Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- Citizens of North Macedonia are exempt from the visa requirement for short stays in the Schengen area (European Commission, COM(2023) 297, via parlament.gv.at; current details: BMI visa list).
- If you enter without a visa, you can apply for your first residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) in Austria; this does not extend your permitted stay (oesterreich.gv.at).
- Skilled workers in shortage occupations receive the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte) with 55 points and a job offer (migration.gv.at).
- A social security agreement is in force (Ministry of Social Affairs); North Macedonia is a double taxation agreement partner country (BMF).
- According to the WKO, Austria is the largest foreign investor in North Macedonia (WKO).
Austria is a key economic partner for North Macedonia, and for many people a destination for work, study or family. You can enter without a visa and submit many applications directly in Austria. What matters is choosing the right residence permit. This guide gives you a clear overview.
Your status as a citizen of North Macedonia
North Macedonia is not an EU member, so you are a third-country national (Drittstaatsangehörige). According to the European Commission, you are exempt from the visa requirement following the visa liberalisation dialogue (COM(2023) 297). A visa-free stay is generally limited to 90 days within any 180-day period (BMI – entry). Check exactly which passports qualify in the BMI visa list.
Important: a visa-free stay does not allow you to work. For that, you need a residence permit.
Entry and where to apply
Since 10 April 2026, the Entry/Exit System (EES) has been fully in operation. At Austrian airports, entry and exit as well as fingerprints and a facial image are recorded (BMI – EES).
| Route | Where | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application from abroad | Austrian Embassy in Skopje | Apply in person |
| Application in Austria | Competent settlement authority in Austria | Only during your permitted visa-free stay |
An application in Austria does not entitle you to stay longer than permitted (oesterreich.gv.at).
Working in Austria
The Red-White-Red Card is the most important route. For skilled workers, the shortage occupations variant is a particularly good fit: completed training in a shortage occupation, a binding job offer, at least 55 points, at least the pay set by the collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag), fee €218. After lawful entry, you can also apply in Austria (migration.gv.at).
The nationwide list for 2026 covers 64 occupational groups, such as heavy-current electrical engineering technicians, electricians, welders, registered nurses and doctors. Regional shortage occupations only apply in certain federal provinces, and not in Vienna in 2026.
With a university degree, the EU Blue Card is also an option.
Family: Spouses or registered partners (aged 21 or over) and unmarried minor children can join you. Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders receive the Red-White-Red Card plus (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte plus) with free access to the labour market. German at A1 level is usually required before moving (migration.gv.at).
Studying in Austria
Once you have been admitted, you apply for the “Residence Permit – Student” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student); if you entered without a visa, you can also do so in Austria. Proof of funds since 1/1/2026: €722.58 per month under 24, €1,308.39 from the age of 24. With an employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung), you may work up to 20 hours a week (migration.gv.at). The authority decides within 90 days (oesterreich.gv.at). More: Studying in Austria, Staying after your studies.
Starting a company and investing
- Self-employed Key Worker (Selbständige Schlüsselkraft) – for example with an investment of €100,000.
- Start-up Founder – among other things, €30,000 in capital and 50 points.
- Found a GmbH or FlexCo or open a branch office (Zweigniederlassung).
- Investing in Austria without relocating.
Property
Third-country nationals generally need approval under the land transfer law (Grundverkehrsrecht) of the federal province to acquire real estate; in Vienna, under the Vienna Act on Property Acquisition by Foreigners (Wiener Ausländergrunderwerbsgesetz). More: Buying property as a foreigner.
Tax and social security
- Social security: The social security agreement with North Macedonia is in force (Ministry of Social Affairs, as of 03/08/2026).
- Double taxation: North Macedonia (listed by the BMF as “Macedonia”) is one of Austria’s double taxation agreement (DBA) partner countries (BMF – DTA partner countries; list of DTAs).
Our partner tax advisers will answer your personal tax questions.
Qualifications and driving licence
Qualifications: The free advice centres for people with qualifications obtained abroad (Anlaufstellen, AST) in Vienna, Linz, Graz and Innsbruck offer advice in several languages.
Driving licence: Your driving licence is valid for six months after you take up residence. A driving licence from North Macedonia can be exchanged for Class B without a practical driving test; for other classes, a practical test is generally required (oesterreich.gv.at).
Business links between North Macedonia and Austria
On the ground, the WKO’s AußenwirtschaftsBüro Skopje ([email protected]) is active; it is part of the AußenwirtschaftsCenter Belgrade. According to the WKO (as of 27/03/2026), Austria remains the largest foreign investor, with €1.3 billion (as of 2024). The economy grew by 3.4% in 2025; opportunities exist in construction, infrastructure and green energy (WKO – economic situation). More for investors: Entrepreneurs and investors.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Austria? Not for short stays. For longer stays and for work, you need a residence permit.
Can I apply in Austria? Yes, after lawful visa-free entry and during your permitted stay.
Do I have to take my driving test again? Not for Class B – you can exchange your licence without a practical test, provided you meet the deadline.
Do my children need to speak German? Children under 14 are exempt from the “German before immigration” (Deutsch vor Zuzug) requirement.
When can I stay permanently? After several years of lawful settlement: Long-term Resident – EU.
Is Austria right for you? Take the free Quick-Check or talk to our founders: Contact.
