Immigration lawyer in Austria for residence permits and citizenship
Law & Beyond is a Vienna-based law firm advising international clients on Austrian residence permits, Red-White-Red Cards, family reunification and citizenship. We work in English and German, explain the fees before engagement and support you through the agreed application process.
How it works — from first contact to the authority decision
Contact us for a conflict check
Visit our contact page and send a brief enquiry by email. We first check whether we can act for you. Please do not send passports, medical records or other sensitive documents with your first message.
Receive consultation details
After the conflict check, we email you an introduction, the consultation fee and a link for booking an initial consultation with Patrick. If you decide to proceed, we discuss your circumstances and send a written proposal for further work.
Our team builds your case
Under Patrick's supervision, the team opens your file in IURIO — a secure client workspace. We review and organize your documents, guide you through the translation and apostille steps where they are needed, and prepare a comprehensive application package: not just the forms, but the full argument for why you qualify.
We accompany you to the authority
Where appropriate and included in our agreed scope, a member of our team can accompany you to the authority appointment. Our experience helps us anticipate procedural requirements and prepare the filing carefully.
We follow the process
We follow up with the authority within the agreed scope and keep you informed of its decision. We can also discuss renewals, permanent residence or citizenship if relevant to your plans.
What we handle
Austrian residence permits are purpose-based — your planned activity decides the route. We advise on a broad range of Austrian immigration and citizenship routes, including these. The appropriate route depends on your circumstances and the applicable requirements.
Red-White-Red Card
For eligible skilled workers, graduates and key personnel. We advise on the appropriate category, employer documents and the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) process where relevant.
Family reunification
Joining a spouse, partner, parent or child in Austria. We manage the income proof, documents and authority appointments.
Settlement permit (independent means)
For eligible people with sufficient independent means who do not plan to work in Austria. Places are quota-limited; we advise on requirements, timing and documentation.
Student residence permit
For university students planning to study in Austria. We advise on the residence permit requirements and help prepare the financial and document package.
Austrian citizenship
Naturalization after long-term residence, or the special route for descendants of victims of Nazi persecution under § 58c.
Permanent residence
The path from a temporary permit to Daueraufenthalt — EU. We can plan the route and explain the requirements for later eligibility.
Your lawyer and his team
Mag. Patrick Onyemaechi Kainz, LL.M. (NYU/NUS)
Attorney admitted in Austria and the State of New York. Dual LL.M. from New York University and the National University of Singapore. Over a decade of practice in Austrian immigration and employment law, with professional experience spanning Austria, the Netherlands, Singapore, New York and Mexico. He also lectures on legal topics. Listed on the US Embassy Vienna's attorney panel.
Patrick leads every engagement personally — your initial consultation is always with him, and the entire process runs under his supervision. The team at Law & Beyond supports every stage, from document preparation through to the authority appointment, so that nothing falls through the cracks and you always know exactly where your case stands.
The firm's partner Dr. Theresa Kamp leads the family law practice. Immigration and employment law cases are led by Patrick and his team.
Austrian immigration law, explained
Watch our videos on Austrian immigration law. The playlist is hosted by YouTube and loads only if you choose to activate it.
Common questions
How much does it cost?
We work on fixed-fee packages for standard immigration matters, so you know your costs before you commit. After a conflict check, we email you the consultation fee and a booking link. The consultation is paid; this page does not book or sell any service. If you want further representation, we send you a written proposal setting out the scope and fees before you decide.
How do I get started?
Send a brief email enquiry through our contact page. We carry out a conflict check, then email you an introduction, fee information and a link to book an initial consultation. Sending an enquiry does not create a lawyer-client relationship.
Can I move to Austria without a job offer?
Depending on your situation, yes. Students, family members, researchers and financially independent applicants each have routes that don't require a standard Austrian job offer. We help you identify which one fits.
Does Austria have a digital nomad visa?
Not at this time. Austria does not currently offer a standalone digital-nomad residence permit. If you plan to work remotely while living in Austria, the legal position should be checked before you choose a route.
Can my spouse or partner join me?
In most cases, yes — but the right route depends on your immigration status, your relationship, income, accommodation, insurance and other factors. We handle family reunification as part of our core practice.
Can I become an Austrian citizen?
Austrian citizenship rules are strict. Ordinary naturalization usually requires long-term residence, German proficiency and additional requirements. A special route exists for descendants of victims of Nazi persecution under § 58c of the Citizenship Act. We advise on both paths.
What languages do you work in?
English and German. Your consultation, all communication and the authority appointment are conducted in the language you're comfortable with. The application itself is filed in German. Where certified translations or apostilles are required, they are issued by sworn translators and the competent authorities, and we guide you through each step.
Do I need to come to Vienna?
The initial consultation can be held by phone or video. For the authority filing, in-person attendance is usually required, and accompaniment can be agreed where appropriate. If you're filing from abroad through an Austrian embassy, we coordinate remotely.
Ready to start?
Tell us briefly what you need. After a conflict check, we will email you the consultation fee and booking information.
We do not offer assistance in asylum law matters or US immigration law.