Austrian Embassy in New Delhi

Embassy of Austria in New Delhi, India

EmbassyAustriaNew DelhiIndia

Overview

The Embassy of Austria in New Delhi serves as Austria's principal diplomatic mission in South Asia, located in the diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri in New Delhi. The embassy provides comprehensive consular services to Austrian nationals throughout India and neighboring countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka), processes visa applications for Indian and regional residents traveling to Austria and the Schengen Area, and facilitates bilateral relations between Austria and India in areas including trade and investment, economic cooperation, cultural exchange, scientific research, education, innovation and technology, and people-to-people ties. Austria and India established diplomatic relations on August 1, 1949, marking 75 years of diplomatic partnership in 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Austria on July 9-10, 2024 marked the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 41 years and elevated bilateral relations significantly. Austria serves as India's important partner in Central Europe and as a gateway to European markets given Vienna's position as international hub and Austria's EU membership. Bilateral trade reached EUR 2.8 billion (approximately USD 2.98 billion) in 2024, with Indian exports to Austria totaling USD 1.59 billion and Indian imports from Austria totaling USD 1.39 billion. Over 150 branches of Austrian companies operate in India across sectors including machinery and engineering (Austria's precision engineering excellence), automotive and e-mobility, renewable energy and environmental technology, infrastructure, consulting and services, and technology and innovation. Austria has invested cumulative EUR 762 million in India (as of 2024), while Indian investment in Austria stands at EUR 1.212 billion, reflecting growing bilateral economic integration. The India-Austria Startup Bridge launched in February 2024 fosters innovation and entrepreneurship collaboration between the two countries' vibrant startup ecosystems. Key areas of bilateral cooperation include economic ties (trade, investment, technology transfer), scientific research and innovation (Austrian universities and research institutions collaborating with Indian counterparts), education (student exchanges, academic partnerships), cultural exchange (Austrian culture promotion in India including music, arts, film), renewable energy and sustainability (solar, wind, green hydrogen, e-mobility), and multilateral cooperation (both countries cooperate on global issues at UN, climate forums, and other international platforms). The Austrian diaspora in India includes business professionals (executives of Austrian companies), engineers and technical experts (particularly in manufacturing, automotive, machinery sectors), researchers and academics, consultants, and families, concentrated in major metros including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, and Chennai.
Read more

Visa Services

Indian citizens and residents of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka require a Schengen visa to enter Austria for tourism, business, family visits, cultural events, conferences, or short-term purposes up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Austria, as a Schengen Area member, issues Schengen visas valid for travel throughout the 27 Schengen countries. Visa applications are processed through VFS Global, Austria's authorized visa application service provider in India, with visa application centers in major Indian cities. Due to high demand, the embassy strongly recommends booking visa appointments 6 months in advance. All visa applications must be scheduled through VFS Global online booking system at www.vfsglobal.com/austria/india/. Schengen visa applicants must submit valid passport (with minimum 3 months validity beyond intended departure from Schengen Area and at least two blank pages), completed Schengen visa application form signed by applicant, recent passport-size photographs meeting Schengen specifications, proof of residence in jurisdictional area (India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, or Sri Lanka), travel itinerary including confirmed flight reservations and accommodation bookings, travel health insurance covering minimum EUR 30,000 valid throughout Schengen Area and entire duration of stay, proof of financial means (bank statements for previous 3-6 months showing sufficient funds, income tax returns, employment letters, salary slips demonstrating ability to cover travel expenses), and purpose-specific documents (invitation letters for business travel or family visits, conference registration for conference attendance, hotel bookings and detailed itinerary for tourism, proof of relationship and host's residence status for family visits). For long-term visas exceeding 90 days (national visas for work, study, family reunification, residence, settlement), applicants must apply for Austrian national visas with specific requirements depending on purpose. Employment visas require work permit or Red-White-Red Card approved by Austrian authorities, job offer from Austrian employer, professional qualifications verification, and employment contract. Austria's Red-White-Red Card targets skilled workers, highly qualified workers, and key workers in shortage occupations. Student visas require admission letter from Austrian educational institution, proof of financial resources for living expenses, accommodation confirmation, and health insurance. Family reunification visas require proof of family relationship, sponsor's legal residence status in Austria, adequate accommodation, sufficient financial means, and in some cases German language proficiency. Austria also offers special immigration programs for startup founders and self-employed individuals. Processing times vary depending on visa type and season; applicants should apply well in advance of intended travel. Visa fees apply as per Schengen visa regulations and Austrian national visa fees. For detailed requirements, fee structure, and appointments, visit VFS Global Austria website or contact the embassy consular department at new-delhi-ob@bmeia.gv.at.
Read more

