Universities Sponsoring Work Visas In Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria is a desirable destination for expatriates due to its high standard of living, excellent healthcare, and low crime rate. However, for many nationalities, working in the country requires a work visa, which can be challenging to obtain. The Austrian visa application process is relatively straightforward, but it's important to note that only EU citizens and spouses and children of EU and EFTA citizens are allowed to apply for a residence permit after arriving in Austria. For those planning to stay longer than six months, an Austrian residence permit must be obtained before leaving their home country.

Austrian work visas cater to professionals in various situations, with options such as the restricted work permit, standard work permit, and unrestricted work permit. The Red-White-Red Card is a popular option for qualified workers, offering a residence and work permit for up to two years. The EU Blue Card is another alternative, providing similar benefits and the opportunity for family reunification.

For students, a study permit does not automatically grant the right to work, but they are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during their studies with an employment permit. After completing their studies, students can apply for a 12-month Red-White-Red Card to search for jobs or start a business.

This topic will explore the requirements, costs, and processes involved in obtaining work visas and sponsorships in Austria, with a focus on university graduates and their specific pathways.

Work visa requirements for graduates of Austrian universities

If you are a graduate of an Austrian university or college and are a third-country national, you can renew your residence permit for up to twelve months to search for employment or start a business. This is provided that you fulfil the general requirements under Austrian settlement and residence law, such as having sufficient means of subsistence and health insurance coverage.

Red-White-Red Card for Graduates

If, within these twelve months, you receive a suitable employment offer, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card without a labour market test, provided that you also fulfil the following requirements:

• You are paid the locally customary gross minimum salary that comparable Austrian graduates (junior employees) would receive.
• You fulfil the general requirements under Austrian settlement and residence law, including health insurance coverage.
• You have successfully completed a diploma programme (at least the second stage of studies), a bachelor's programme, a master's programme, or a doctoral programme.

Red-White-Red Card Plus for Graduates

You may apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus with unlimited labour market access if you were employed in accordance with the eligibility criteria for at least 21 months during the preceding 24 months.

Required Documents for a Red-White-Red Card

When applying for a Red-White-Red Card, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A valid travel document (e.g. passport).
• A photograph not older than six months (size: 45x35 mm).
• Proof of health insurance coverage for all risks (compulsory insurance or equivalent policy).
• Proof of successful completion of studies or corresponding training.
• Other documents may also be required by the authorities.

Application Costs

The application fee for the Red-White-Red Card, including the work permit visa application form, should not exceed 150 EUR/166 USD (as of 2019). There are additional costs for granting and personalising the card. The total cost of the Austrian visa/permit is approximately 100 EUR.

Work permits for non-EU citizens

If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need a work visa to be able to live and work in Austria. The type of work visa or permit you will need depends on your individual circumstances, such as your qualifications, the length of your stay, and the nature of your employment. Here is an overview of the different types of work permits available for non-EU citizens in Austria:

• Restricted work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung): This permit allows non-EU citizens to work in Austria for up to one year.
• Standard work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis): The standard work permit is valid for two years.
• Unrestricted work permit: The unrestricted work permit has a duration of five years.
• Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte): The RWR Card is a popular option for non-EU citizens and is both a work and residence permit. It is usually valid for two years and allows highly skilled employees to live and work in Austria. To be eligible for the RWR card, applicants need to score a minimum of 55 to 70 points based on Austria's eligibility criteria, which includes qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age. The application fee for the RWR card is approximately 120 EUR, and there are additional costs for granting and personalizing the card.
• Settlement Permit: There are different types of settlement permits available for non-EU citizens, depending on their specific situation:
• Settlement Permit – Researcher: This permit is designed for third-country nationals who hold a Ph.D. degree and plan to conduct scientific research in Austria. It is typically issued for two years and requires a hosting agreement with a research institution.
• Settlement Permit – Special Cases of Gainful Employment: This permit is for third-country nationals who plan to conduct scientific research and teach in Austria but do not have a hosting agreement with a research institution. It is usually issued for 12 months.
• Settlement Permit – Artists: The settlement permit for artists is for those who work full-time and derive their primary income from their artistic activities. This permit is typically valid for more than six months and can be renewed.
• Schengen Visa: The Schengen Visa allows non-EU citizens to stay in Austria and other countries in the Schengen zone for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
• EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card is an alternative to the RWR Card and is recognized in 25 European countries. It grants third-country nationals the right to live and work in Austria, provided they meet certain requirements, such as holding a university degree and having a minimum salary. The EU Blue Card usually costs 120 EUR to apply for and is valid for two years.

It is important to note that the requirements and application processes for these work permits and visas can be complex and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Non-EU citizens should refer to the official Austrian government sources and consult with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding work permits and visas.

Work visas for self-employed people

Self-employed people who want to work in Austria will need to obtain a residence title or visa. The type of visa or permit you need will depend on the nature of your work and how long you plan to stay in the country.

Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence title that allows self-employed people to live and work in Austria for 24 months. To be eligible, your self-employed occupation must create a macroeconomic benefit that goes beyond its own operational benefit. This could be demonstrated in the following ways:

• Your occupation involves a sustained transfer of investment capital to Austria of at least €100,000.
• Your occupation creates or maintains jobs in Austria.
• Your occupation involves the transfer of know-how or the introduction of new technologies.
• Your business is of considerable significance to the entire region.

Temporary Residence Permit

If you can prove a contractual obligation for self-employed work lasting longer than six months, you can be issued a Temporary Residence Permit.

