Working In Austria: A Guide For Indians

Austria is a great place for Indians to work, with its strong economy, stable political environment, and thriving job market. However, there are several steps Indian nationals must take to work in Austria legally. This includes obtaining a work visa, which has several types, and a work permit. In this article, we will outline the requirements and steps to work in Austria as an Indian national.

Visa and permit requirements

To work in Austria, Indian citizens must obtain a work visa. There are several types of work visas and permits available, each with its own eligibility criteria and requirements. Here is an overview of the different options:

• Red-White-Red Card: This visa is valid for 12 months and allows Indian nationals to work for a single employer in Austria for two years. It is aimed at very highly qualified workers who score 70 points or more on Austria's eligibility criteria. This includes having a four-year degree, relevant work experience, and German or English language proficiency.
• Red-White-Red Card Plus: This visa can be applied for after residing in Austria for two years with a Red-White-Red Card. It is valid for three years.
• Six-Month Residence Visa: This visa allows Indian nationals seeking temporary relocation to Austria to live in the country for six months and look for employment.
• Jobseeker Visa: This visa is designed for highly qualified skilled workers and acts as a temporary authorisation for job hunting, helping skilled workers integrate into the Austrian job market. It is valid for six months, and applicants must score at least 70 points to be eligible. If the visa holder secures a job during this time, they can apply for the Red-White-Red Card.
• Restricted Work Permit: This permit allows Indian nationals to start working in Austria, demonstrating their ability to find and maintain employment.
• Work Permit: This is available to those who have held the restricted permit for one year. It is a standard work permit valid for two years.
• Unrestricted Work Permit: After holding the standard work permit for two years, individuals can qualify for the unrestricted work permit, which is valid for five years.

To apply for an Austrian work visa, individuals typically need to follow these steps:

• Receive a valid job offer from an Austrian company.
• Choose the type of work visa that suits their situation.
• Gather the required documents, which may include a passport, proof of language proficiency, proof of adequate funds, employment statement, educational qualifications, proof of accommodation, and health insurance.
• Submit the work visa application.
• Receive the work visa.
• Migrate to Austria and commence employment.

Job sectors and opportunities

Austria has a thriving economy and a stable political environment, making it an attractive destination for skilled professionals worldwide, including those from India. The country offers a wide range of job sectors and opportunities across various industries, including the public and private sectors, non-profit organisations, and tourism.

Public Sector

Jobs in the public sector include roles such as government employees, teachers, and doctors. These positions often provide job security and a range of benefits, such as paid holidays and annual leave.

Private Sector

In the private sector, individuals can explore opportunities as business executives, salespeople, or nurses. These roles may offer competitive salaries and provide a chance to work in diverse organisations.

Non-Profit Sector

The non-profit sector in Austria is also active, with positions available for NGO workers, social workers, and therapists. These roles can be fulfilling for those seeking to contribute to societal causes and make a positive impact.

Tourism

Austria's vibrant tourism industry presents numerous job opportunities, including tour guides and interpreters. These roles are ideal for individuals who enjoy interacting with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Other Sectors

In addition to the sectors mentioned above, Austria offers job prospects in ICT, metal technology, electrical engineering, and life sciences. The country also has a high demand for specific occupations, such as engineers for agricultural machinery, ophthalmic opticians, and wood machine workers.

It is worth noting that while English is widely spoken in Austria, having proficiency in German can significantly enhance one's job prospects. Additionally, individuals should be prepared to obtain the necessary work visas and permits, such as the Red-White-Red Card, which is a common pathway for Indian professionals seeking employment in Austria.

CV and cover letter

When applying for a job in Austria, it is advisable to use an Austrian CV template to create your document. Austrian CVs are usually written in tabular form and should not be longer than two pages. They should include the following information:

• First and last name, as well as any academic title
• Address, telephone number, and email address
• Education history, including any advanced courses and seminars
• Military or civilian service
• Professional career path, including specific positions, focus, and scope of work
• Foreign language competencies
• Special skills and interests
• Date and signature (add a scanned handwritten signature to the digital CV)
• Voluntary information, such as date and place of birth, marital status, nationality, children, and driving license
• A professional photo of yourself

It is important to avoid typos and have someone proofread your CV. Focus on your most recent work and training experience, and adapt your CV to the job advertisement by mirroring your experience with the desired skills.

Regarding the cover letter, it is customary in Austria to include a motivation letter with your application. This is considered even more important than the CV as it refers to the present and the future, whereas CVs refer to the past. Your cover letter should be written in a formal letter format and should include the following:

• Your name, address, telephone number, and email address
• Recipient and their address
• Subject of the letter
• Correct personal form of address (use the academic title in the address or salutation if possible)
• Content that is adapted to the potential job—avoid repeating what is already in your CV
• Argue why you are the right person for the job, highlighting your academic and professional titles, as well as your salary expectation and availability date if desired
• Explain your present situation and your plans for the future, including what you can offer the employer and why you are the right fit
• Ask for an invitation to interview
• Include the date and your signature at the end

Like your CV, it is important to proofread your cover letter to avoid any spelling mistakes. Keep it concise and limit it to one A4 page.

Language skills

German is the official language of Austria, and most employers require candidates to be proficient in German. However, English is also widely spoken in Austria, and some employers may hire English-speaking employees for more specialised roles, such as professors, English teachers, software developers, or marketing specialists.

To prove your German language proficiency, employers may ask you to obtain the Austrian German Language Diploma. You can take a state-approved examination at an accredited centre in India or in Austria.

The Austrian Labour Market Service (AMS) reviews your language skills as part of the criteria for very highly qualified workers. This generally requires applicants to have German or English language skills and a university degree, managerial work experience, and be under the age of 45.

If you are applying for a work visa as a regular worker in tourism, agriculture, or forestry, you will need German language skills at an A2 level to be eligible.

Residence and family

If you are an Indian citizen and plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, you will need to obtain a residence permit. There are different types of residence permits available, and the application should be made in person in your home country before entering Austria. Residence permits are typically issued for employment, study, or research purposes. It is important to note that you must have a fixed and regular source of income to cover your living costs.

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence permit specifically for qualified workers from third countries (outside the EU) who want to live and work in Austria. This card is issued for a period of 24 months and allows you to work for the employer specified in your application. To be eligible, you must fall into 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

To obtain a Red-White-Red Card, you must meet certain general requirements, including:

• Adequate means of subsistence: You need to demonstrate a regular monthly income that meets the equalisation supplement reference rate. For singles, this rate is €1,217.46, and for couples, it is €1,921.96, with an additional €187.93 for each child.
• Health insurance coverage: You must have health insurance that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks.
• Adequate accommodation: You need to provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation, such as a lease contract, that is considered adequate for your family size.
• No threat to public order or security: Your stay must not go against public order, security, or Austria's relations with other countries.

Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus for family reunification. However, the specific requirements for family members to obtain a residence permit in Austria are not readily available.

To apply for permanent residency in Austria, you must meet additional criteria, including having legal status in the country for the past five years, being financially self-sufficient, and having health insurance coverage during that time. Additionally, achieving a B1 level of German language proficiency through Module 2 of the Integration Agreement is necessary.

Frequently asked questions