Visa & residency permit

Visa & residency permit

DO I NEED A VISA?

Whether you need a a visa, a residence permit, or both depends on your citizenship (the issuer country of your passport) and the length of your stay in Austria. Our team will help you determine the type of permit you need for to start your studies at Modul University Vienna.

 

Don’t worry if it looks complex, our specialists provide you end-to-end support!

Immigration regulations and official practices in Austria are changing dynamically, but this shall not be a concern for you. Our visa support team makes sure that you receive accurate information and instructions at each step I of the process. We ensure that your time is efficiently used and you can concentrate on preparing for your new life in Vienna.

Generally, citizens of the European Union / European Economic Area are not required to complete any immigration administration before arrival. Just have your valid travel documents ready. The same applies to applicants holding a valid residence permit in Austria or in the Schengen Zone, irrespective of their citizenship.   For more information and standard application deadlines, check the European Union / European Economic Area – Simplified procedure section below. 

Citizens of countries eligible for a 90-day visa-free stay in the European Union require a student residence permit. While it is not a requirement, we strongly encourage you to apply for the residence permit in your home country / current country of residence as soon as you are admitted to Modul University Vienna  to avoid complications after your arrival. For the up-to-date list of countries, standard application deadlines, and more information check the 90-day visa-free stay – Residence permit section below. 

Citizens of all other countries require a visa as well as a residence permit. Processing times can greatly vary from country to country. We recommend starting the visa application process at least 5 months before the planned start date of your studies, therefore, the timely completion of your application & admission process is essential. Upon successful admission, our specialists will be in contact with you to provide up-to-date information and ensure a seamless onboarding experience. For the up-to-date list of countries, standard application deadlines and more information check the Other countries – Visa D & Residence permit section below.

Unfortunately, there are some cases that even our specialists cannot solve under the current circumstances. According to our experience, some regions face extremely long lead times concerning student visa applications (typically extending beyond 12-18 months) and a high rejection rate. We endeavour to provide a great onboarding experience for our students. However, these official procedures are beyond our control and do not let us deliver the high-quality service and experience we are pledged to provide. Therefore, if you hold a passport issued by any of the countries listed under the Countries with limited eligibility section, we will generally not be able to process your application. Case-by-case exceptions may apply if you can provide proof of a second citizenship (a passport issued by a country not included in the list) or if you hold a valid residence permit in Austria or in any Schengen Zone  countries. Please inform our staff in the application process about such considerations. Kindly note that the list of countries is updated regularly, please check back for updates.

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.

EU and EEA nationals do not require a visa to enter, live or study in Austria. The same applies to applicants holding a valid residence permit in Austria or in the Schengen Zone, irrespective of their citizenship.

Registration Certificate

Citizens of EU and EEA countries as well as Switzerland and the UK need to obtain a Registration Certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) to reside in Austria. The application for the Registration Certificate can only be filed once you have settled in Austria within the first four months of your arrival. The document states that you are in Austria to pursue studies at a university. There is a €15 fee for this.

More information is provided to you in a handbook once you are accepted to study at MU.

Residence Registration

You will however need to register your residence. This needs to be done within three days of moving to Austria and is called ‘Meldezettel’ 

See more information about Moving to Vienna>> 

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester (September):

Submit your application at the latest by August 15th.

Spring Semester (February):

Submit your application at the latest by January 15th.

Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, South Korea, Solomon Islands, Switzerland , Singapore, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela.

You are eligible for 90-days visa free entry to Austria (as a Schengen country), however you will require a “Student” residence permit to study. You must apply for this in your country of residence as soon as you have collected all the required documents for application.

Application Deadlines
Fall Semester (September):
Submit your application at the latest by July 1st.
Spring Semester (February):

Submit your application at the latest by December 1st.

 

 

90_day_visa

You will require a Visa D and a “Student” Residence Permit to study in Austria.

