Moving To Austria: Jobless Transition Tips

Austria is a highly developed and industrialized country that offers a high standard of living, a thriving work environment, and a strategic location in the heart of Europe. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and high quality of life, it's no wonder that many people dream of moving to this beautiful country. But what are the practical considerations for making the move? Is it possible to relocate to Austria without a job offer in hand? The answer is yes—and here's what you need to know.

Job Seeker Visa

Austria's Job Seeker Visa is a special type of visa that allows highly qualified individuals without a job offer to enter Austria and search for employment for up to six months. This visa is designed for non-EU nationals with strong qualifications in high-demand fields, such as IT, engineering, healthcare, mathematics, and natural sciences.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the Job Seeker Visa, applicants must score a minimum of 70 points based on Austria's points-based immigration system, which evaluates factors such as education, work experience, language skills, age, and special achievements.

Education:

Advanced degrees, particularly in STEM fields, are favoured and can significantly increase your score. A master's or doctoral degree can boost your chances of obtaining the visa.

Work Experience:

The more years of relevant work experience you have, the higher your score will be in this category.

Language Proficiency:

Proficiency in German or English is considered, and providing recognised language certificates (such as IELTS for English or ÖSD for German) will help you earn points.

Additional Achievements:

Awards, patents, or published research will contribute extra points towards your overall score.

Application Process:

• Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, including qualifications, work experience records, language certificates, and evidence of any special achievements. Ensure that all documents are translated into German or English.
• Submit Application: Submit your completed application form, supporting documents, and applicable fees to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Approval and Arrival: Once your application is approved, you will receive a visa to enter Austria.
• Job Search: You will then have six months to secure a job that qualifies you for the Red-White-Red Card, Austria's work and residence permit.

Tips for Success:

• Target Your Job Search: Use Austrian job platforms like Karriere.at and StepStone to find suitable job opportunities.
• Build Connections: Networking is essential in the Austrian job market. Attend local networking events, join professional groups, and connect with expatriate communities.
• Language Skills: While English proficiency is valuable, basic German skills can significantly improve your job prospects, especially for roles that involve client or team interaction.

The Job Seeker Visa is a great option for individuals with specialised skills who want to start their careers in Austria. It provides an opportunity to explore the Austrian job market, network with potential employers, and find employment that matches your qualifications.

Student Visa

Austria offers two types of student visas: Visa C and Visa D. Visa C is for stays of up to 90 days in Austria or other Schengen countries, while Visa D is for longer stays of 91 days to 6 months.

To apply for a student visa in Austria, you must meet the following criteria:

• Acceptance Letter: You need an acceptance letter from an accredited Austrian university or higher education institution.
• Financial Stability: You need to prove you have enough funds to cover your living expenses while studying. This can be done through bank statements or a financial guarantee. The amount varies based on age and living situation but is generally higher for older students.
• Health Insurance: You must have comprehensive health insurance coverage. International students typically start with private health insurance and may later transition to Austria's public health insurance system.
• Language Requirements: Some programs may require proof of German or English language proficiency, depending on the language of instruction.

Once you have gathered the required documents, you can submit your application through an Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. If you plan to stay for longer than six months, you should apply for a Residence Permit – Student, which can be initiated upon your arrival in Austria.

After your application is approved, you can begin your studies in Austria. Student visa holders are allowed to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week for bachelor's and master's students and up to 40 hours for doctoral students. This work experience can be beneficial for future employment and provide a valuable introduction to the Austrian job market.

Upon completing your studies, you may be eligible for a 12-month residence permit extension, known as the "Job-Seeking Visa for Graduates." This extension allows you to look for a job in Austria within your field of study. Once employed, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card for continued residence and work rights.

Work Visa

Austria offers a range of visa options for individuals seeking to relocate to the country, even if they don't have a job lined up. Here is a detailed guide on the work visa options for moving to Austria without a job offer:

Job Seeker Visa:

The Job Seeker Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live and work in Austria. This visa allows individuals to stay in Austria for up to six months while actively seeking employment. It is aimed at highly qualified workers with strong credentials in high-demand fields like IT, engineering, healthcare, mathematics, and natural sciences. To be eligible, applicants must score at least 70 points based on Austria's points-based immigration system, which considers factors such as education, work experience, language skills, age, and special achievements. The key requirements and steps for the Job Seeker Visa are as follows:

• Educational Background: Advanced degrees, especially in STEM fields, are favoured and can significantly increase your score.
• Professional Experience: The number of years of relevant work experience will positively impact your score.
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency in German or English is considered, and recognised language certificates like IELTS or ÖSD can help earn points.
• Additional Achievements: Awards, patents, or published research can contribute extra points.
• Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, including qualifications, work experience records, language certificates, and evidence of special achievements. Ensure these documents are translated into German or English.
• Submission: Submit your application, along with supporting documents and applicable fees, through the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Approval: Once approved, you will receive a visa to enter Austria and can begin your job search.

