Austria Work Visa: Requirements, Process

Key Takeaways:

• Austria offers substantial work opportunities with great conditions, attracting foreign nationals to work but requiring a work permit and visa.
• The Red-White-Red Card allows highly skilled individuals to work in Austria for up to two years.
• Specific documentation, including employer statements and proof of qualifications, is required to obtain an Austrian work visa.

Imagine living in a country with one of the strongest economies in Europe, where exceptional work conditions, attractive benefits, and high salaries create an appealing environment for anyone seeking career success. Austria, a vibrant and thriving nation, offers precisely these opportunities to its workers, attracting individuals from around the globe who dream of building a prosperous future. However, like any journey worth taking, the path to working in Austria has its requirements. For most individuals, this means securing an Austria work permit and visa, essential documents that open the doors to this land of opportunity.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining an Austria work visa and permit. You’ll learn about who is eligible, how to navigate the application process, and the specific documents required to secure your permit. We’ll introduce you to the Red-White-Red Card—a key pathway for skilled workers aiming to settle in Austria—explaining its eligibility criteria and the benefits it offers. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-informed and ready to embark on your quest for an exciting career in Austria.

Austria Work Visa and Permit: What You Need to Know

Why Work in Austria?
Austria is known for its economic development, excellent working conditions, generous benefits, and high salaries. These factors attract many foreign workers looking to build their careers in Austria.

Do I Need a Visa to Work in Austria?
Yes, if you are not a resident of the EU or EEA, you will need a work permit to work in Austria. Citizens from EU/EEA countries can live and work in Austria for up to 90 days without additional documentation. After 90 days, they must apply for a certificate of registration to continue their stay.

What Is the Most Common Work Visa in Austria?
The most common type of work visa is the Red-White-Red Card. This visa varies in length and can influence your employment mobility.

Who Is Eligible for a Work Permit in Austria?
To be eligible for a work permit, you generally need to secure a job offer from an Austrian employer before applying for your visa. The specifics can vary depending on the type of visa and your situation.

Types of Austria Work Visas:

• Red-White-Red Card: Suitable for highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, and other specific categories.
• EU Blue Card: For highly skilled non-EU citizens.
• Job Seeker Visa: Allows you to enter Austria and search for a job for six months.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Austria?

1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from an Austrian employer.
2. Gather Required Documents: Typical documents include a valid passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and proof of sufficient financial means.
3. Submit Your Application: Apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Required Documents:

• Valid passport
• Proof of accommodation in Austria
• Health insurance valid in Austria
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Employment contract or job offer

Processing Time:
The processing time for a work visa can vary, so it’s recommended to apply well in advance of your intended start date.

For detailed information on applications and specific requirements, visit the official Austrian government website.

What Is a Red-White-Red Card?

The Red-White-Red Card is a special combination of a work and residence permit that allows individuals to live and work in Austria for up to 2 years. It’s specifically designed for highly skilled professionals from other countries.

Who Qualifies for a Red-White-Red Card?

Eligibility for this permit is determined through a points system, assessing various personal attributes. You might be eligible if you fall into one of these categories:

• Very highly qualified workers
• Skilled workers in shortage occupations
• Other key workers
• Graduates of universities and colleges of higher education in Austria

The permit is issued in the form of a card featuring a picture, which also serves as an ID. It is important to keep this card with you as it proves your residence status.

What Documents Are Needed for an Austria Work Visa?

Essential Documents List

When applying for an Austria work visa, you must provide several specific documents, in addition to the basic visa requirements. These include:

• Statement of the Employer: A statement from your employer in accordance with the Act Governing Employment of Foreign Nationals (AuslBG).
• Proof of Professional Qualifications: References and employment verification documents.
• Evidence of Language Skills: Proof of German or English language skills, supported by an internationally recognized diploma.
• Research Activities: Any research publications or a declaration from a university confirming your work as a researcher.
• Patent Registration: An excerpt from the national or regional register of patents, if applicable.
• Proof of Last Year’s Annual Gross Salary: Tax statements proving your salary.
• Proof of Your Previous Position: A declaration from your previous employer stating you held a leadership position.
• Proof of Your Previous Company’s Status: Documentation showing that the company you worked for is listed on the stock exchange.
• Proof of Studies in Austria: Confirmation such as your record of studies (Studienbuch) and relevant exam certificates.
• Proof of Habilitation: This is a postdoctoral lecturing qualification recognizing your ability to conduct research or teach in a scientific field.
• Employment Contract: A copy of your current employment contract in Austria, stating your annual gross salary.

These detailed requirements ensure that only qualified individuals receive work permits, making the process clear and efficient for all parties involved. For further detail, you can visit the official Austrian government website on Red-White-Red Cards.

This thorough list helps ensure your application is comprehensive and meets all necessary criteria, streamlining your path to living and working in Austria.

How to Apply for an Austrian Work Visa?

What Is the First Step to Getting an Austrian Work Visa?

1. Secure a Job in Austria

• Before applying for a work permit, you need to have a job offer in Austria.
• “If you do not have evidence of work (work contract), you are not allowed to apply for the Red-White-Red Card visa.”
• A work contract serves as this necessary evidence.

How Do I Apply for a Work Permit in Austria?

2. Apply for the Work Permit

• Once you have secured employment, you can apply for a work permit.
• Your employer may apply on your behalf at their local residence authority.
• Alternatively, you can submit an application personally at a representative authority in your country.

What Visa Do I Need to Enter Austria?

3. Apply for a Work Visa (National D Visa)

• Even with a work permit, you need a national D visa to enter Austria.
• This visa allows you to stay in Austria for up to six months.
• The D visa’s main purpose is to grant you entry while awaiting your Red-White-Red Card.

