Austria Work Visa 2024: How to Obtain Your Austria Work Permit?

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate. 

Updated March 2024

Austria, a jewel in the heart of Europe, is a prime destination for career-driven individuals. Its robust job market, excellent work-life balance, and emphasis on education make it a top choice for professionals seeking both personal and career growth. It offers a wealth of career opportunities in a variety of sectors, not just extending a job but a fulfilling lifestyle for those who choose to make it their workplace.

Here, Wego guides you through the essentials for a successful professional journey in this picturesque European hub.

Who needs to apply for Austria work visa?

EEA and Swiss nationals have the freedom to work in Austria without the need for a visa. However, non-EEA and non-Swiss individuals planning to remain in Austria for over 180 days must secure a work visa. Austria categorizes individuals who are neither EEA nor Swiss citizens as third-country nationals. Consequently, those without a European or Swiss passport must initiate the process of applying for a Work Visa.

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Austria work visa points

Austria employs a point-based system to classify applicants into various categories, such as highly skilled professionals, shortage-filling skilled workers, startup founders, graduates from local higher education institutions, self-employed individuals in key roles, and other essential workers. These categories play a crucial role in determining the type of visa an applicant qualifies for.

The Red-White-Red Card is a common choice for most foreigners working in Austria, but it’s essential to note that specific requirements vary based on the applicant’s category and visa type.

Eligibility criteria for skilled workers	Points
Qualification	Max points: 30
Completed vocational education/training in the shortage occupation	30
Work experience matching one’s qualification	Max points: 20
Work experience (per half-year)	1
Work experience in Austria (per half-year)	2
Language skills	Max points: 25
German language skills (A1 level) German language skills (A2 level) German language skills (B1 level)	5 10 15
English language skills (A2 level) English language skills (B1 level)	5 10
French language skills (B1 level)	5
Spanish language skills (B1 level)	5
Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian language skills (B1 level)	5
Age	Max points: 15
Up to 30 years of age	15
Up to 40 years of age	10
Up to 50 years of age	5
Sum total of maximum allowable points:	90
Additional points for corporate language English	5
Required minimum:	55

To gain more insight into points requirements specific to each of the aforementioned applicant categories, click here.

Note: Points are given depending on professional qualifications, work experience, language ability and the salary levels of the applicant.

Points calculator

Please note that the points calculator acts as an initial orientation tool and should not be considered a formal application or a substitute for the evaluation conducted by Austrian authorities.

You may check whether you would achieve the required amount of points by referring to the official Austrian government website on migration.

Austria work visa types

Austria work visa without a job offer

Jobseeker visa

This work visa is granted without a job offer, permitting a stay in Austria for the purpose of job hunting. It is important to emphasize that only highly qualified individuals are entitled to this visa, requiring a score of 70 points or more in the points system.

The Jobseeker visa does not serve as a work permit. After securing a job offer, applicants must apply for a work permit, such as a Red-White-Red Card.

In order to qualify for the Jobseeker visa, as per the points criteria system, an applicant must consider the given criteria:

• a minimum of 70 points from a maximum of 100 points
• completion of higher education
• unique qualifications and expertise
• specialized skills in fields like mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, or technology
• possession of a post-doctoral qualification or a PhD
• engagement in research and innovation endeavors
• recognition through awards
• relevant work experience
• proficiency in language
• age
• prior academic studies in Austria.

You are allowed to search for work in Austria for 6 months. As an applicant, failing to look for a job within the 6 month period mandates your return to your home country.

Austria work visa with a job offer

Red-White-Red Card

Austria has established the Red-White-Red Card, an immigration program tailored for high-skilled individuals. This program enables exceptionally skilled non-EU workers to seek employment and acquire the necessary work permit.