Consular Services

The Consular Department provides comprehensive services for Austrian nationals in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka including passport applications and renewals (Austrian passports for citizens residing in or visiting jurisdictional area), Austrian identity cards (for adults and adolescents aged 12 and above), emergency travel documents for Austrian nationals who lost passports, civil status matters (birth registration, marriage registration, divorce recognition, death registration for Austrian nationals), Austrian citizenship matters (citizenship applications, naturalization, citizenship retention, renunciation), legalization and authentication of documents for use in Austria or third countries, notarial services, legal assistance and referrals, social affairs guidance (Austrian social security, health insurance matters for citizens abroad), and emergency assistance for Austrian citizens in distress. Consular services operate Monday-Friday 09:00-12:00 and require prior appointment via email to new-delhi-ob@bmeia.gv.at. All public services must be scheduled in advance; walk-in services are not available. Austrian nationals in India should register with the embassy for emergency notification and consular assistance. The Austrian community in India includes employees of Austrian companies (over 150 Austrian companies including Andritz, Doppelmayr, Plansee, Lenzing, OMV, Palfinger have operations or partnerships in India), technical experts and engineers (supporting Austrian machinery, automotive, renewable energy projects), consultants and business advisors, researchers and academics (Austrian-Indian research collaborations in various fields), students (some Austrians study in India or participate in exchange programs), and families. Delhi NCR hosts regional headquarters and representative offices of several Austrian companies. The Austrian Business Council India supports Austrian business community. Emergency consular assistance is available 24/7 for Austrian nationals facing serious situations including arrest, hospitalization, death, natural disasters, or other urgent emergencies. Emergency hotline outside office hours: +91 98111 20358 (available Monday-Friday 16:00-08:00, and 24 hours on Saturday-Sunday). During office hours, contact embassy main phone +91 11 2419 2700. For Austrian nationals in Bangladesh, contact the embassy as it serves Bangladesh. For Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, contact the embassy for consular jurisdiction. Austria's consular network ensures Austrian citizens receive assistance throughout South Asia.
Read more

Trade & Export Support

Austria and India maintain growing and diversified trade relations with bilateral trade reaching EUR 2.8 billion (approximately USD 2.98 billion) in 2024, showing steady growth potential. Austrian exports to India (USD 1.39 billion in 2024) include machinery and mechanical appliances (Austria's precision engineering excellence in machine tools, industrial machinery, manufacturing equipment, processing machinery for food and beverage, paper and pulp, textiles, and other industries), railway parts and equipment (Austria's railway technology including signaling systems, rolling stock components), iron and steel products (specialty steels, steel processing equipment), automotive components and vehicles (Austrian automotive technology and components for growing Indian automotive industry), electrical machinery and equipment, environmental technology (water treatment, waste management, air pollution control, recycling technology), renewable energy equipment (hydropower technology, solar components, energy efficiency systems), construction machinery and equipment, paper and pulp machinery (Austria's Andritz is global leader), and consulting and engineering services. Indian exports to Austria (USD 1.59 billion in 2024) include electronic goods (India's electronics manufacturing and IT hardware), apparels and textiles (Austrian fashion industry sources from India), footwear and leather goods, rubber articles, vehicles and automotive parts (Indian automotive components suppliers), railway parts (Indian railway components industry), electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, chemicals and pharmaceuticals (India's generic pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals), and agricultural products. The embassy's economic section actively promotes bilateral trade through trade delegations, business matchmaking, participation in trade fairs and exhibitions, market intelligence support, and facilitation of government-to-government economic dialogue. Austria's reputation for precision engineering, quality manufacturing, innovation, environmental technology and India's manufacturing capabilities, large market, skilled workforce, and cost competitiveness create complementary economic strengths. Austrian companies value India for market access (India's 1.4 billion population and growing middle class), manufacturing and sourcing (quality manufacturing at competitive costs), innovation and R&D (Austrian companies increasingly establishing capability centers and R&D facilities in India to leverage Indian digital and IT talent combined with Austrian advanced technologies), and regional hub potential (serving South Asian markets). Prime Minister Modi's visit to Austria in July 2024 provided significant boost to economic relations with both countries committing to expand trade and investment cooperation, particularly in emerging sectors including e-mobility, semiconductors, fintech, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and infrastructure development.
Read more

