AUSTRIA

Austrian work permits are usually valid for 2 years and allow you to work for a specific employer. The permit you need to work in Austria depends on your job and qualifications.

Typically, requirements for Austrian work permits include either a labour market test or evaluation on a point-based system. Permits without a labour market test are usually easier and faster to get.

HERE’RE THE COMMON TYPES OF AUSTRIAN WORK PERMITS:

1. Red-White-Red card for very highly qualified workers

You’re eligible for the Red-White-Red card for very highly qualified workers if you meet these requirements:

  • You must have a concrete job offer from an Austrian employer that provides a competitive salary.
  • You must score a minimum of 70 points based on a list of criteria, which includes factors like qualifications, work experience, language skills and age.

2. Red-White-Red card for graduates

If you’re graduating from an Austrian university, you can extend your student residence permit for 1 more year to search for a job in Austria. Once you’ve landed a job offer, you can apply for a Red-White-Red card for graduates if:

  • You received an employment offer matching your education level.
  • You’ll earn a gross minimum salary comparable to the salary of Austrian junior employees.
  • You fulfil the general requirements for an Austrian residence permit.

3. Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers in shortage occupations

You can apply for a Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers in shortage occupations if you meet these criteria:

  • Your job is listed on the shortage occupation list in the region where you will work.
  • You’ll earn at least a minimum salary according to law or collective agreement for your field.
  • You must score at least 55 points according to the list of criteria, which includes factors like qualifications, work experience, language skills and age.

4. EU Blue Card

You’re eligible for the EU Blue Card if you meet these requirements:

  • You’ve completed a study of at least 3 years (or have equivalent professional experience for ICT workers and service managers).
  • Have an employment contract or job offer valid for at least 6 months.
  • You’ll earn at least 1.5 times the average gross income of full-time employees (in 2023, at least €45,595).
  • The labour market test proves that there are no equally qualified Austrian or EU citizens available for the job.

Job seeker visa Austria

If you’re a highly skilled non-EU citizen without a job offer, you can apply for an Austrian Job Seeker Visa. This visa is valid for 6 months, allowing you to search for a job in Austria legally.

As soon as you find your new job, you’ll have to apply for an Austrian work permit, such as a Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers.

To qualify for the Job seeker visa, you must meet the same 70-point requirement as for the Very highly qualified workers visa. The Job seeker visa application costs €150 and you need to provide proof of payment when applying.

Austrian work visa requirements

Besides meeting the criteria for a specific work permit, you must prepare these documents for every work visa application in Austria:

  • Completed visa application form
  • Valid travel document
  • 2 passport-sized photos
  • Employment contract
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Sufficient travel health insurance
  • Proof of connection to your home country (e.g. family ties)

How much do Austrian visas cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the costs associated with getting your Austrian work visa and permit:

Type visaPrice
EU Blue Card€160
Austrian work permit€140
Job Seeker Visa€150
Personalisation (fingerprints, scan of photography and signature)€20