Austria Family & Friend Visit

Austria Family and Friend Visit Visa (Schengen C-Type)

The Austria Family and Friend Visit Visa is the appropriate visa category for individuals wishing to visit their family, relatives, or friends residing in Austria. This visa is a short-stay (Type C) Schengen visa, granting the holder the right to stay in Austria and other Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. One of the most critical components of the application is an official or standard invitation from the host in Austria.

Who Can Apply for This Visa Category?

Turkish citizens and foreign nationals with a legal residence permit in Turkey, who plan to visit family members, relatives, or friends legally residing in Austria (as Austrian citizens or residence permit holders), can apply for this visa. The primary purpose of the visit must be to meet specific individuals, rather than general tourism.

Essential Documents for Austria Visit Visa 2026

For an Austria family and friend visit visa application, you must submit documents that verify both the applicant's situation in Turkey and the host's circumstances in Austria. The following list is a general guide, and additional documents may be requested based on the applicant's personal situation.

Documents Required from the Host in Austria

The invitation is the most critical part of the application. Austrian authorities give priority to the Electronic Letter of Guarantee (EVE) system.

Electronic Letter of Guarantee (EVE - Elektronische Verpflichtungserklärung)

EVE is an official commitment made by the host to the local Aliens' Police (Fremdenpolizei) in Austria, guaranteeing that they will cover all of the visitor's expenses. This document significantly strengthens the application.

• The host applies for the EVE at the Aliens' Police office in their respective district.
• During this process, they must present documents proving their financial capacity, such as income statements and a rental agreement.
• Once approved, the EVE is assigned an ID number. The host only needs to provide this number to the visa applicant. Mentioning this ID number in the application allows the consulate to verify the guarantee through their system. A physical copy is not usually required.

Alternative: Standard Invitation Letter

In cases where an EVE cannot be obtained, a signed invitation letter written in German or English by the host in Austria can be submitted. This letter should include the following information:

• The applicant's personal details (Name, surname, passport number).
• The purpose and duration of the visit.
• Travel dates.
• A statement confirming that accommodation will be provided at the host's residence and that travel expenses (if applicable) will be covered by the host.
• The host's address and contact information in Austria.
• A copy of the host's passport, ID card, or residence permit.

Note: The EVE is a document that significantly increases the likelihood of visa approval. It is highly recommended to obtain an EVE whenever possible.

General Documents Required from the Applicant

The applicant must prepare the relevant documents from the list below based on their professional status.

• Visa Application Form: Fully completed and signed.
• Passport: Valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned date of departure from the Schengen area, with at least 2 blank pages.
• Biometric Photograph: 2 copies, 35x45 mm, recent.
• Full Civil Registration Record: To demonstrate family ties.
• Flight and Accommodation Reservations: Round-trip flight reservation. If accommodation is at the host's home, this must be stated in the invitation.
• Travel Health Insurance: Valid in the entire Schengen area, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
• Proof of Financial Means: Bank account statements for the last 3 months (stamped and signed), pay slips (for employees), additional proof of income such as title deeds, vehicle registration, etc.

Additional Documents Based on Professional Status

For Employees: SGK entry declaration, SGK registration and service record, a letter from the employer confirming employment and leave of absence, last 3 months' pay slips.

For Business Owners/Partners: Current tax certificate, signature circular, commercial registry gazette, certificate of activity.

For Retirees: Copy of retirement card or a letter from the pension institution, bank statement showing pension deposits.

For Students: Current student certificate. If under 18, a notarized letter of consent (muvafakatname). Sponsor's financial and professional documents.

Difference Between a Family Visit Visa and a Family Reunion Visa

These two visa types are often confused. A Family/Friend Visit Visa is a Schengen (Type C) visa for short stays (up to 90 days). Its purpose is a temporary visit. In contrast, an Austria family reunion visa is a long-term national (Type D) visa granted for the purpose of settling in Austria with a spouse or parent who resides there. The application requirements, documents, and processes for these two visa types are completely different. This page is only about the short-term visit visa.

Your Austria Family and Friend Visit Visa Application with Hermes Vize

The Austria family visit visa application process can seem complex, especially with specific requirements like the EVE. At Hermes Vize, we provide professional assistance throughout the entire process, from preparing the up-to-date document checklist to managing appointment scheduling. Contact our expert consultants to complete your application correctly and minimize potential errors.