Austrian Visa extension?

[erebusnox]

This is a bit off-topic but somehow related.
My visa expires in May, but I was told that I could stay an additional 3 months as a so-called tourist. Doesn't seem right, but does anyone know anything about this?
The problem is I am getting married and there's no way we can arrange the paperwork and everything before May.

[sarahgwynne]

Congrats on your upcoming nuptials! This IS true, you could stay on a 3-month tourist via, but as far as I recall, you would then not be allowed to come to Austria for a while, or work here, or something. Is your person-to-be Austrian? Also, check out the wedding bells and paperwork thread...
http://www.vienna-expats.net/ForumsPro/ ... dding.html

[erebusnox]

Thanks for the info.
So I plan to get married within this 3-month tourist period and then apply for this permanent residence thingie, which means I won't be leaving Austria, at least not anytime soon. How would that work then, if I wouldn't be allowed to come to Austria for a while? Would I have to leave sometime? My boyfriend says it shouldn't be a big deal 'cause I'm American, but I'm not sure - Austria's not so lenient, no matter where the foreigners come from, no?.
Yeah, I checked out that thread, which made me realize that the whole process is longer and more complicated than I'd thought...

[Grigi]

Yeah, I checked out that thread, which made me realize that the whole process is longer and more complicated than I'd thought...

I must say that I've expected much worse with regards to requiered documents and the process of their obtaining... I'm quite pleased so far

[stoffel]

as far as I understand, coming from the US you don't even need a visa for a stay up to three month. anything beyond that is what requires a visa. although I think what you are actually looking for is not a visa but the "Niederlassungsbewilligung".

but why don't you just or get your boyfriend to ask at the ministry for interior affairs? say, hey I met smn I love and would like to marry in order to spend the rest of my life with that person and possibly do that here. they'll tell you what is necessary. it's not like the authorities would wanna force you to leave the country at any cost. there many different visas and other forms of becoming a resident and even more ways to extend your stay all depending on the circumstances. the whole thing is quite complicated so get the info from the experts. they have a hotline for those questions (8.30 - 15.30):
01/531 26-4606
or
BMI-III-4-Hotline@bmi.gv.at

they'll tell you about the regulations but note (!) they are not responsible for the actual process. for that you have to turn to the city's administration.

[mafgreene]

thanks
i will email them and see if they can help out - if anyting i can do little family research....find out where the family owned hardware store was...

still can't get over that my dad's family ownded a hardware store - i mean if you have ever seen my dad try to change a light bulb...

[Indy]

So I plan to get married within this 3-month tourist period and then apply for this permanent residence thingie, which means I won't be leaving Austria, at least not anytime soon. How would that work then, if I wouldn't be allowed to come to Austria for a while?

Actually, if you do need to leave Austria, it's very simple. I've been told by the American Embassy that it's as simple as taking the train to Bratislava and getting your passport stamped. After that you have another three months once your return to Austria. The only downfall to the tourist 'visa' is that you cannot work or do anything of that sort.

[Greg]

…Actually, if you do need to leave Austria, it's very simple. I've been told by the American Embassy that it's as simple as taking the train to Bratislava and getting your passport stamped. After that you have another three months once your return to Austria. The only downfall to the tourist 'visa' is that you cannot work or do anything of that sort.

The Embassy told you that? They’re wrong. The law is that you’re allowed to stay here for 90 days maximum sequentially, and six months total in any twelve month period. If it comes down to checking your passport, stamps for a quick in-and-out of any place, whether Bratislava or otherwise, won’t matter to the Fremdenpolizei. The burden of proof will be on you to demonstrate that you remained out of the country for a significant period of time, and that means showing credit card receipts, apartment rental contracts, etc.

[stoffel]

and nobody will stamp your passport in bratislava nowadays.

[stoffel]

still can't get over that my dad's family ownded a hardware store - i mean if you have ever seen my dad try to change a light bulb...

[mafgreene]

it usually leads to drinkinng and my mother in a fetal position!

i tell ya - thank god i married a gentile!

[Greg]

Thanks for the info.
So I plan to get married within this 3-month tourist period and then apply for this permanent residence thingie, which means I won't be leaving Austria, at least not anytime soon. How would that work then, if I wouldn't be allowed to come to Austria for a while? Would I have to leave sometime? My boyfriend says it shouldn't be a big deal 'cause I'm American, but I'm not sure - Austria's not so lenient, no matter where the foreigners come from, no?.
Yeah, I checked out that thread, which made me realize that the whole process is longer and more complicated than I'd thought...

Note that my message was strictly about being a tourist. Since you’re getting married, if it comes down to trouble then the fact that you’re engaged to an Austrian will keep you here. You’ll have to prove it one way or another, but otherwise don’t fret about it.

[Samantha]

ok, about visas. I know this is prob a stupid question and I may get some flack from it but here goes.
I know that the website at the embassy says Americans need visas to stay longer than 90 days. But this line is usually a grey area, In other East European contries the consulate tells you to just go out of the country for a few hours or a day, get your passport stamped and come back in. ( the Ukraine was cool) This is good for another 3 months. Does this fly in Austria or are they overly retentive about it? There's always a big difference beteween what the locals tell you is true and the real facts.

I'm aware I will have to jump through a lot of hoops, but with a non profit foundation at least there's not hat many dificulties. We just haven't started working on the papers yet. Tell me if I need to put some heat on Vincent to get this done- and will I risk a heavy penalty for letting it slide a while?

[Pirate_Kate]

As there are already so many Visa threads I thought that I would just tag my question onto the bottom of this one.

What I need to find out is if it is possible/what is necessary to get a visa for my mother (a US citizen) so that she can stay in Austria for one year. She won't be working (other then helping us take care of the twins and the PartyPirate), so that is not a issue. She just needs a visa that will allow her to stay here. Thanks for any help!

[_rip]

Pity she can't be an au pair (age limit: 28) :)