Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- Singaporean citizens can enter without a visa for short stays – usually 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).
- Austria and Singapore have a double taxation agreement, in force since 22/10/2002 (BMF).
- There is no bilateral social security agreement (Ministry of Social Affairs).
- The EU–Singapore trade agreement has been in force since 21 November 2019 (WKO).
Singapore is a financial and trading hub; Austria is a stable location at the heart of Europe. For Singaporean citizens, getting started is comparatively easy. You can enter without a visa and submit many applications directly in Austria. For work, study or setting up a company, however, you need the right residence permit. This guide shows the most important routes for 2026.
Your status as a Singaporean citizen
You are a third-country national (Drittstaatsangehörige), but exempt from the EU visa requirement (BMI). Visa-free stays are generally limited to 90 days within any 180-day period. To work or settle here, you need a residence permit (BMI – entry).
New: visa-exempt third-country nationals will in future 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 from abroad: at the Austrian representation responsible for your place of residence. In Singapore, this is the Austrian Embassy.
- 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 generally have to leave (oesterreich.gv.at). So plan your timing carefully.
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 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 look at the EU Blue Card.
There is no Working Holiday Programme with Singapore. Austria currently has such programmes with Argentina, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan and the USA (oesterreich.gv.at).
Studying in Austria
Once you have been admitted, you apply for the “Residence Permit – Student” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student). As a visa-exempt national, you can submit the application in Austria. In 2026, the reference rates for the required funds are €722.58 under 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
Singaporean companies and founders have several options:
- Found a GmbH or FlexCo or open a branch office (Zweigniederlassung).
- Start-up Founder Card – at least €30,000 in capital and 50 points.
- Self-employed Key Worker (Selbständige Schlüsselkraft) – for example with an investment of €100,000.
Austria’s national investment promotion agency, the 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 investing capital? 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 double taxation agreement (DBA) with Singapore covers taxes on income. It was signed on 30/11/2001 and has applied since 22/10/2002. It was amended in 2009 and 2012 by a protocol and an exchange of notes respectively (BMF). Information on withholding tax relief for Singapore is available from the BMF. Overview: BMF list of DTAs.
- Social security: Singapore is not on the list of bilateral agreements (Ministry of Social Affairs). If you work in Austria, you are generally insured here. Insurance periods in Singapore are not added together under an agreement.
Our partner tax advisers will answer 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 Singapore driving licence for six months. Within this period, you must have it exchanged. Singapore is not on the lists of countries exempt from the practical test, so as a rule you have to take a practical driving test (oesterreich.gv.at).
Business links between Singapore and Austria
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Singapore is the Commercial Section of the Austrian Embassy: 600 North Bridge Road, #24-04/05 Parkview Square, tel. +65 6396 6350, [email protected]. The office is the first point of contact for international companies looking for Austrian suppliers (ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA). Contact via the WKO: AußenwirtschaftsCenter Singapore.
The EU’s trade agreement with Singapore has applied since 21 November 2019. The separate investment protection agreement still has to be ratified by all EU member states (WKO).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Austria? Not for short stays. For work, study or a longer stay, you need a residence permit.
Can I apply in Vienna? Yes, as a visa-exempt national. However, the application does not extend your permitted 90 days.
Will I be taxed twice? The double taxation agreement between Austria and Singapore is designed to prevent this. Which country taxes what depends on the individual case.
Can I simply exchange my driving licence? An exchange is possible, but as a rule only with a practical driving test.
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