Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- UAE citizens are exempt from the EU visa requirement: up to 90 days within any 180-day period (BMI – countries requiring a visa).
- If you may enter visa-free, you can also submit your first application for a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) in Austria – but only during your permitted stay (oesterreich.gv.at).
- For entrepreneurs: the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) as a Self-employed Key Worker (Selbständige Schlüsselkraft), e.g. with a capital transfer of at least €100,000 (migration.gv.at).
- The Austria–UAE DTA has applied since 2005; a revision protocol has applied since 1 January 2023 (WKO).
- A bilateral investment protection agreement has been in force since 1 December 2003 (BMWET).
Austria and the United Arab Emirates are closely connected – economically and personally. Many families from the Emirates know Vienna from travel, medical stays or their children’s studies. For a permanent stay, however, you need the right residence permit. This guide shows the most important routes for investors, entrepreneurs and families.
Your status as a citizen of the United Arab Emirates
You are a third-country national. For short stays, you do not need a visa: the UAE is on the list of countries exempt from the EU visa requirement. You may stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period (BMI, as of 16/10/2026). This is based on an agreement between the EU and the UAE on the short-stay visa waiver (European Commission, COM(2023) 297).
The European travel authorisation system ETIAS is planned for visa-free travellers. According to the BMI, it is expected to start from the fourth quarter of 2026; the application costs €7 (BMI – ETIAS).
Important: the visa exemption only covers short stays. If you want to live, work or run a business in Austria, you need a residence permit.
Entry and where to apply
You have two options:
| Route | Where | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Application abroad | Austrian Embassy in Abu Dhabi | Application in person |
| Application in Austria | Settlement authority at your place of residence; in Vienna, the MA 35 | Only during your permitted visa-free stay |
Applying in Austria does not extend your visa-free stay. When the permitted period ends, you generally have to leave and wait for the decision abroad (oesterreich.gv.at). So plan the timing of your entry carefully.
Working in Austria
For employed skilled workers, the Red-White-Red Card is the central 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. With a university degree and a suitable job offer, the EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) is also an option.
Studying in Austria
To study, you apply for the “Residence Permit – Student” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student). If you may enter visa-free, you can also submit this application in Austria. For 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). Read more: Studying in Austria. For school-age children, we are happy to advise you personally on choosing a school and enrolment.
Starting a company and investing
In Austria, you can found a GmbH or FlexCo or open a branch office (Zweigniederlassung). If you only want to invest without relocating, you will find information under Investing without relocating.
Self-employed Key Worker: The activity must bring a benefit to the economy as a whole. This is the case, for example, with a sustained transfer of investment capital of at least €100,000 or when jobs are created or secured. The AMS prepares 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): This permit suits financially independent people who want to live in Austria but not work. Gainful employment is not permitted with it. The number of permits is limited by a quota. For 2026, the required regular monthly income is €2,616.78 for single persons, €4,128.24 for married couples and an additional €403.76 per child. This can include pensions, business profits earned abroad or income from assets. You also need health insurance and accommodation. The permit is initially issued for one year (migration.gv.at).
For founders with an innovative idea, there is the Start-up Founder Card (Start-up-Gründer-Karte). More for investors: 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. Details: Buying property as a foreigner.
Taxes and social security
- Double taxation: The DTA was published in BGBl. III No. 88/2004 and has applied since 1 January 2005. The revision protocol (BGBl. III No. 211/2022) has applied since 1 January 2023. Under it, the source state may levy at most 10% on dividends; with a shareholding of at least 10%, they are exempt there. The agreement provides for no withholding tax on interest. Since 2023, Austria has applied the credit method (WKO, as of 01/01/2026).
- Investment protection: The bilateral investment protection agreement was signed on 17/6/2001 and has been in force since 1/12/2003 (BGBl. III No. 129/2003) (BMWET).
- Social security: There is no social security agreement with the UAE (Ministry of Social Affairs; WKO).
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 offer free advice in several languages, including in Vienna (oesterreich.gv.at).
Driving licence: The UAE is on the list of countries whose category B driving licences are exchanged without a practical driving test. The exchange must take place within six months of establishing a residence in Austria (oesterreich.gv.at).
Business links between the UAE and Austria
According to the WKO, Austrian goods exports to the UAE rose by 3.5% in 2025 to €845 million. At 5.8%, the UAE recorded the strongest growth in the Gulf region in 2025. Austrian subsidiaries on the ground view the business climate with confidence (WKO, as of 28/04/2026).
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA Abu Dhabi (AußenwirtschaftsCenter Abu Dhabi): Austrian Embassy – Commercial Section, Al Wahda City 1 Commercial Tower, 1st Floor, Office 3, Abu Dhabi. Phone +971 2 20 43 444, email [email protected] (advantageaustria.org).
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the residence permit in Austria? Yes, as a visa-free traveller, during your permitted stay. However, the application does not extend that stay.
May I work in Austria as a private individual? No. The Settlement Permit – except gainful employment does not allow gainful employment.
Will I need ETIAS from the end of 2026? According to the BMI, ETIAS is expected to start from the fourth quarter of 2026. Check the current status before you travel.
Can I exchange my UAE driving licence? Yes, for category B without a practical test, within six months of establishing your residence.
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