Last updated: October 2026 · Official sources linked
The short answer in 30 seconds
- Turkish citizens need a visa for Austria, and a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) for longer stays (BMI – countries requiring a visa).
- As a rule, the first application is submitted in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence (oesterreich.gv.at).
- After some time in Austria, Turkish workers and their families enjoy special rights under association law (Assoziationsrecht), but there is no relief for first access (WKO).
- Austria and Turkey have a social security agreement (Ministry of Social Affairs) and a double taxation agreement (BMF).
- The WKO is present on the ground with its foreign trade centre (AußenwirtschaftsCenter) in Istanbul and an office in Ankara (ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA).
Turkey and Austria are closely connected – on a human and on an economic level. Many families have lived in both countries for generations. If you want to come to Austria today for the first time, you need a clear route: work, study, family or business. This guide shows you the most important rules for 2026 and where to find the official information.
Your status as a Turkish citizen
You are a third-country national. To enter the Schengen Area, you need a visa (BMI). Since 15 July 2025, a new EU rule has applied to Turkish citizens resident in Turkey: if you have used Schengen visas properly in the past, you can receive multiple-entry visas with a longer validity (ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA).
A visa only allows a short stay. To live, work or study, you need a residence permit.
Association law: The Association Council Decision of 1980 (Assoziationsratsbeschluss) gives Turkish workers and their family members special rights on the labour market. These require lawful employment in Austria. According to the WKO, there is no relief for first admission to the labour market (WKO).
Entry and where to apply
In principle, the first application for a residence permit is submitted abroad before entry – in person. The Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence handles it (oesterreich.gv.at).
In Turkey, Austria is represented by the Embassy in Ankara and the Consulate General in Istanbul. The embassy explains the procedure under “How do I submit an application?”. The Consulate General in Istanbul has introduced a separate procedure for business travellers (ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA).
Important: the application does not extend your permitted stay.
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. Highly qualified graduates should also look at the EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU).
After a certain period of lawful employment, association law takes effect (WKO):
| Period of lawful employment | Right according to the WKO |
|---|---|
| 1 year | The employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) must be issued or extended |
| 4 years | Exemption certificate (Befreiungsschein) issued ex officio (valid for 5 years) |
Family members receive an employment permit ex officio after at least three years of lawful residence with the Turkish worker.
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
With an admission to an Austrian university, you apply for the “Residence Permit – Student” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student). 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, you can extend the permit once by twelve months to look for a job or start a business (oesterreich.gv.at). Read more: Studying in Austria and Staying after your studies.
Starting a company and investing
In Austria, you can found a GmbH or FlexCo or open a branch office (Zweigniederlassung). If you want to live and work in Austria yourself, you also need a suitable residence permit:
- Self-employed Key Worker (Selbständige Schlüsselkraft) – e.g. with an investment of €100,000.
- Start-up Founder Card (Start-up-Gründer-Karte) – at least €30,000 in capital and 50 points.
If you only want to invest capital without relocating, you will find guidance under Investing without relocating.
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: Austria and Turkey have a bilateral agreement (Ministry of Social Affairs). Among other things, it governs postings (WKO).
- Double taxation: The DTA was signed on 28/03/2008 and has been in force since 01/10/2009 (BMF; list of DTAs).
For your personal tax questions, we work with partner tax advisers.
Qualifications and driving licence
Qualifications: The advice centres for people with qualifications obtained abroad offer free advice in Vienna, Linz, Graz and Innsbruck (oesterreich.gv.at).
Driving licence: With a Turkish driving licence, you may drive for six months after establishing your main residence. To exchange it, you must take a practical driving test, because Turkey is not on the list of exempt countries (oesterreich.gv.at).
Business links between Turkey and Austria
The WKO covers the market through its foreign trade centre in Istanbul and its foreign trade office (AußenwirtschaftsBüro) in Ankara (ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA). According to the WKO economic report (April 2026), there are more than 250 Austrian subsidiaries in Turkey. In 2025, Austrian exports fell by 2.3%, while imports from Turkey rose by 3.5%. The main import groups were vehicles and clothing (WKO).
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for a residence permit in Austria with a tourist visa? As a rule, no. Visa nationals submit their first application abroad. The application does not extend your permitted stay.
Does the Association Agreement make it easier to get a first job in Austria? No. The rights only arise after lawful employment, for example after one or four years.
Do I need German for family reunification? Yes, for the first application usually German at level A1. There are exceptions, for example for children under 14.
Do my Turkish insurance periods count? That is what the social security agreement is for. The insurance institution reviews each individual case.
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