Key Takeaways:
- The Austria Blue Card permits highly qualified non-EU workers to live and work in Austria for up to 2 years.
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Eligibility includes a university degree, a job offer matching qualifications, a salary above €66,593, and passing a labor market test.
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Benefits include visa-free travel to 155 countries, health insurance, five weeks of paid leave, and potential for permanent residency.
What Is the Austria Blue Card?
The Austria Blue Card is a residence permit designed for highly qualified workers from non-EU countries. This permit enables individuals with specialized skills and educational qualifications to work and reside in Austria. Given Austria’s developed industrialized economy, there is a growing demand for a skilled workforce across various sectors. The Austria Blue Card addresses this need by facilitating the entry of talented professionals into the country. Valid for 2 years, the card allows for extended stays and employment opportunities within Austria.
Who Qualifies for the Austria Blue Card?
To be eligible for the Austria Blue Card, applicants need to meet several precise criteria:
- Educational Requirements: Completion of a study program at a university or another tertiary educational institution with a minimum duration of three years.
- Job Offer: A job offer in Austria with a minimum duration of six months that aligns with the applicant’s educational background.
- Minimum Salary Threshold: The gross annual salary from the employment must meet or exceed the defined salary threshold. For instance, in 2022, the salary threshold was set at €66,593, plus special payments.
- Labor Market Test: The Austrian labor market test (Arbeitsmarktprüfung) must confirm no equally qualified worker is registered with the Public Employment Service (AMS) for the job.
Benefits of the Austria Blue Card
Securing an Austria Blue Card offers numerous benefits, including:
- Freedom of Movement: Travel to 155 countries without additional visas.
- Social & Health Insurance: Includes coverage for sickness, accidents, and pensions.
- Work Flexibility: Standard working hours are 8 hours a day, or 40 hours a week, with overtime bonuses. Part-time work is also compensated with bonuses.
- Paid Leave: Entitlement to 5 weeks (25 days) of paid holiday per year, plus maternity and parental leave options.
- High Salary Standards: For example, the minimum wage in 2021 was €2521, which has since increased.
- Education Leave: Eligibility for education and study leave after six months of uninterrupted employment.
- Permanent Residency: Eligibility for permanent residency after working for 2 years in Austria.
Can My Family Join Me in Austria?
Yes, the Austria Blue Card allows your family to accompany you. Family members must apply for their own residence permits within one month of arriving in Austria. They will also enjoy benefits such as free access to the labor market, social security, and health insurance, along with free education.
How to Apply for the Austria Blue Card
Applying for the Austria Blue Card involves several straightforward steps:
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria: Confirm that you satisfy all the necessary requirements.
- Prepare Your Documents: Collect all necessary documents (listed below).
- Submit the Application: You, your employer, or the competent authorities in Austria can submit the application.
- Wait for Approval: You will be notified by the residence authority if your application is successful.
Required Documents
When applying for the Austria Blue Card, ensure to provide:
- Application Form: Filled out completely with necessary information, available in German only.
- Valid Travel Document: Issued no longer than 10 years ago.
- Recent Photograph: Dimensions of 45mm x 35mm, not older than six months.
- Health Insurance: Proof of compulsory insurance valid in Austria.
- Civil Status Documents: Such as a marriage certificate or proof of registered partnership.
- Educational Proof: Diploma and certificates from a university or tertiary institution.
- Proof of Professional Experience: At least three years of relevant professional experience documented by testimonials or work certificates.
How Long Does It Take to Process the Austria Blue Card?
The processing time for the Austria Blue Card is between 5-7 weeks. However, according to Austrian law, the maximum processing time should not exceed 56 days. Plan accordingly and submit your application at least eight weeks before your intended start date.
What Are the Fees for the Austria Blue Card?
The fees associated with the Austria Blue Card are:
- Application Fee: €120
- Granting Fee: €20
- Renewal Fee: €120
Can I Change My Job in Austria with a Blue Card?
For the first two years, you must stay with the employer and position for which your Blue Card was issued. After this period, you can switch employers, but ensure you comply with the regulations of the new country or position. This often involves applying for a new Blue Card if you move to a different EU country.
Can I Work in Other EU Countries with the Austria Blue Card?
Yes, you can seek employment in another EU member state after spending 18 months in Austria on a Blue Card. Before starting a new job in another country, you must apply for a new Blue Card in the destination country and may begin working 30 days after submitting your new application. Ensure all required documents are submitted to avoid any delays.
How Does the Minimum Salary Threshold Affect the Austria Blue Card?
The minimum salary threshold adjusts yearly to reflect current economic conditions. For 2022, the minimum threshold was set at €66,593, plus special payments. Meeting or exceeding this threshold is crucial for eligibility, ensuring that applicants can support themselves while residing in Austria.
Types of Jobs You Can Work with an Austria Blue Card
The Austria Blue Card covers a wide array of professions, including but not limited to:
- Electrical jobs
- Electromechanical professions
- Accountancy
- Denture making
- Various engineering fields
- Technicians in agriculture, viticulture, and horticulture
- Social work
- Chemical laboratory technicians and testing in chemistry
- Machinists and power machine attendants
- Social sciences, economics, and statistical roles
- Psychology, philosophy
Legal Representation for Austria Blue Card Applications
While you can represent yourself during the application process, legal representation is also an option. If opting for this, ensure your representative is licensed to practice in Austria. Unlicensed representatives will not be accepted by Austrian authorities.
Extending Your Austria Blue Card
If you have worked in Austria for at least 21 months within a 24-month period, you are eligible to apply for a Red-White-Red Card plus. This extended residence permit grants you an additional three years in Austria, providing more long-term security.
FAQ on Austria Blue Card for Highly Qualified Workers
- Can I bring my family with me?
- Yes, your family members can apply for residence permits and will enjoy similar rights and benefits.
- How soon will I know the decision on my application?
- Typically, within 5-7 weeks, but the maximum stipulated period is 56 days.
- What roles are permissible under the Austria Blue Card?
- A wide range of professional roles including engineering, accountancy, social work, and many others.
- What must I do to change employers?
- Remain with your initial employer for two years, and then apply anew if moving within the EU.
For more detailed, authoritative information on the Austria Blue Card and the application process, you can visit the official Austria Government Immigration Page.
By following these steps and meeting the outlined criteria, you can navigate the process of obtaining an Austria Blue Card and begin a new chapter of your professional career in Austria.
Learn Today:
Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Austria Blue Card
A residence permit for highly qualified non-EU workers allowing them to live and work in Austria for up to two years. -
Labor Market Test (Arbeitsmarktprüfung)
An assessment carried out by Austria’s Public Employment Service to ensure no equally qualified local worker is available for the job offered to a Blue Card applicant. -
Minimum Salary Threshold
The minimum gross annual salary that an applicant must earn from their job offer to qualify for the Austria Blue Card. This amount adjusts annually according to economic conditions. -
Red-White-Red Card plus
An extended residence permit granted after 21 months of employment within a 24-month period under the Austria Blue Card, allowing for an additional three-year stay in Austria. -
Educational Requirements
Criteria mandating applicants to have completed at least three years of study at a recognized university or other tertiary educational institution to qualify for the Austria Blue Card.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The Austria Blue Card welcomes highly skilled non-EU professionals to work and stay in Austria. Benefits include travel freedom, high salary standards, and family relocation possibilities. Meeting salary and job requirements is crucial. Processing time is 5-7 weeks, and a minimum salary threshold must be met annually. The permit lasts 2 years and extends work opportunities in Austria.
— By VisaVerge.com
