Working In Austria: Visa Requirements And Process

Austria is a popular destination for those seeking career and personal development, thanks to its rich cultural heritage, stable economy, and high quality of life. For those considering a move to Austria for work, understanding the visa requirements is essential. So, is it possible to get a work visa for Austria? The short answer is yes, but the process and requirements can vary depending on several factors, including your country of origin and the type of work you will be doing. Let's explore the topic further.

Visa Requirements for EU and non-EU citizens

EU citizens and Swiss nationals do not need a visa to enter Austria and have the right to reside in the country for up to three months, regardless of economic activity. This right to reside can be extended beyond three months if the citizen is:

• Employed or self-employed in Austria
• Financially self-sufficient with comprehensive sickness insurance for themselves and their family members
• Studying at a state school or legally recognised private school or educational establishment, with sufficient sickness insurance and resources for themselves and their family members

After five years of legal and continuous residence in Austria, EU and Swiss citizens can request a 'certificate of permanent residence'.

Non-EU citizens, or third-country nationals, who plan to stay in Austria for longer than six months require a residence permit. For visits of up to six months, third-country nationals do not need a residence permit, but they do need a visa. For visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, some third-country nationals are exempt from needing a visa, depending on their citizenship.

Non-EU citizens who are qualified workers can apply for a Red-White-Red Card, which is issued for 24 months and entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment by the specified employer. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• 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 residence permit, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Adequate means of subsistence
• Health insurance coverage
• Adequate accommodation
• No threat to public order or security

Health Insurance and Tax Implications

Health insurance is mandatory in Austria. If you are an EU citizen, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for initial coverage. However, for longer stays, it is advisable to register with the Austrian health insurance system.

As a legal resident and employee in Austria, you will be part of the social security system, which includes health insurance.

Income earned in Austria is subject to local taxes, so it is essential to understand the Austrian tax system for effective financial planning. The tax system will impact your net income, so it is vital to comprehend how it works.

If you are a highly qualified worker from a third country, you will need to provide proof of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or an equivalent insurance policy) when applying for a Job-Seeker Visa or a Red-White-Red Card.

Work Visa Application Process

Who Needs a Work Visa?

Anyone who wishes to work in Austria must first apply for a work permit, with the exception of residents from within the EU or EEA. Citizens from these countries can live and work in Austria without a visa for up to 90 days, after which they must apply for a certificate of registration.

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 issued to highly skilled individuals from other countries who meet certain criteria, which are measured by a points system.

Requirements for an Austrian Work Visa

In addition to the basic Austrian visa requirements, you will need the following documents for a work permit:

• 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: This includes references and employment verification.
• Evidence of Language Skills: You must provide proof of German or English language proficiency with an internationally verified diploma.
• Research Activities: Submit any research publications or a declaration from a university that you worked as a researcher or at a research centre.
• Patent Registration: Provide a patent registration by an excerpt from the national/regional register of patents (if applicable).
• Proof of Last Year’s Annual Gross Salary: Provide tax statements proving your salary.
• Proof of Your Previous Position: Provide a declaration from your previous employer that you worked in a leadership position.
• Proof of Your Previous Company’s Status: Provide documentation that the company you worked for is listed on the stock exchange.
• Proof that You Studied in Austria: Provide confirmation by means of your record of studies (Studienbuch) and relevant exam certificates.
• Proof of Habilitation: Provide proof of a postdoctoral lecturing qualification that recognises you as a qualified individual to do research or teach within a scientific field.
• Employment Contract: Provide a copy of your contract from your current employer in Austria that states your annual gross salary.

How to Apply for an Austrian Work Visa

To apply for a Red-White-Red Card, follow these steps:

• Secure a job in Austria: You must have a job in Austria before you can apply for the work permit.
• Apply for the work permit: Once you are employed by someone in Austria, you are eligible to apply for a work permit. Your employer can apply for the permit for you through their local residence authority, or you can apply in person at a representative authority within your residence country.
• Apply for a work visa: While an Austrian work permit allows you to live and work in the country for a lengthy period, you cannot enter without a D visa. You must apply for a national D visa before moving to Austria. A national visa lets you stay in Austria for up to six months, and its only purpose is to allow you entry.
• Travel to Austria: Once you have secured a work visa, you can travel to Austria, pick up your work permit, and start your new life.

Where and How Long?