You will need to schedule an appointment in person at the respective Austrian embassy to submit your visa and residency permit application.
Processing can take on average (5-6 months), and our deadlines below reflect this.

Application Deadlines
Fall Semester (September):
Submit your application by April 1st at the latest and make sure you book your student residence permit application appointment at your local Austrian Embassy by May 15th.
Spring Semester (February):

Submit your application by September 1st at the latest and make sure you book your student residence permit application appointment at your local Austrian Embassy by October 15th.

 

EU_EEA

How Do We Support You?

Modul University Vienna has an internal department fully dedicated to supporting international students with their visa and residence permit needs. Our team provides personalized, end-to-end guidance throughout the entire process — from choosing the correct visa type to submitting a complete application and booking appointments with the authorities.
In most cases, we help you to fill out the application form and act as a direct point of contact with local authorities to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition to life in Vienna.
Our support doesn’t end once you arrive to Vienna. As a fully enrolled student, you we’ll continue to benefit from our services, including assistance with extending your residence permit.
With expert advice and practical support, we act as a bridge between you and the Austrian public authorities — ensuring clarity, accuracy, and confidence every step of the way.

STEP BY STEP PROCESS

Our visa and residence permit support starts as soon as you. We offer personalized guidance at every stage of the process — from preparing your documents before departure to settling into life in Vienna.
1. Receive Your Tuition Fee Invoice
After being successfully admitted and signing your study contract, you will receive your tuition fee invoice from Modul University Vienna.
2. Make Your Payment
Once your tuition fee is paid, our Visa Team will get in touch with you directly.
3. Begin the Visa/Residence Process
Our team will assess your individual situation and invite you to a personal consultation, where we will:
  • Identify which visa or residence permit you need
  • Explain the full process and timeline
  • Complete your application form together
4. Collect Supporting Documents
We will guide you step-by-step in collecting all required documents, including guidance on translations, apostilles, and housing   confirmation. If applicable, we will also book the embassy center appointment on your behalf.
5. Submit Your Application
Once all documents are prepared and your appointment is confirmed, you will submit your application to the relevant Austrian embassy.
6. Stay in Contact
Throughout the process, we stay in touch to ensure that everything runs smoothly. We will also support you with preparing for your arrival in Vienna.
7. Arrival in Vienna & Residence Card Collection
Once you arrive, we help ensure your residence permit card is collected promptly. We also support you with important next steps like:
  • Health insurance guidance
  • Opening a bank account
  • Residence registration
  • General orientation to life in Vienna

RESIDENCE REGISTRATION

The residence registration is called a “Meldezettel”

Within three days of moving to Austria, everyone must register at their new address. Similarly, if you move out of a flat or house, you also need to de-register within three days before or after moving out.

The residence registration is done at any Residence Registration Service Centre in Vienna. You can book an appointment using the online reservation tool.

The residence registration form (Meldezettel) must be signed by you and the person who owns the flat or house you live in or rents it to you.

EXTENDING YOUR RESIDENCE PERMIT

In most cases, your student residence permit is issued for one year. To continue your studies in Austria, you will need to renew your permit annually.
At Modul University Vienna, we take care of this process well in advance. Our team will contact you at least 60 days before your permit expires to guide you through the renewal steps. We help you:
  • Prepare and organize all required documents
  • Check if you meet the legal conditions (e.g. minimum of 16 ECTS credits per academic year)
  • Book your renewal appointment at the local MA35 office in your district in Vienna (not the MA35 headquarters)
Appointments for renewals can take up to 3 weeks to schedule, which is why our team plans early to make sure your residence status remains uninterrupted. You will never have to manage this process alone.

Contact Us

Feel free to reach out with any visa- or residence-related questions — we’re here to help you settle in smoothly!

 

Office: Ground Floor, Student Hub Center, Modul University Vienna

Office hours : Monday–Thursday, 9:00–14:00 CET

 

Book a consultation appointment visa@modul.ac.at

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