Austria, the picturesque European nation nestled among Schengen states, is brimming with prospects for job seekers in 2023. This article delves into the intricacies of the Austria Work Visa process, the various visa types available, their prerequisites, and the promising job opportunities they offer.
Austria’s Labor Shortage Dilemma
With a population of approximately 8.9 million, Austria faces an acute labor shortage across various industries. Qualified professionals are in high demand. To embark on a professional journey in Austria, acquiring both a Work Visa and a work permit is essential. The quickest route is through the Austria Red-White-Red Card. Below, we’ll unveil who is eligible for an Austrian work permit, the range of work visas available, and the 2023 Austria Work Visa process.
Eligibility Criteria for Austria Work Visa
For EU/EEA Citizens
Citizens of the EU/EEA enjoy the privilege of living and working in Austria without a work permit for up to 90 days. Beyond this grace period, they must apply for a certificate of registration to continue their stay.
For Non-EU Nationals
Non-EU nationals must apply for an Austria Work Visa.
Types of Austria Work Visas
Austria offers three primary types of work visas:
- Red-White-Red Card
- The most common work visa for Austria.
- Combines a work permit and residence permit for highly qualified non-European workers.
- Valid for 24 months, renewable for up to 6 years.
- Eligibility criteria include a points system, with a minimum requirement of 70 points, applicable to:
- Very highly qualified workers.
- Skilled workers in shortage occupations.
- Other key workers.
- Job seekers.
- Graduates of Austrian universities and colleges of higher education.
- Job Seeker Visa
- Allows individuals from non-European countries to seek employment opportunities in Austria for 6 months.
- Applicants must personally apply for the Job Seeker Visa (Category D) at the competent Austrian representation in their home country or country of residence.
- EU Blue Card
- Available to individuals who completed a minimum three-year education, possess three years of relevant professional experience, and have a job offer in Austria with an annual salary of at least €45,595 (including special payments).
- No points system applies to EU Blue Card applicants.
Job Offer Requirement
- Austria Red-White-Red Card Visa: Requires a job offer from an Austrian employer.
- Austria Job Seeker Visa: No job offer is needed.
- EU Blue Card: A job offer is necessary.
Stay Duration
- Austria Red-White-Red Card Visa: Issued for 24 months.
- Job Seeker Visa: Allows a 6-month stay, extendable to a Red-White-Red Card permit for 24 months.
Austria Work Visa Costs
- Job Seeker Visa: €150
- Red-White-Red Card:
- Application: €120
- Granting: €20
- Additional costs (fingerprints, photography, and signature): €20
- EU Blue Card:
- Application: €120
- Granting: €20
- Additional costs (fingerprints, photography, and signature): €20
Austria Work Visa Requirements
- Job offer from an Austrian employer for Austria Red White Red Card.
- For the Job Seeker Visa, a job offer is not required.
- Pass the points-based system. Evaluate your profile, documents, age, and work experience against the required points using the points calculator.
- Complete the visa application form and submit all documents to VFS Global or the Austrian Embassy.
Austria Work Visa Processing Time
The processing time varies depending on your location and the country from which you apply, averaging around 8 weeks for the following:
- Red-White-Red Card: 8 weeks
- Job Seeker Visa: 6 weeks
- EU Blue Card: 6 weeks
Where to Apply for the Austria Work Visa
You must apply for the Austria Work Visa in person at the competent Austrian representation (embassy or consulate) in your home country. You can determine the relevant authority for Austria in your home country here.
Austria Permanent Residency
After residing in Austria for 5 years with a valid residence permit, you can apply for permanent residency.