Investment Opportunities

Austria is a significant investor in India with cumulative Foreign Direct Investment of EUR 762 million as of 2024, while Indian investment in Austria has reached EUR 1.212 billion, reflecting strong bilateral economic integration and Austrian companies' confidence in Indian market as well as Indian companies' interest in European markets. Over 150 branches of Austrian companies operate in India across diverse sectors including machinery and engineering (Andritz provides machinery for pulp and paper, hydropower, and other industries with significant Indian operations; Austria's precision engineering companies supply Indian manufacturing), energy and utilities (OMV has explored opportunities in India's oil and gas sector), ropeways and cable cars (Doppelmayr, world leader in ropeway systems, has installed cable car systems in Indian tourist and pilgrimage destinations), specialty materials (Plansee Group provides high-performance materials and components), textiles and fibers (Lenzing Group operates in India's textile and fiber sector), construction and lifting equipment (Palfinger provides hydraulic lifting and loading solutions), environmental technology (Austrian companies in water treatment, waste management, recycling), renewable energy (Austrian expertise in hydropower, solar, biomass energy), consulting and services, and emerging technology sectors. The India-Austria Startup Bridge launched in February 2024 creates framework for innovation and entrepreneurship collaboration, connecting Indian and Austrian startups, facilitating technology transfer, supporting market entry, and enabling joint R&D projects. India offers attractive opportunities for Austrian investors in manufacturing (aligned with 'Make in India' initiative - machinery, automotive components, precision engineering), renewable energy and green hydrogen (solar, wind, hydropower, green hydrogen - areas where Austrian technology leadership and India's ambitious targets align), e-mobility and electric vehicles (India's EV transition creating opportunities for Austrian automotive technology and battery solutions), infrastructure (metro systems, railways, urban infrastructure, ropeways for tourism and urban mobility - Austrian engineering expertise), environmental technology and circular economy (water treatment, waste management, recycling, air quality - Austria's environmental technology excellence and India's infrastructure needs), semiconductors and electronics manufacturing (India's semiconductor manufacturing ambitions under PLI schemes), fintech and digital payments (Austrian fintech companies interested in India's digital payment revolution), healthcare and medical technology (Austrian medical device companies and India's growing healthcare market), food processing and agribusiness (Austrian food processing technology and India's agriculture and food industry), smart cities and urban solutions (Austrian expertise in sustainable urban development, energy efficiency, smart infrastructure), and innovation and R&D (Austrian companies establishing capability centers in India to leverage Indian digital talent). The embassy facilitates connections between Austrian and Indian business entities through its economic section. Advantage Austria (Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's trade promotion organization) supports Austrian companies investing in India. Major Austrian investments are concentrated in Mumbai (financial services, trading, regional headquarters), Delhi NCR (headquarters, manufacturing), Pune (manufacturing, automotive, engineering), Bangalore (R&D, innovation centers, technology), and other industrial hubs. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Austria in July 2024 and agreements on economic cooperation provide additional impetus for Austrian investment in India, particularly in emerging technology sectors including semiconductors, e-mobility, renewable energy, and innovation. Austria's technological leadership in precision engineering, environmental technology, renewable energy, and India's large market, skilled workforce, competitive manufacturing, and improving ease of doing business create attractive opportunities for bilateral investment and technology partnerships.
Read more

