Visa Requirements For Working In Austria

Austria is a popular destination for those seeking career advancement and a high quality of life. The country offers a blend of traditional charm and modern business opportunities, attracting professionals worldwide. For individuals considering a career move to Austria, understanding the visa requirements is essential. So, do you need a visa to work in Austria? The answer depends on your citizenship status.

EU Citizens Working in Austria

EU citizens do not need a visa or work permit to work in Austria. They can reside and work in the country for up to three months without any permits. However, if they plan to stay longer than 90 days, they must obtain a certificate of registration from the local authorities. This involves registering with the local registration office and obtaining a registration certificate, which typically requires proof of employment, health insurance, and sufficient financial means.

Health insurance is mandatory in Austria, and EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for initial coverage. For longer stays, it is advisable to register with the Austrian health insurance system. Additionally, income earned in Austria is subject to local taxes, so understanding the Austrian tax system is essential for effective financial planning.

As of 2023/2024, there have been no significant changes to immigration policies affecting EU citizens. However, it is always recommended to check official Austrian government websites or consult legal experts for the most up-to-date information.

To ensure a smooth transition to working in Austria, EU citizens should secure a job offer, register with local authorities upon arrival, and familiarise themselves with local customs and language to integrate effectively into Austrian society.

Non-EU Citizens and Work Permits

Non-EU citizens need both a work permit and a residence permit for Austria. The application process for these permits is relatively straightforward. However, it's important to note that the requirements and procedures are comprehensive and controlled by Austrian law.

The first step is to determine the type of work permit needed. The options include the restricted work permit (valid for one year), the standard work permit (valid for two years), and the unrestricted work permit (valid for five years). Additionally, there is the Red-White-Red Card, which serves as both a work and residence permit for highly skilled employees and is valid for up to two years.

To obtain a work permit, non-EU citizens must have a job offer from an Austrian employer before entering the country. The future employer is responsible for applying for the work permit, known as the "Einzelsicherungsbescheinigung," from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). The application process typically takes around seven weeks, and the approval is valid for a fixed-term employment period.

Once the work permit is secured, non-EU citizens can apply for the appropriate visa, such as the Type C or Type D visa, depending on the length of their stay. The Type C visa is for very short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, while the Type D visa allows for stays between 91 days and six months. For longer stays exceeding six months, individuals will need a long-term visa.

It is important to note that work visas and permits are separate from residence permits. If individuals plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, they must apply for a residence permit before leaving their home country. This process involves submitting various documents, including a valid passport, birth certificate, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and financial means. The total cost for the residence permit is approximately 100 EUR.

In addition to the standard work permits, there are special considerations for specific categories of workers, such as au-pair employees and highly qualified workers. For example, au-pair employees must obtain a work permit and a visa for intended stays shorter than six months. On the other hand, highly qualified workers can apply for a Job-Seeker Visa, which allows them to stay in Austria for six months to seek employment.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads

Austria is a popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers due to its rich cultural heritage, stable economy, and high quality of life. However, it's important to ensure that you comply with the country's visa and immigration laws. Here are the key points to consider:

Visa Requirements:

• Austria currently does not have a specific visa for digital nomads.
• EU citizens: You don't need a work visa to work in Austria due to the EU's freedom of movement principle. If you plan to stay for more than three months, you must register with local authorities and obtain a registration certificate, providing proof of employment, health insurance, and financial means.
• Non-EU citizens: You generally need a work visa and a residence permit for employment in Austria. The type of visa and permit depends on your specific situation and can include the Red-White-Red Card, the Schengen Visa, or the European Union Blue Card.

Red-White-Red Card:

• This card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled employees, valid for up to two years.
• To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria related to your qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age.
• The application process involves submitting various documents, including proof of qualifications, employment contracts, and proof of financial means.

Schengen Visa:

• The Schengen Visa allows visitors to stay in Austria and other Schengen zone countries for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
• Employees who are citizens of Schengen zone countries can enter and stay in Austria for up to 90 days without needing a visa.

European Union Blue Card:

• The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly qualified individuals from outside the EU or EEA.
• It offers benefits such as equal work rights, free movement within the EU, and social rights.
• Applicants must have higher qualifications, a university degree, a high salary, travel documents, and an employment contract.

Additional Considerations:

• Visa and work permit requirements can vary based on your country of origin and the specific nature of your work.
• It's important to be aware of the penalties for non-compliance, which can include fines, deportation, and bans on re-entry.
• The application process can be complex, and it is recommended to partner with an employer of record (EOR) or seek legal assistance to ensure compliance with all visa and immigration regulations.

The Red-White-Red Card System

Austria's Red-White-Red Card system is a residence and work permit for third-country nationals who want to work as skilled employees in Austria on a permanent basis. It is designed for long-term employment and is valid for up to two years. The card is bound to a specific employer and family members can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, which gives them free access to the Austrian job market.

There are seven subcategories of the Red-White-Red Card:

• Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: This targets third-country nationals who have received a job offer and training in an occupation where there is a shortage of workers. A list of shortage occupations is published annually by the Federal Republic of Austria.
• Red-White-Red Card for Other Key Workers: This is for third-country nationals who have received a job offer in a position that cannot be filled by someone from a shortage occupation, or who have relevant work experience but lack the required education for a specific shortage occupation.
• Red-White-Red Card for Graduates: This is for third-country nationals who have graduated from an Austrian university or college and received a suitable job offer.
• Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers: This targets third-country nationals with special qualifications, such as senior management positions.
• Red-White-Red Card for Regular Seasonal Workers: This is for third-country nationals who have worked as registered seasonal workers for two years and have a certain level of German language skills.
• Red-White-Red Card for Self-Employed Key Workers: This is for third-country nationals who want to establish a company that will have a positive impact on Austria's economic development.
• Red-White-Red Card for Start-Up Founders: This is for third-country nationals whose future company will be an innovative enrichment of the Austrian economy, with a focus on start-ups.

Residence Permits

Third-country nationals (those who are not EEA citizens or Swiss nationals) who plan to stay in Austria for longer than six months require a residence permit. For stays of up to six months, a visa is required. However, for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days, a visa is not necessary for some third-country nationals, depending on their citizenship.

The Red-White-Red Card is the primary route for non-EU citizens seeking residence and work in Austria. It is a single permit for residence and employment, issued for 12 months. It is available to qualified third-country workers and their families, with the prospect of permanent settlement. The card is generally issued for a period of 24 months and allows fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specified in the application.

To be eligible for a Red-White-Red Card, individuals must belong to one of the following groups:

• Very Highly Qualified Workers
• Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
• Graduates of Austrian Universities and Colleges of Higher Education
• Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry
• Self-employed Key Workers

General requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Austria include:

• Adequate means of subsistence: Demonstrating a fixed and regular personal income that covers living costs without needing welfare aid.
• Health insurance coverage: Holding health insurance that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks.
• Adequate accommodation: Providing evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation, considered adequate for the applicant's family size.
• No threat to public order or security: The stay must not be contrary to public order, security, or Austria's international relations.

For EU citizens, there is no requirement for a work visa. However, those planning to stay in Austria for over three months must register with local authorities and obtain a registration certificate, which typically involves providing proof of employment, health insurance, and sufficient financial means.

Frequently asked questions