Short-Term Visas

If you plan to visit Austria to perform business activities for less than six months, you can apply for a visa for business purposes. If your country has an agreement with Austria, you may not need a visa to visit for up to 90 days. Otherwise, you can apply for a 90-day visa (C-type) or a 91-180-day visa (D-type). These visas cannot be renewed or extended in Austria.

Application Process

Applications for residence titles and visas must generally be made in your home country before entering Austria. You will need to submit your application to the competent representation authority in your country and wait for their decision. In some cases, you can apply in Austria after legal entry and during your legal stay (for example, if you do not need a visa to enter Austria during your visa-free stay).

Application Requirements

To be eligible for a residence title or visa, you must meet the specific conditions of the title and prove that you meet the general conditions for residence titles in Austria. These include:

• Adequate accommodation that meets Austrian standards.
• Full medical insurance.
• Adequate means of subsistence.

You will also need to provide various documents, including a valid travel document (e.g. passport), a recent photograph, proof of accommodation in Austria, and proof of health insurance.

Visa application process

The visa application process for Austria can be straightforward for some and more complex for others, depending on the type of visa and the individual's circumstances. Here is a detailed guide on applying for a visa to work in Austria:

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Before initiating the visa application process, it is crucial to determine the type of visa you require. For individuals seeking employment in Austria, the most common visa type is the Red-White-Red Card. This visa serves as both a work permit and a residence permit, allowing its holder to stay and work in Austria for up to two years.

However, there are other types of visas available, such as the Austria EU Blue Card and the Austrian Job Seeker Visa. Each visa type has specific eligibility requirements that must be met.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

When applying for a visa to work in Austria, you will need to submit several documents as part of your application. These documents can vary depending on the visa type and your personal situation. Some of the commonly required documents include:

• A valid travel document (e.g., passport)
• Recent photograph (typically with dimensions of 45x35mm and not older than six months)
• Proof of locally customary accommodation, such as lease contracts or ownership documents
• Proof of health insurance covering all risks
• Proof of adequate financial means to support yourself during your stay
• Proof of professional qualifications, including references and employment verification
• Evidence of language skills (German or English) with internationally recognised certificates or diplomas
• Research publications or declarations from universities/research centres (if applicable)
• Patent registration or excerpts from national/regional patent registers (if applicable)
• Tax statements or other proof of your previous year's annual gross salary
• Declaration or proof of your previous position and leadership experience
• Documentation that your previous company is listed on the stock exchange
• Confirmation of your studies in Austria, including record of studies and exam certificates
• Proof of Habilitation, a postdoctoral lecturing qualification
• Employment contract or offer letter from your prospective employer in Austria

Step 3: Secure a Job Offer

For certain visa types, such as the Red-White-Red Card, it is mandatory to have a confirmed job offer in Austria before applying for the visa. The job offer must align with your qualifications and provide adequate pay as per Austrian standards.

Step 4: Apply for the Work Permit

Once you have secured employment in Austria, you can initiate the process of applying for a work permit. This can be done through your prospective employer, who can apply on your behalf to the local residence authority in Austria. Alternatively, you can apply personally at a representative authority within your residence country.

Step 5: Apply for the Visa

In addition to the work permit, you will need to apply for a national D visa to enter Austria. This can be done at your local Austrian embassy or consulate. The national D visa will allow you to stay in Austria for up to six months while your Red-White-Red Card is being processed. Remember to register with the registration office within three days of your arrival in Austria.

Step 6: Travel to Austria

Once your work visa has been approved, you are free to travel to Austria. Upon arrival, you can collect your work permit and commence your new life in the country.

Step 7: Apply for Extensions or Other Visa Types

The Red-White-Red Card is typically valid for two years. If you wish to extend your stay or switch visa types, there are options available. After the initial two-year period, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, which will allow you to stay in Austria for an additional two years.

Additionally, if you have been living and working in Austria with a work permit for five years, you may qualify for a residence title "long-term resident-EU (Daueraufenthalt – EU)". This option provides a pathway to establishing a more permanent residence in the country.

It is important to note that visa application processing times can vary, and delays may occur. The typical processing time for an Austrian work visa is around eight weeks, but it is recommended to initiate the process well in advance to account for any potential delays.

Visa costs

The cost of a visa in Austria depends on the type of visa being applied for.

Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence permit that allows the holder to stay and work in Austria for a maximum of 2 years. The cost of this type of visa is approximately 180€, which includes a 140€ payment when submitting the application, an additional 20€ payment when receiving the permit, and 20€ for police identification data.

Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa allows individuals to come to Austria to look for work for six months. This type of visa costs 150€.

Student Visa

For students intending to stay in Austria for less than 6 months, a Visa C or Visa D is required. A Visa C entitles individuals to stay in Austria and other Schengen countries for a maximum of 90 days, while a Visa D is required for stays of at least 91 days up to a maximum of 6 months. The cost of a student visa is not specified.

Residence Permit

For those planning to stay in Austria for more than 6 months, a residence permit is required. The cost of a residence permit is approximately 100€ in total.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is an alternative to the Red-White-Red Card and costs 120€ to apply, with an additional 20€ fee when it is granted and 20€ for personalisation.

Temporary Residence Permit

To apply for a temporary residence permit, individuals must have their own source of income and adequate health insurance and accommodation. The cost of a temporary residence permit is not specified.

Permanent Residence

To gain permanent residence in Austria, a federal fee of 900€ for single people and 1,600€ for married couples is required, along with a provincial administrative fee of 150€ for single people and 226€ for married couples.

Frequently asked questions