Vienna Immigration Office (MA 35) Explained: Visas, Permits & Appointments (2026)

MA 35 (Magistratsabteilung 35) is Vienna’s Municipal Department for Immigration and Citizenship — the office non-EU arrivals will deal with directly for any residence permit. Its Business Immigration Office, which handles employer-sponsored applications, sits at Zelinkagasse 9, 1010 Wien.

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EU/EEA Citizens: You Don’t Need MA 35 for Work

If you’re an EU or EEA citizen, you don’t need a work visa or permit at all — you have free labour-market access from day one, provided you register with local authorities (your Meldezettel) after arriving. MA 35 becomes relevant only for the follow-up Anmeldebescheinigung, not for permission to work.

Non-EU Citizens: The Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte

Non-EU nationals need a combined residence-and-work permit, most commonly the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte (Red-White-Red Card). It’s points-based, evaluating education, language skills and work experience, and generally requires either a shortage-occupation role or a university degree plus a genuine job offer. Your future employer applies on your behalf at MA 35’s Business Immigration Office — you don’t file it yourself. The card is valid for two years; after that, you can apply for the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte Plus, valid a further three years and no longer tied to one employer.

The EU Blue Card Alternative

Highly qualified non-EU workers can instead pursue the EU Blue Card, which in 2026 requires a minimum gross annual salary of €55,678 — a meaningfully higher bar than the standard Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte, but it comes with easier mobility to other EU countries later.

Looking for Work First? The Job Seeker Visa

Highly qualified professionals without a job offer yet can apply for Austria’s Job Seeker Visa — €150, valid six months, letting you search for work in-country. It’s restricted to those who would qualify for the “Very Highly Qualified Workers” category of the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte, not a general-purpose option.

2026 Income Thresholds Worth Knowing

For the Residence Permit “Without Gainful Employment” category (retirees, financially independent residents), the 2026 minimum is €1,273.99 net per month for a single applicant — the figure MA 35 uses to confirm you can support yourself without working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book an MA 35 appointment online?

Yes, appointments are bookable online, but slots fill up quickly — book as early as possible once you know your application category.

Who actually submits the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte application?

Your employer, not you — it’s an employer-sponsored process filed at the Business Immigration Office, which is why having a confirmed job offer before applying is essential.

What’s the real difference between the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte and the EU Blue Card?

The Blue Card has a much higher salary threshold (€55,678 gross in 2026) but offers smoother onward mobility within the EU; the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte is points-based and more accessible for shortage occupations.

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Written by the FinePassport Team · Updated August 2026