Prospective applicants can choose from the following eligibility categories when seeking a Red-White-Red Card:

• highly qualified professionals
• a score of more than 70 points
• skilled workers in shortage occupations
• other key workers
• graduates of Austrian universities and colleges of higher education
• self-employed key workers
• start-up founders

The Red-White-Red Card has an initial validity of up to 24 months, and it can be extended or replaced with a Red-White-Red Card Plus. With the Red-White-Red Card Plus, holders gain the flexibility to work for any company in Austria.

Red-White-Red Card holders may sponsor their family members for a residence permit and a Red-White-Red Card.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card program is designed for highly skilled non-EU employees and unlike Red-White-Red card, operates on a merit-based framework, streamlining immigration for non-EU residents.

All EU member nations, excluding Denmark, the UK, and Ireland, issue the EU Blue Card. Those holding an EU Blue Card from one member state can more easily acquire a work permit for Austria if they choose to work there. After receiving a job offer, applicants can seek an EU Blue Card, which, like the Red-White-Red Card, is tied to a particular position at a specific company.

Individuals can qualify for an EU Blue Card provided they meet the following criteria:

• hold non-EU citizenship.
• possess a higher level of education or relevant professional experience.
• hold an employment contract or a confirmed job offer.
• are set to earn an annual income at least one and a half times the average gross annual income of full-time employees.
• no equally qualified Austrian or EU candidate is available for the position to be eligible for the EU Blue Card.

For EU Blue Card applicants, there is no points system.

The work visa card is valid for 24 months.

Austria work visa requirements

To apply for a work visa, one must hold a valid job offer from an Austrian company. Initial work visas are job-specific and employer-tied, requiring a new application if the holder changes employers before visa expiration.

Moreover, work visa applicants need to provide the following documents:

• valid passport
• completed visa application form
• two recent passport-sized photographs
• copy of the birth certificate with Apostille
• proof of adequate health insurance
• evidence of sufficient financial resources
• confirmation of accommodation in Austria
• documentation proving completion of a minimum three-year course at a university or other educational institution
• declaration from the employer [not applicable in the case of Jobseeker visa]
• supporting evidence, such as degree certificates, tax records, references, work experience documents, and proof of language proficiency, is also required to substantiate claims in the application.

Austria work visa application

Step 1: Secure employment in Austria

Obtain a job offer in Austria before applying for a work permit. A work contract is a prerequisite for the Red-White-Red Card visa application.

Step 2: Apply for the work permit

Upon securing employment in Austria, you become eligible for a work permit. The application for this permit can be initiated by your employer at their local residence authority or personally by you at a representative authority within your home country.

Step 3: Apply for a work visa

While the Austria work permit grants you the right to work and reside in Austria for an extended period, it does not permit entry into the country. A national D visa is mandatory before relocating to Austria. The national visa allows a stay of up to 6 months, serving the sole purpose of facilitating entry. This visa becomes unnecessary once you obtain your Red-White-Red Card.

Please note that within three days of arrival in Austria, registration with the local authorities is mandatory.

Step 4: Travel to Austria

After acquiring a work visa, you can freely travel to Austria. Collect your work permit upon arrival and commence your new life in Austria. After two years, you become eligible to apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, extending your stay in Austria for an additional two years.

Where to apply?

To enter Austria with a national D visa, you should apply at a local office, such as an embassy or consulate.

When it comes to obtaining your work permit, you can either apply locally or have your employer handle the application in Austria. It is recommended to apply for the work permit first – if you get it, the visa process would go much easier since you’d already be registered as a future employee in Austria.

Austria work visa processing time

The Austrian work visa normally takes 6 to 8 weeks to process, by which you may hear from your respective embassy/consulate. However, delays can occur due to various reasons.

Austria work visa fees

• Red-White-Red Card:

Application Fee: EUR 120 (PKR 36,350.11)

Granting Fee: EUR 20 (PKR 6,058.35)

Personalization Costs [fingerprints, scan of photography, and signature]: EUR 20 (PKR 6,058.35)

• Jobseeker visa:

Fee: EUR 150 (PKR 45,437.64)