Business Support

The embassy actively facilitates Austria-India business relations through its economic section. Austrian companies exploring Indian markets can contact the embassy for market intelligence, regulatory guidance, sector-specific information, business contacts in India, and facilitation support. The embassy coordinates with Austrian institutions including Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs, Advantage Austria (Austrian Federal Economic Chamber's official trade promotion organization with presence in India), Austrian Business Council India, and sector-specific associations to support bilateral commercial opportunities. Services include business matchmaking and introductions to Indian partners, information on investment procedures and business environment in India, facilitation of trade delegations and ministerial visits, support for companies attending trade fairs and exhibitions (Austrian participation in Indian trade fairs, support for Indian companies at Austrian events), sector-specific briefings and market reports, networking events and business forums, and investor facilitation. Key sectors of bilateral business cooperation include machinery and engineering (Austria's precision engineering excellence and India's manufacturing sector create natural complementarity; Indian industry values Austrian machine tools, industrial automation, processing equipment), renewable energy and environmental technology (Austrian expertise in hydropower, solar, biomass, waste management, water treatment and India's renewable energy targets, environmental challenges, smart cities), e-mobility and automotive (Austrian automotive technology companies and Indian EV transition, automotive manufacturing sector), infrastructure and urban development (Austrian expertise in railways, metro systems, ropeways, smart infrastructure and India's infrastructure development, urban mobility needs), innovation and technology (India-Austria Startup Bridge facilitates collaboration between innovation ecosystems; Austrian companies establishing R&D centers in India; Indian IT talent combined with Austrian technology), semiconductors and electronics (India's semiconductor manufacturing ambitions and Austrian expertise in precision manufacturing, semiconductor equipment), fintech and financial services (Austrian fintech innovation and India's digital payments revolution), healthcare and life sciences (Austrian medical technology and India's healthcare growth), food processing and agriculture technology (Austrian food processing machinery and India's agriculture, food processing sector), and tourism and hospitality (Austrian hotel management expertise, ropeway systems for Indian tourism destinations). The embassy facilitates participation in bilateral business forums, economic dialogue sessions, sector-specific working groups, and ministerial visits. The Austria-India Joint Economic Commission and business councils drive economic cooperation. Prime Minister Modi's visit to Austria in July 2024 resulted in enhanced economic cooperation framework with focus on semiconductors, e-mobility, renewable energy, green hydrogen, fintech, and infrastructure. Advantage Austria offices in India provide on-ground support for Austrian companies. The Austrian Business Council India connects Austrian business community and facilitates networking. For Indian companies interested in Austrian market, the embassy provides information about Austria as gateway to European markets given Vienna's international hub status, EU membership, central European location, and connections to Central and Eastern European markets.
Read more

Cultural & Educational Programs

Austria and India maintain rich cultural and educational exchange programs facilitated by the embassy in coordination with Austrian Cultural Forum (operating in major Indian cities promoting Austrian culture), universities, research institutions, and cultural organizations. Cultural cooperation includes Austrian cultural events in India (classical music concerts - Vienna Philharmonic and other Austrian orchestras occasionally perform in India, contemporary music, theater, film festivals showcasing Austrian cinema, art exhibitions featuring Austrian artists), Indian cultural events supported by the embassy, Austrian National Day celebrations on October 26th, and cultural festivals. Austria's rich cultural heritage (Vienna as music capital with Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss heritage; Austrian art, architecture, film, literature) is promoted through embassy-supported events. Educational cooperation includes student exchanges with approximately 500-800 Indian students studying in Austrian universities and institutes, primarily in engineering (Vienna University of Technology, Graz University of Technology are respected technical universities), business and economics (Vienna University of Economics and Business, other business schools), sciences, music and performing arts (Vienna Conservatory and other music schools attract Indian students), hospitality and tourism management, architecture and design, and social sciences. Austria offers high-quality education with relatively lower tuition fees at public universities compared to other Western countries, English-language master's programs, scholarship opportunities, and cultural experience in heart of Europe. Academic collaboration includes partnerships between Austrian and Indian universities (Vienna University, Austrian institutes collaborate with IITs, Indian universities), student and faculty exchanges, joint research programs, dual degree programs, and research cooperation. Austrian Government scholarships and OeAD (Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research) support educational exchange. Research collaboration spans diverse fields including renewable energy and hydropower (Austrian expertise in Alpine hydropower and Indian Himalayan hydropower potential), environmental science and climate research, engineering and technology (precision engineering, automation, materials science), life sciences and biotechnology, social sciences and economics, and urban sustainability. Austria's research excellence (strong university system, research institutions including Austrian Academy of Sciences) and India's research capabilities and scientific talent pool create collaboration opportunities. The India-Austria Startup Bridge supports innovation ecosystem collaboration connecting startups, accelerators, venture capital, and research institutions. Both countries collaborate on innovation in emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, biotechnology, clean energy, and sustainable urban development. Cultural exchanges also include Austrian language education (German language courses through Austrian Cultural Forum and Goethe-Institut), youth exchanges, academic exchanges, and cultural tourism. Vienna's UNESCO World Heritage sites, Salzburg (Mozart's birthplace), Austrian Alps, and cultural attractions draw Indian tourists, while Indian culture generates interest in Austria. Austria's presidency of EU Council, international organizations in Vienna, and diplomatic role create opportunities for policy dialogue and institutional cooperation with India.
Read more

