insurance periods count? That is what the social security agreement is for. The insurance institution reviews each individual case.
Do I have to retake my driving test? Not for category B, provided you exchange your licence within six months.
Is Austria right for you? Take the free Quick-Check or talk to our founders: Contact.
