Working In Austria: Student Visa Opportunities And Limitations

Austria is a popular destination for students from around the world, offering affordable tuition fees and some of the best public universities in Europe. If you're planning to study in Austria, you'll likely need to apply for a student visa. The type of visa you'll need depends on the length of your program. A short-term Visa C allows you to stay and study in Austria for up to three months, while a long-term Visa D is valid for up to six months and can be switched to a Student Resident Permit for those pursuing higher education or long-term studies.

If you're an EU/EEA national, you have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and can work alongside your studies without a work permit, as long as you obtain residence registration confirmation within six months of arriving in Austria. However, your studies must be your top priority, and you should aim for at least 16 ECTS credits per year.

For students from third countries (non-EU/EEA), the process is a little more complex. With a Residence Permit – Student, you can work up to 20 hours per week with a work permit, which your employer must apply for. If you want to work more than 20 hours a week, the Austrian Public Employment Service may conduct a labour market test to determine if there are other qualified candidates available.

So, can you work in Austria with a student visa? The answer is yes, but the specifics will depend on your nationality and the type of visa you hold.

Working in Austria as an EU/EEA citizen

EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to enter Austria and can reside in the country for up to three months without any further formalities. They are also allowed to work in Austria without a work permit. However, to stay in Austria for more than three months, EU/EEA citizens must meet certain requirements.

Firstly, they must obtain residence registration confirmation ("Meldebestätigung") from the municipal department ("Magistrat") or the district administrative authority ("Bezirkshauptmannschaft") within six months of arriving in Austria.

Secondly, they must have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their dependents, as well as comprehensive health insurance coverage.

Thirdly, they must be employed, self-employed, or have proof of enrolment in an Austrian school or recognised educational institution as the main purpose of their stay.

If EU/EEA citizens fulfil these requirements, they can obtain a right of residence document ("Anmeldebescheinigung") from the competent district authority, which is valid for five years of continuous lawful residence. After this period, they can apply for a "Long-term Residence Certificate" ("Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts") and a "Photo ID for EEA Citizens", which serves as an identity document.

When looking for job opportunities in Austria, EU/EEA citizens can refer to the Austrian Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice, AMS), daily newspapers, private employment agencies, recruitment companies, and online job boards. The EURES network, which has specially trained advisers in all EU/EEA countries, is also a valuable resource for finding employment in another EU/EEA country.

When applying for jobs in Austria, it is important to note that application documents should be written in German, unless the job advertisement specifies otherwise. A complete application pack typically includes a cover letter, CV, recommendations, qualifications, evidence of relevant courses, and attestation of formal and informal skills.

Student Visa

For non-EU/EEA students who wish to study in Austria for less than six months, a Visa C or Visa D is required. For stays longer than six months, a residence permit for students can be applied for within Austria after lawful entry.

Working in Austria with a Student Visa

Students with citizenship from a third country are subject to the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals and require an employment permit ("Beschäftigungsbewilligung") to work in Austria. This permit allows them to work up to 20 hours a week without a labour market test.

After successfully completing a programme of studies in Austria, students can switch from the residence permit "Students" to the Red-White-Red Card, which allows them to stay in the country for up to twelve months to search for a job or start a business.

Working in Austria as a third-country national

Third-country nationals are individuals who are neither citizens of the EU nor citizens of another EEA country (from Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway) and are not Swiss citizens.

If you are a third-country national, you can obtain a residence permit in Austria, which is separate from a visa. Visas are only required for stays of less than six months. If you plan to live and/or work in Austria for more than six months, you will need to apply for a residence permit.

There are several types of residence permits available, depending on your situation and purpose for staying in Austria. Here are some options for third-country nationals who want to work in Austria:

• Red-White-Red Card: This is a residence permit for third-country nationals who want to work and remain in Austria as skilled workers. There are seven subcategories, including cards for skilled workers in shortage occupations, graduates of Austrian universities, very highly qualified workers, and self-employed key workers.
• Red-White-Red Card Plus: Family members of individuals who possess a Red-White-Red Card or an EU Blue Card can apply for this residence permit, which grants unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
• EU Blue Card: This targets skilled workers with a relevant university degree or professional experience and a job offer with a minimum salary. The EU Blue Card is tied to the employer and is based on EU legislation.
• Settlement Permit: This permit allows you to work independently as a self-employed person. You cannot be a salaried employee with a company in Austria. An example is the Settlement Permit for self-employed key workers.
• Settlement Permit – Artist/Researcher/Special Cases of Gainful Employment: If you work as an artist, researcher, or in a line of work exempted from the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals, you can apply for these specific settlement permits.
• Residence Permit – Student: Third-country nationals can obtain this residence permit if they plan to study at a university, university of applied sciences, or accredited private university in Austria. This permit is typically granted for one year but can be extended. Students with a Residence Permit – Student can work up to 20 hours a week without a labour market test. Their employer must apply for an employment permit from the Public Employment Service (AMS).
• Long-Term Resident EU: After five years of uninterrupted stay in Austria, third-country nationals can apply for this permit, which is issued for five years but is valid indefinitely as long as the person continues to reside in Austria.

