Applying For An Austrian Work Visa: A Comprehensive Guide

Austria is a popular destination for those seeking new job opportunities due to its high standard of living and high average salaries. The process of obtaining a work visa in Austria can be complex and bureaucratic, and it is important to begin the process 4-6 months before your planned arrival date. EU and EEA nationals do not need a visa to work in Austria, but all other applicants must apply at the closest Austrian embassy or consulate general in person. There are several types of work visas available, including the Red-White-Red Card, the Jobseeker Visa, the Business Visa, and the Students' Residence Permit. The required documents for a work visa may vary, but typically include proof of sufficient income, educational qualifications, work experience, and language skills.

How to apply for an Austria Work Visa

Understanding visa requirements and eligibility

Visa Requirements for EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens:

Citizens of countries within the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland enjoy visa-free travel to Austria and other Schengen area countries. However, if they plan to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, they must obtain a registration certificate (Aufenthaltsbescheinigung) from the local town hall within four months of their arrival. This certificate allows them to continue their stay in Austria without requiring a visa.

Visa Requirements for Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens:

For individuals from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland, the visa requirements are more extensive. If planning to stay in Austria for more than 90 days, a work visa is necessary. The type of work visa required depends on various factors, including the nature of employment, qualifications, and desired career path. Here are some common work visas:

Red-White-Red Card:

The Red-White-Red Card is a popular option for skilled workers from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. It serves as both a work and residence permit, allowing holders to stay and work in Austria for up to two years. This visa is typically issued to highly skilled individuals and uses a points-based system to determine eligibility. Factors such as qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age are considered, with a minimum of 70 points required for eligibility.

Job Seeker Visa:

The Job Seeker Visa is designed for highly qualified workers who wish to look for employment in Austria. This visa allows individuals to enter Austria and search for a job for up to six months. To qualify, applicants must meet the same 70-point requirement as the Red-White-Red Card. Once they secure a job, they can then apply for a work permit.

Short-Term and Long-Term Residence and Work Permits:

Individuals providing short-term or long-term services to a client in Austria may require a short-term visa or posting permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung/Entsendebewilligung). Long-term residence and work permits are necessary for those transferring from a UK-based company to an Austrian branch, working for an Austrian company on a long-term contract, or providing long-term services to an Austrian client. These permits are valid for up to two years and can be extended.

C and D Visas:

Austria also offers C and D visas for specific scenarios. A C visa is required for individuals working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, while a D visa is for those working for up to four months. Additionally, a national D visa is needed to enter Austria, and it is valid for up to six months. Once an individual obtains a work visa, they can travel to Austria, obtain their work permit, and commence their employment.

Additional Requirements:

Regardless of the visa type, all applicants must provide certain documents, including proof of professional qualifications, employment verification, language skills, research activities, patent registrations, and annual gross salary. A statement from the employer according to the Act Governing Employment of Foreign Nationals (AuslBG) is also mandatory. It is important to note that Austria's authorities may request additional documents at different stages of the visa application process.

Types of work visas

To work in Austria, you must first apply for a work permit. The only exception to this rule is for residents from within the EU or EEA, who can live and work in Austria without a visa for up to 90 days. After this period, they must apply for a registration certificate to continue their stay.

There are several types of work visas available in Austria, each with different requirements and application processes. Here are some of the most common types of work visas:

Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa allows individuals to enter Austria and look for a job for up to six months. This visa is suitable for highly skilled non-EU citizens who do not yet have a job offer. To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as a minimum number of points based on their qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age.

Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is a combination of a work and residence permit that allows its holder to stay and work in Austria for up to two years. This visa is issued to highly skilled individuals from other countries who have received a concrete employment offer. The job offer must match the applicant's qualifications and provide adequate pay. Applicants must also meet the general requirements under Austrian settlement and residence laws.

Type C Visa

The Type C visa, also known as a Schengen Visa, allows for very short stays in Austria, up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is suitable for individuals working for a UK-based company but providing short-term services to a client in Austria. It is also applicable for business-related activities such as attending business meetings.

Type D Visa

The Type D visa, also known as the National Visa, allows employees to enter Austria for 91 days to six months. If planning to stay longer than six months, individuals will need a longer-term visa. The Type D visa is required for individuals applying for the Red-White-Red Card, as it allows them to enter Austria and pick up their work permit.

Restricted Work Permit

The Restricted Work Permit, or Beschäftigungsbewilligung, allows individuals to stay and work in Austria for one year.

Two-Year Permit

The two-year permit, or Arbeitserlaubnis, is valid for two years and is another option for those seeking long-term employment in Austria.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and application processes for each visa type may vary, and individuals should always check with the Austrian embassy or immigration authorities to ensure they meet the necessary legal requirements.

Documents required

To work in Austria, you must first apply for a work permit. The only exception to this rule are residents from within the EU or EEA. EU/EEA citizens are able to live and work in Austria for up to 90 days, after which they must apply for a registration certificate to continue their stay.