Important Note:

• “Remember: You have three days after you enter Austria to register with the registration office.”

When Can I Travel to Austria?

4. Travel to Austria

• After obtaining your work visa, you are free to travel to Austria.
• Upon arrival, pick up your work permit and start your job.
• After two years, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, extending your stay for another two years.

For more detailed information, visit the Austrian Government’s Official Page on Migrating to Austria.

This simplified guide ensures you follow the necessary steps to secure your work permit and visa for Austria, streamlining your move and employment process.

Where Do I Apply for an Austria Work Visa?

To apply for a national D visa to enter Austria, visit your local embassy or consulate.

For the work permit, you have two options:

• Apply at a local representation.
• Have your employer apply for you in Austria.

Important Tip: Apply for the work permit first. Once you obtain it, the visa process will be simpler since you are already registered as a future employee in Austria.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Austria Work Visa?

The processing time for an Austria work visa is usually about 8 weeks. Expect to hear from the embassy within this period. However, be aware that delays can occur for various reasons.

How Long Does an Austria Work Visa Last?

An Austria work visa is valid for two years. During this period, you can live and work in Austria like any other resident.

Note: If your employment contract ends before the two years, your visa will be valid for the duration of your work plus an extra three months.

Can I Extend an Austria Work Visa?

Yes, you can extend your work visa. Here’s how:

• Red-White-Red Plus Card Extension: Once your initial visa is about to expire, apply for an extension of your Red-White-Red Plus card. This extension grants you an additional two years.
• Further Extension: After holding a Red-White-Red Plus card for two years, you can apply for another card that allows you to stay for three more years.

Application Timing: You must apply for the extension three months before your current visa expires.

Transition to Long-Term Residency

If you have lived in Austria with a work permit for five years, you qualify to apply for the residence title “long-term resident-EU (Daueraufenthalt – EU).”

Reminder: Your residence permit also requires renewal.

Fulfill Module 1 of the Integration Agreement

To qualify for an extension, you must complete Module 1 of the integration agreement. This involves having basic knowledge of the German language according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

For more details on the application process and requirements, visit the official Austrian government website on migration.

Can I Change Employers with an Austria Work Visa?

No, you can’t change employers with a standard Austria Work Visa. A Red-White-Red permit ties you to a specific employer. To work for a different employer, you must reapply for a new work permit.

However, you can work for another employer if you hold a Red-White-Red Plus card.

What Are the Different Types of Austria Work Visas?

Several Austria Work Visas cater to various needs and qualifications:

Austria EU Blue Card

The Austria EU Blue Card is a work permit that doesn’t depend on a points system. To qualify, you must meet these criteria:

• Completed tertiary education at an accredited university (minimum three-year program)
• Earn a salary at least 1.5 times higher than the average annual salary in Austria, approximately €65,000 in 2021
• No qualified candidates registered as job seekers with the Public Employment Service
• Secured employment for at least one year

Austrian Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa lets very highly skilled individuals stay in Austria for six months to seek employment. To qualify, you need:

• A minimum of 70 points on the points system
• Verification through a points calculator (final decisions rest with the embassy/consulate despite high scores)

How Can I Bring My Dependents to Austria with a Work Visa?

Yes, you can bring your dependents if you hold a Red-White-Red Card. Your family members can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, allowing them to live and work in Austria for 1 to 2 years. Dependents include:

• Spouse
• Same-sex registered partner
• Minor children

What Are the Costs for an Austria Work Permit?

The total cost for an Austria work permit is roughly €160:

• €120 when you submit the application
• €20 upon receiving the permit
• €20 for the police identification data

For official and detailed information, you can visit the Austrian Government’s official website.

By understanding these key details, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the complexities of securing and maintaining your work visa for Austria.

Official and Helpful External Resources for Austria Work Visa: Requirements & Process

1. General Immigration Information

• Austrian Government Official Migration Website
• Link: Migration.gv.at
• Description: Comprehensive resource for all types of immigration, covering various work permits, including the Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card, and Job Seeker Visa.

2. Red-White-Red Card

• Red-White-Red Card Information
• Link: Red-White-Red Card
• Description: Details about eligibility criteria, required documents, and the application process for the Red-White-Red Card.

3. Application Portal

• Austrian Consulates and Embassies (Visa Application)
• Link: Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Description: Information on where to apply for a work visa, including contact details for Austrian embassies and consulates.

4. EU Blue Card

• EU Blue Card Information
• Link: EU Blue Card Austria
• Description: Eligibility criteria, benefits, and application process for the EU Blue Card.

5. Forms and Checklists

• Application Forms and Checklists
• Link: Forms and Checklists for Work Permits
• Description: Downloadable application forms and checklists for various types of permits and visas.

6. Health Insurance

• Health Insurance Information
• Link: Health Insurance Guide
• Description: Information on health insurance requirements for migrants to Austria.

7. Job Seeker Visa

• Job Seeker Visa Information
• Link: Job Seeker Visa
• Description: Details about applying for a job seeker visa, eligibility criteria, and required documentation.

8. Family Reunion

• Family Members’ Visa Information
• Link: Family Members
• Description: Guidelines and requirements for bringing dependents to Austria under a work permit or visa.

9. Certificate of Registration for EU/EEA Nationals

• Registration Certificate Information
• Link: Certificate of Registration
• Description: Information on how EU/EEA nationals can register after 90 days in Austria.

10. Permanent Residency

• Long-Term Residency Information
• Link: Long-Term Residency
• Description: Requirements and process for applying for long-term EU residence status after five years of residence in Austria.

By utilizing these authoritative and official resources, individuals seeking to work in Austria can find reliable and detailed information to assist them through the application process, understand eligibility criteria, and prepare the necessary documentation.