It is important to note that specific requirements and conditions must be met for each type of residence permit, such as proof of financial means, health insurance coverage, and entitlement to suitable accommodations. Additionally, knowledge of the German language is often required.

Work permits for students from third countries

Students from third countries (non-EU member states, non-EEA countries, and non-Schengen countries) can work in Austria during their studies if they have a Student Residence Permit ("Aufenthaltsbewilligung Student").

If you are a third-country national and want to work up to 20 hours per week alongside your studies, you can do so with a work permit (“Beschäftigungsbewilligung”). Your employer must apply for this on your behalf to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). You will also need a work permit for marginal employment.

If you want to work more than 20 hours per week, the AMS may carry out a labour market test to determine if there are other skilled workers registered for the specific position. Only if this is not the case will a work permit be granted.

If you are doing a traineeship or internship that is part of your studies, your employer does not need to apply for a work permit for you. However, they must report the traineeship or internship to the AMS in a timely manner. Your university must confirm in writing that the traineeship or internship is necessary to complete your studies or will be credited to your studies.

If you are about to complete your studies or have already finished them but have not yet found a job, you can extend your residence permit for another year to find a job in Austria.

If you have completed your studies and found a job, or if your current employer wants to hire you full-time after you graduate, you and your employer can apply for the Red-White-Red Card for Graduates.

To apply for the Red-White-Red Card for Graduates, you will need the following documents:

• A passport photo fulfilling EU criteria
• A university diploma with a list of grades and subjects
• A declaration from your employer
• Residence registration ("Meldezettel")
• Proof of being hired full-time by an Austrian company

Extending a student residence permit

If you are a student in Austria and your residence permit is expiring, you will need to apply for an extension. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Timing: Submit your application for extension during the three-month period before your current residence permit expires. You can apply for a renewal of your residence permit at the competent residence authority in Austria.
• Competent Authority: The Immigration Authority has jurisdiction over your application, and this depends on your place of residence in Austria.
• Application Process: You will need to enclose certain documents with your signed application form. These typically include a valid travel document, passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient financial means to cover living costs, accommodation, and health insurance. A detailed checklist of requirements can be found on the OeAD website.
• Fees: There is a fee of EUR 160 for the residence permit application, which includes EUR 120 when submitting the application, EUR 20 when the permit is granted, and EUR 20 for the collection of police identification data.
• Duration of Extension: If you meet the requirements, you can extend your residence permit as long as you are studying in Austria and even for one year after graduation.
• Requirements: The requirements for extending a student residence permit include factors such as a minimum of 16 ECTS credits per year, sufficient financial means, housing, and health insurance.
• Work Permit: If you are employed or seeking employment, your employer must apply for an employment permit for you. For jobs involving 20 hours/week or less, the AMS usually issues the permit after approximately 4-6 weeks. For jobs exceeding 20 hours/week, the AMS can conduct a labour market test to determine if an equally qualified person registered as a job seeker can be placed instead.

Working in Austria after graduation

If you are a graduate looking to work in Austria, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, especially regarding your residency and work permits. Let's go through the requirements and procedures for staying and working in Austria after completing your studies.

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens:

• As an EU/EEA/Swiss national, you can enter Austria without a visa and work without a work permit. However, you must register your place of residence within three days and apply for a Registration Certificate ("Anmeldebescheinigung") at the responsible office of the Immigration Authority within four months of entering the country.
• You can remain in Austria after completing your studies to search for a job and subsequently work as an employee or self-employed individual. Ensure that you can financially support yourself and have valid health insurance.

For Third-Country Nationals (Non-EU/EEA Citizens):

• If you are a third-country national with a Residence Permit - Student, you can extend this permit for up to one year after graduation to search for a job. During this time, you can work based on your residence permit or obtain a work permit to be employed.
• If you find a full-time job after completing your studies, you and your employer can apply for the Red-White-Red Card for Graduates. This card allows you to stay and work in Austria for an extended period.
• To apply for the Red-White-Red Card for Graduates, you will need documents such as a passport photo, a university diploma with transcripts, a declaration from your employer, and proof of residence registration in Austria.
• During your job search, you must provide evidence of your financial means, health insurance, and accommodation to extend your student residence permit.

Frequently asked questions