Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- Saudi citizens are subject to the EU visa requirement; for longer stays you need a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) (BMI – countries requiring a visa).
- As a rule, the first application is made abroad; if you live in Saudi Arabia, at the embassy in Riyadh (oesterreich.gv.at).
- For entrepreneurs: the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) as a Self-employed Key Worker (Selbständige Schlüsselkraft), for example with a capital transfer of at least €100,000 (migration.gv.at).
- Austria and Saudi Arabia have a double taxation agreement (WKO).
- A bilateral investment protection agreement has been in force since 25 July 2003 (BMWET).
Saudi Arabia is an important partner for Austria in the Gulf. Many Saudi families value Vienna for its safety, culture, medicine and education. If you want to stay longer, invest or run a business, you need the right residence permit. This guide shows the most important routes – clearly and without detours.
Your status as a Saudi citizen
You are a third-country national (Drittstaatsangehörige) and need a visa to enter the Schengen area (BMI, as of 16/10/2026). A Schengen visa only allows short stays. The embassy in Riyadh provides an overview of the documents for Schengen visas. To live, work, study or run a business here, you need a residence permit.
Entry and where to apply
As a rule, the first application for a residence permit is made abroad, before you enter Austria. The responsible office is the Austrian representation for your place of residence (oesterreich.gv.at). If you live in Saudi Arabia, this is the Austrian Embassy in Riyadh.
There is one exception for the Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers: according to migration.gv.at, after lawful entry you can also apply during your lawful stay in Austria (migration.gv.at). An application does not, however, extend your permitted stay.
Working in Austria
For employed skilled workers, the Red-White-Red Card is the main route. 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. With a university degree and a suitable job offer, the EU Blue Card is also an option.
Studying in Austria
Once you have been admitted, you apply for the “Residence Permit – Student” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student) at the Austrian representation abroad. For 2026, you must prove monthly funds of €722.58 if you are under 24 and €1,308.39 if you are 24 or older. Alongside your studies, you may work up to 20 hours a week with an employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) (migration.gv.at). More: Studying in Austria and Staying after your studies. For school-age children, we are happy to advise you personally.
Starting a company and investing
You can found a GmbH or FlexCo or open a branch office (Zweigniederlassung). If you only want to invest and not relocate, read Investing in Austria without relocating.
Self-employed Key Worker: Your activity must benefit the economy as a whole, for example through a sustained transfer of investment capital of at least €100,000 or by creating or securing jobs. The AMS issues an expert opinion within three weeks. The card is valid for 24 months; the fee is €218 (migration.gv.at). Details: Self-employed Key Worker.
Private individual – Settlement Permit – except gainful employment (Niederlassungsbewilligung – ausgenommen Erwerbstätigkeit): For financially independent people who live in Austria but do not work. Gainful employment is not allowed, and the number of permits is limited by a quota. For 2026, the required regular monthly income is €2,616.78 for single people, €4,128.24 for married couples and an additional €403.76 per child – for example from pensions, business profits earned abroad or investment income. You also need health insurance and accommodation. The permit is initially valid for one year (migration.gv.at).
For innovative founders there is the Start-up Founder Card. For investors: 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. Details: Buying property as a foreigner.
Tax and social security
- Double taxation: Austria and Saudi Arabia have a double taxation agreement (DBA), published in BGBl. III No. 62/2007. According to the WKO, under this agreement a facility only counts as a permanent establishment once it has existed for at least six months (WKO, as of 27/04/2025). Overview of all agreements: BMF – list of DTAs.
- Investment protection: The bilateral investment protection agreement was signed on 30/6/2001 and has been in force since 25/7/2003 (BGBl. III No. 85/2003) (BMWET).
- Social security: There is no bilateral social security agreement with Saudi Arabia (Ministry of Social Affairs).
Our partner tax advisers take care of your personal tax planning.
Qualifications and driving licence
Qualifications: The advice centres for people with qualifications obtained abroad (Anlaufstellen) offer free advice in several languages, including in Vienna (oesterreich.gv.at).
Driving licence: Saudi Arabia is not on the list of countries whose driving licences can be exchanged without a practical driving test. Plan the exchange within six months of taking up residence (oesterreich.gv.at).
Business links between Saudi Arabia and Austria
According to the WKO, Austrian exports to Saudi Arabia amounted to €678.5 million in 2025. The WKO sees potential in infrastructure, green tech, digitalisation, mining and defence (WKO, as of 26/08/2026).
AußenwirtschaftsCenter Riyadh (ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA): Austrian Embassy – Commercial Section, Kingdom Tower, 23rd Floor, Olaya District, Arouba Road, 11693 Riyadh. Phone +966 11 211 01 11, email [email protected] (advantageaustria.org).
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the residence permit in Austria? Usually not. The first application is made at the Austrian representation abroad. For the Self-employed Key Worker route, an application in Austria is also possible after lawful entry.
Can I work in Austria as a private individual? No. The Settlement Permit – except gainful employment does not allow any gainful employment.
Is my investment protected? Austria and Saudi Arabia have an investment protection agreement, in force since 2003. Our partner law firms handle the legal review.
Is there a double taxation agreement? Yes, there is a DBA. Our partner tax advisers will review your specific situation.
Is Austria right for you? Take the free Quick-Check or talk to our founders: Contact.
