Fremdenrecht | Immigration law

Änderungen bei Unterhaltsmittel-Höhen, ÖB Teheran, Gebühren für Aufenthaltstitel, Entry/Exit System

Changes of reference rates for financial means, Austrian Embassy Tehran, fees for residence permits, entry/exit system

Bitte entnehmen Sie dem Fremdenrechts-Newsletter des OeAD folgende fremdenrechtliche Anpassungen:

  1. Anpassung der Höhe erforderlicher Unterhaltsmittel (zur Beantragung oder Verlängerung von Aufenthaltstiteln), der Geringfügigkeitsgrenze und der Beträge für die ÖGK-Studierendenselbstversicherung ab 1. Jänner 2026
     
  2. Aussetzung des Konsularbetriebs der Österreichischen Botschaft Teheran
     
  3. Informationen zu Gebühren für Aufenthaltstitelanträge für Drittstaatsangehörige
     
  4. Vollständige Einführung des EES (Entry/Exit Systems) mit 10.04.2026 an allen Grenzübergängen der Schengen-Außengrenze

Please refer to the OeAD's newsletter (in German only) for the following changes to immigration law:

  1. New reference rates for proof of financial means for 2026 (for applying for or extending residence permits), the minimum income threshold (“Geringfügigkeitsgrenze”), and the amounts for ÖGK student self-insurance from 1 January 2026:
    • Students under 24 years of age: 722,58 Euro/month
    • Students as of the age of 24 / single persons: 1.308,39 Euro/month
    • For married couples: 2.064,12 Euro/month
    • For each child additionally: 201,88 Euro/month
    • Costs for accommodation included in the amounts stated: 386,43 Euro/month
    • Minimum gross income for a ‘Red-White-Red Card’ for other key workers:
      EUR 3,465.00 gross/month plus special payments
    • Minimum income threshold (“Geringfügigkeitsgrenze”): EUR 551.10/month (same as in 2025)
    • Costs for ÖGK student self-insurance: EUR 78.84/month
      Further links:
      Assured costs of living in Austria (in German only): 
      Entry and residence – Students
      Entry and Residence – Settlement Permit Researcher
       
  2. Suspension of consular services at the Austrian Embassy in Tehran:
    Due to the situation in Iran, it is currently not possible to make appointments at the Austrian Embassy in Tehran or VFS (as of 15 January 2026). Up-to-date information is published on the Austrian Embassy in Tehran website

     
  3. Information on fees for residence permit applications for third-country nationals:
    As a result of an amendment to the Fees Act 1957, a new fee for residence permit applications will be charged from 1 January 2026. Detailed information can be found on the BMI website
     
  4. Full introduction of the EES (Entry/Exit System) on 10 April 2026 at all border crossings on the Schengen external border:
    The EES applies to both visa-exempt and visa-required third-country nationals. The EES covers short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen area when entering and leaving via international airports by crossing the Schengen external border.

Please note: Travellers in transit within the Schengen area are not recorded again in the EES. Holders of residence permits and visas for longer-term stays (D visas) are exempt from the EES requirement if residence permits or visas can already be presented at border control; otherwise, registration in the EES is necessary.

If, after the expiry of the national Visa D, a further stay in Austria is planned on the basis of a visa exemption due to nationality (90 days within 180 days in the Schengen area), subsequent registration in the EES is necessary. This subsequent registration can be carried out at the provincial police headquarters (recommended) or upon departure at the Schengen external border (waiting times possible).

If a bilateral visa exemption agreement is used following a visa-free stay, subsequent registration in the EES is required at the Provincial Police Headquarters by the last working day of the (initial) 90-day stay.

Detailed and further information can also be found here in the FAQs in English and German

 

 

19.01.2026