Visa Expiration & Renewal
What to do when your visa or residence permit is expiring or has expired. Acting early is critical to maintaining your legal status in Austria.
This website is a private information portal and does not constitute legal advice. For binding information, contact the responsible Austrian authorities. Official fees are payable directly to the authorities.
If your visa or residence permit is expiring soon, act immediately. Do not wait until it expires.
Before Your Visa/Permit Expires
The most important rule: apply for renewal BEFORE your current permit expires.
- Submit your renewal application at least 3 months before expiration
- If you apply before expiration, you may legally stay in Austria while your renewal is being processed (Verlängerungsfiktion)
- Gather all required documents well in advance
- Book your appointment at MA 35 (or your provincial authority) early — appointments fill up quickly
- Check if your requirements have changed (e.g., higher German level needed for renewal)
If Your Visa/Permit Has Already Expired
Overstaying your visa is a serious matter with legal consequences.
- Contact the competent authority (MA 35 in Vienna) immediately
- An expired permit may result in fines and can jeopardize future applications
- In some cases, you may be required to leave Austria and reapply from abroad
- Overstaying a Schengen visa can result in an entry ban for the entire Schengen Area
- Seek qualified legal advice if your permit has expired — this is a serious situation
Renewal Process
- 1Check your permit's expiration date
- 2Gather all necessary documents (same as initial application, plus proof of continued eligibility)
- 3Book an appointment at the competent residence authority
- 4Submit your complete application before the expiration date
- 5Receive a confirmation of submission — this confirms your legal stay during processing
Special Cases
Schengen Visa Overstay
If you have overstayed your 90-day Schengen visa, you must leave the Schengen Area immediately. Overstaying can result in fines, entry bans, and difficulties with future visa applications across all Schengen countries.
Changing Visa/Permit Type
If your circumstances have changed (e.g., you found a job, got married, or started studying), you may be able to apply for a different type of residence permit. Apply before your current permit expires.
Lost or Stolen Residence Card
Report the loss to the police immediately and apply for a replacement at the competent residence authority. You will need to provide a police report.