For your national D visa, apply at your local embassy or consulate. For your work permit, you can also apply at a local representative, or your employer may apply for you in Austria. The processing time for a work visa usually takes about eight weeks, and the visa lasts for two years.

If you want to extend your work permit, you can apply for an extension of your Red-White-Red Plus card, which lets you stay for two more years. After you've had this card for two years, you can apply for another card, which will allow you to stay for three years.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads

Austria does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa for non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens. However, there are still options for digital nomads to legally live and work in Austria.

The Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence and employment permit that caters to various worker categories, including highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, and other key workers. It also applies to graduates of Austrian universities and colleges, self-employed key workers, and start-up founders. This card provides a pathway to long-term residence and employment in Austria.

To be eligible for the Red-White-Red Card, applicants must meet specific criteria, such as possessing certain qualifications, work experience, and language skills. It is a point-based system, with a minimum of 70 points required for approval. Points are awarded based on criteria such as special qualifications and skills, graduation from an institution of higher education, gross salary, research and innovation activities, awards, work experience, language skills, and age.

The application process for the Red-White-Red Card involves submitting various documents, including a valid travel document, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and adequate means of subsistence. Applicants must also provide proof of their qualifications, work experience, and language skills.

The Red-White-Red Card for Start-Up Founders

The Red-White-Red Card for Start-Up Founders is another option for digital nomads who are non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens. This long-term visa permits individuals to live and work in Austria for up to two years, with the option of a three-year extension.

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet requirements such as possessing non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizenship, having an innovative business plan with the potential to create jobs and boost the Austrian economy, and providing proof of health insurance coverage. Applicants must also establish a minimum capital requirement of €50,000 for the startup firm, along with a minimum ownership stake of 50%.

The application process for the Red-White-Red Card for Start-Up Founders involves developing a business plan, gathering the necessary documents, and submitting the application to the Austrian embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country. Applicants may be required to attend an interview, and the decision process can take up to six months.

Other Residence Permits

In addition to the Red-White-Red Card and the Start-Up Founders variation, Austria offers several other types of residence permits that may be relevant for digital nomads, including permits for students, researchers, and artists. While these options may not directly align with the digital nomad visa concept, they provide legal pathways for prolonged stays and work opportunities in the country.

Residence Permit

A residence permit is required for third-country nationals who want to stay in Austria for more than 180 days or six months. This includes individuals who are not EEA or Swiss citizens. EU citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days without a visa, but if they intend to remain longer, they must obtain a visa and register with local authorities.

There are several types of residence permits available in Austria, catering to different categories of applicants. Here are the key details about the residence permit:

Who Needs a Residence Permit?

• Third-country nationals who plan to stay in Austria for more than 180 days or six months.
• Third-country nationals holding an ICT residence permit from another member state and staying or intending to stay in Austria.

Types of Residence Permits

• Residence permit for education: International students who will be studying at a higher education institution in Austria can apply for a student residence permit, valid for 12 months and extendable within the country.
• Residence permit for executives: The Intra-Transfer-Company (ICT) programme offers a residence and work permit for managers, specialists, and trainees from third countries who are assigned to an Austrian office for over 90 days up to 12 months (three years for managers).
• Residence permit for pupils, students, and researchers: This permit is for those attending schools, universities, or conducting research in Austria.
• "Family Reunification": This permit facilitates the reunification of family members, including spouses, registered partners, and minor children.
• "Settlement permit – gainful employment excepted": This permit is one of the frequently submitted applications to Austrian consulates.
• "Red-White-Red Card": This system caters to highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, and other key workers. It offers a single permit for residence and employment, with flexible age-independent minimum salary requirements.

To apply for a residence permit, individuals must first determine the type of visa they need, such as a National Visa D for stays up to six months, a student visa, researcher visa, or a work visa. The application is typically made at the Austrian embassy in the applicant's country of origin, although there are exceptions for specific cases mentioned on the Migration Platform of the Austrian Federal Government.

Requirements for a Residence Permit

The requirements for a residence permit may vary depending on nationality and visa type. However, some common documents required include:

• A valid and signed passport.
• A recent passport-size photograph.
• Proof of accommodation in Austria.
• Proof of health insurance.
• Proof of sufficient financial means.
• Marriage certificate, divorce certificate, or other relevant documents.

Processing Time and Duration

The processing time for residence permits can vary depending on the type of permit and the completeness of the application. The approval process for work permits typically takes about seven weeks. Residence permits for education are valid for 12 months and can be extended in Austria.

Frequently asked questions