The Red-White-Red Card is a work and residence permit that allows its holder to stay and work in Austria for a period of up to 2 years. It is issued to highly skilled individuals from other countries who wish to work in Austria. The eligibility criteria for this permit are measured with a points system. The minimum number of points required is 70.

The documents required for your work permit may vary but typically include the following:

• Statement of the Employer: Your employer must provide you with a statement according to the Act Governing Employment of Foreign Nationals (AuslBG).
• Proof of Professional Qualifications: These include references and employment verification.
• Evidence of Language Skills: You must provide proof of German or English language skills with an internationally verified diploma.
• Research Activities: You also need to submit any research publication or declaration from a university that you worked as a researcher or at a research centre.
• Patent Registration: A patent registration by an excerpt from the national/regional register of patents (if applicable).
• Proof of Last Year’s Annual Gross Salary: These include tax statements proving your salary.

Additionally, you may need to provide proof of sufficient income and completion of a course at a higher educational institution with a minimum duration of 3 years. You must also provide evidence for any claims made in the application, such as work experience, proof of language skills, diplomas, awards and prizes.

Application process

To apply for a work visa in Austria, you must first check the exact application process and document requirements with Austria's embassy or immigration authorities. The application process and requirements may vary depending on your country of origin, the type of work you will be doing, and your qualifications. Here is a general overview of the application process for a work visa in Austria:

• Determine Your Eligibility: Before applying for a work visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Austria uses a points-based system to determine eligibility, considering factors such as qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age. The minimum number of points required is typically 55 or 70.
• Secure a Job Offer: Unless you are applying for a Job Seeker Visa, you must have a concrete job offer from an Austrian employer before applying for a work visa. You can explore online platforms like LinkedIn and research company career pages to find job opportunities in Austria.
• Gather Required Documents: The required documents for a work visa and work permit may vary depending on your specific circumstances. However, some common documents include a statement from your employer, proof of professional qualifications (such as references and employment verification), evidence of language skills, research publications or declarations, patent registrations, and proof of income.
• Apply for the Work Visa: Apply for the work visa at your local Austrian embassy or consulate. You may need to apply for a specific type of visa, such as a C or D visa, depending on the duration of your stay and the nature of your work. The application process may involve submitting the required documents, paying fees, and attending interviews or meetings with embassy officials.
• Obtain the Work Permit: After obtaining your work visa, you will need to apply for a work permit. Your employer may apply for the permit on your behalf with the competent residence authority in Austria, or you can apply personally at a representative authority within your residence country. The work permit will allow you to legally work in Austria.
• Register Your Address: Upon arriving in Austria, remember to register your address with your local city hall or registration office within the specified timeframe, usually within 3 business days.
• Apply for Residence Permit: Keep in mind that a work permit does not cover residency. If you plan to stay in Austria long-term, you may need to obtain a separate residence permit or apply for a Red-White-Red Card, which combines work and residence permissions.

Please note that this is a general overview, and it is important to refer to official government sources and seek advice from immigration specialists for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the application process for an Austrian work visa.

Visa fees and timelines

The visa fees and timelines for an Austrian work visa depend on the type of visa and your nationality. Here is a breakdown of the different options:

Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is a work and residence permit that allows its holder to stay and work in Austria for up to two years. It is intended for highly skilled individuals from other countries. The cost of this visa is not specified, but it is mentioned that there is a fee. It is also important to note that employees can only work for the employer specified in the application and must fall into a specific category.

Six-Month Residence Visa

This visa option is for those who want to temporarily move to Austria to find a job. The cost of this visa is not specified, but it may be a good option for those looking to test the job market in Austria before committing to a longer-term visa.

Student's Residence Permit

Students who have completed their studies or relevant training in Austria can obtain this type of visa. It allows them to stay in the country for an additional 12 months to find a job or start a business. The cost and timeline for this visa are not specified.

Jobseeker Visa

The Jobseeker Visa is for very highly qualified workers who want to come to Austria to look for a job. This visa is valid for six months and costs €120 or €150 depending on the source. During this time, individuals can search for a job and then apply for a work permit once they have found one. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet a 70-point requirement based on factors such as qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is an alternative to the Red-White-Red Card and offers equal work rights to Austrian citizens. To be eligible for this card, you must have completed a study of at least three years or have equivalent professional experience, have a valid employment contract or job offer for at least six months, earn a minimum salary, and pass a labour market test proving that there are no equally qualified Austrian or EU citizens available for the job. The cost and timeline for this visa are not specified.

Business Visa

The Business Visa is for individuals visiting Austria for business activities for less than six months. The cost and timeline for this visa are not specified, but it is a good option for those conducting short-term business in the country.

It is important to note that the processing times for these visas may vary, and it is recommended to start the application process 4-6 months before your planned arrival date. Additionally, the requirements and fees may change, so it is always best to check with the Austrian embassy or immigration authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently asked questions