Student Visa:

The Student Visa is another option for those looking to relocate to Austria without immediate employment. This visa is ideal for individuals planning to pursue education at an Austrian university while also seeking part-time work opportunities. Here are the key eligibility requirements and steps for the Student Visa:

• Acceptance Letter: You must have an acceptance letter from an accredited Austrian university or institution.
• Financial Stability: Applicants need to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses during their studies.
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage is required. International students typically start with private insurance before transitioning to the public system.
• Language Requirements: Some programs may require proof of German or English proficiency, depending on the language of instruction.
• Documentation: Compile the necessary documents, including a valid passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds, health insurance, and a filled-out residence permit application form.
• Submission: Submit your application through an Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. For longer stays, apply for a Residence Permit for Students.
• Approval: Once approved, you will receive your visa and can commence your studies in Austria.

For non-EU citizens seeking work in Austria, there are several visa options available:

• Red-White-Red Card: This is the primary route for non-EU citizens and facilitates the immigration of qualified workers and their families. It offers a single permit for residence and employment, with minimum salary requirements that are now more accessible for certain worker categories.
• Work Permits: Non-EU citizens can apply for restricted or unrestricted work permits. These are available in one-year, two-year, or five-year formats and require substantial documentation. The approval process typically takes about seven weeks, and applications must be submitted in German to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).
• EU Blue Card: This option is for highly skilled workers with a job offer from an Austrian employer and the necessary qualifications and experience. It also allows holders to bring their families to Austria.

Residence Permit

Austria offers various visa options for individuals who want to live, work or study in the country. Here are the key details about the residence permit:

• EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can live, work, and study in Austria without a residence permit. They are allowed to stay in the country for up to three months (90 days) without a visa and must register their stay with the local authorities after this period.
• Non-EU/EEA Citizens: Citizens from outside the EU/EEA area generally need a visa and a residence permit to move to Austria. The specific type of visa and permit will depend on their purpose for relocating, such as work, study, or family reunification.
• Job Seeker Visa: Austria offers a Job Seeker Visa for non-EU nationals with strong qualifications in high-demand fields. This visa allows individuals to stay in Austria for up to six months while searching for a job. To qualify, applicants must meet certain requirements and score at least 70 points based on Austria's points-based immigration system, which considers education, work experience, language skills, age, and special achievements.
• Student Visa: Austria offers a Student Visa for individuals interested in pursuing education at an Austrian university. This visa allows part-time employment and provides opportunities for building a career after graduation. To apply, individuals must have an acceptance letter from an accredited Austrian university, proof of financial stability, comprehensive health insurance coverage, and meet language requirements.
• Work Permit: To work in Austria, non-EU citizens typically need a work permit and a residence permit. The Red-White-Red Card is issued to highly skilled non-EU nationals and is valid for up to two years. The EU Blue Card is another option for highly skilled workers with a job offer from an Austrian employer, and it also allows the holder to bring their family members to Austria.
• Retirement: Austria does not offer retirement visas. However, individuals who are financially independent can obtain a residence permit known as a "settlement permit except gainful employment." This permit is issued for a period of 12 months and does not allow the holder to work.
• Investment: Austria offers residency by investment through an investment program. However, the number of people granted this visa is limited to an annual quota of 300.
• Family Reunification: Third-country nationals residing in Austria can apply for a family reunification visa to bring their family members to join them. This includes minor children, partners in long-term relationships, and other relatives under specific circumstances. Family members can apply for a Residence Permit – Family Reunification.
• Temporary Residence Permits: Austria offers various types of temporary residence permits for individuals who want to live and work in Austria for more than six months but do not plan to stay permanently. These include permits for intra-corporate transferees, seconded employees, self-employed individuals, students, pupils, and special cases of gainful employment.
• General Requirements for Residence Permits: To be granted a residence permit, individuals must meet certain requirements, including adequate means of subsistence, health insurance coverage, adequate accommodation, and no threat to public order, security, or Austria's relations with other countries.

Language

Austria's official language is German, so it is useful to learn the language before moving there. While English is widely spoken, it does not have official status in the country. Basic German proficiency will streamline the job-hunting process, and having German language skills can significantly improve your job prospects, especially for roles that involve client or team interaction.

German language proficiency is also important for integration into Austrian society. The Austrian government recognizes the significance of language acquisition for successful integration and offers funding opportunities for language learning.

If you are applying for a job seeker visa, language proficiency in German or English will be considered in the points-based immigration system. Providing a recognized language certificate, such as IELTS for English or ÖSD for German, will help you earn points towards your application.

Additionally, if you are planning to pursue education in Austria, some programs may require proof of German or English language proficiency, depending on the language of instruction.

Frequently asked questions