Service Area

The Embassy of Austria in New Delhi has diplomatic oversight for India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Austrian nationals in these countries and visa applicants from these countries should contact the Embassy in New Delhi for consular and visa services. The embassy serves the entire region from its New Delhi location. For consular emergencies, Austrian nationals can contact the embassy during office hours at +91 11 2419 2700 or use the emergency hotline outside office hours at +91 98111 20358. For visa applications from any country in the jurisdiction, use VFS Global visa application centers. Contact the embassy website (www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-new-delhi/) for detailed jurisdiction information and service details.
Read more

Appointment Information

All consular and visa services require advance appointments. For visa applications, schedule appointments through VFS Global Austria at www.vfsglobal.com/austria/india/. Due to high demand for visa appointments, the embassy strongly recommends booking appointments 6 months in advance of planned travel. VFS Global operates visa application centers in major Indian cities for Austrian Schengen visa applications. For consular services (passports, identity cards, civil status documents, legalization, notarization), contact the consular department by email at new-delhi-ob@bmeia.gv.at to schedule appointment. Consular department operates Monday-Friday 09:00-12:00 by appointment only. Embassy main office hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-16:00. For general inquiries, contact +91 11 2419 2700 or email new-delhi-ob@bmeia.gv.at during office hours. For emergency consular assistance affecting Austrian nationals (arrest, serious medical situations, death, accidents, natural disasters), contact emergency hotline +91 98111 20358 (available Monday-Friday 16:00-08:00, and 24 hours on Saturday-Sunday) or contact embassy during office hours.
Read more

Special Notes

The Embassy is located at EP-13, Chandragupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110021, in New Delhi's diplomatic enclave which houses most foreign embassies. The location is accessible by Delhi Metro (Lok Kalyan Marg station on Yellow Line is nearest), taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based ride services. Parking may be limited; public transportation recommended. Visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification (passport, government ID) and pass security screening to enter embassy premises. Only persons with confirmed appointments or official business will be admitted. The embassy observes both Austrian and Indian public holidays. Austrian National Day is celebrated on October 26th (commemorating Austrian neutrality declaration in 1955) with events often attended by Indian officials, Austrian community, business leaders, and friends of Austria. 2024 marked 75 years of Austria-India diplomatic relations with commemorative events and Prime Minister Modi's historic visit to Austria on July 9-10, 2024, the first Indian Prime Minister visit in 41 years. This visit elevated bilateral relations significantly with enhanced cooperation frameworks in economy, innovation, research, and global issues. For Indian travelers to Austria, the embassy website and VFS Global provide comprehensive information on visa requirements, travel insurance (travel health insurance minimum EUR 30,000 required for Schengen visa), health recommendations, accommodation, and travel planning. Austria's attractions include Vienna (imperial palaces including Schönbrunn and Hofburg, museums, opera houses, classical music heritage), Salzburg (Mozart's birthplace, UNESCO World Heritage old town, Sound of Music locations), Austrian Alps (world-class ski resorts including Innsbruck, St. Anton, Kitzbühel), scenic regions (Salzkammergut lakes, Wachau Valley vineyards), historic cities (Graz, Linz, Innsbruck), cultural heritage (museums, concerts, architecture), outdoor activities (skiing, hiking, mountain biking), and Austrian cuisine (Wiener Schnitzel, Sachertorte, coffee house culture). Business travelers visit Vienna (business hub, international organizations including UN, OPEC, IAEA, OSCE), attend conferences and trade fairs, and visit Austrian companies. Vienna serves as international hub with numerous UN agencies, OPEC, and diplomatic missions, making it center for international diplomacy. For detailed travel advice for Indians traveling to Austria and information on business, education, cultural opportunities, and bilateral cooperation, consult the embassy website (www.bmeia.gv.at/en/austrian-embassy-new-delhi/), Austrian Tourism Office (www.austria.info), and Advantage Austria for business information.
Read more