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Work visa to Austria

TYPES OF AUSTRIAN WORK VISA

Austria is a part of the Schengen Agreement so the Austria work visa process is simpler for EU citizens. But to hire third-country nationals (non-European citizens), there are several types of Austria work permit visas that are available. In addition, Austria has a points-based system that ranks immigrants on the basis of their merit. The different types of Austria work visas are as under:

  1. Red-White-Red Card
    This scheme is for highly-skilled foreign employees, assigning them a work and residence permit in Austria. It is issued for two years and given to the following groups of people:

    • Very Highly Qualified Workers: This visa is issued to highly qualified workers who come with related work experience. It requires an applicant to score more than 70 points.
    • Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupation: If your employee has certain skills that are listed in the shortage occupation listed by the Federal Minister of Economics, they are eligible for this type of visa. These employees must score a minimum of 55 points in the criteria.
    • Other Key Workers: This Austria work permit is applicable to hire people with special skills or expert know-how and have formal training in the related field. Employees have to reach a minimum of 55 points in the criteria.
    • Graduates of Austrian Universities and Colleges of Higher Education: This visa applies to student graduates from Austrian universities who wish to stay back and seek employment in Austria. There is no points system for graduates.
    • Self-employed Key Workers: Employees with business entities that create macroeconomic benefits beyond their own operations in Austria are entitled to this visa. There is no points-based system for this visa.
    • Start-up Founders: This Austria work visa applies to those who want to establish a company or launch innovative products and services. These applicants need to score a minimum of 50 points.

  2. EU Blue Card
    This is similar to the Red-White-Red Card, giving applicants equal work rights as Austrian citizens. It is applicable for highly skilled workers, although there is no points-based system for this card.

  3. Job Seeker Visa
    This visa is issued to highly skilled individuals who haven’t yet secured employment. They can enter the country and look for a job.

  4. Seasonal Workers
    This Austria seasonal work visa is a temporary permit issued meant for fixed-term employment in agriculture and tourism. An employer has to apply for the quota meant for seasonal workers to hire them.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AUSTRIA WORK PERMIT BY/FOR EMPLOYERS

Austria work visas are categorized into several types on a points-based system. On selecting the appropriate visa category, employers must ensure that their employees score the required points to be eligible for their Austria work permit. To hire non-nationals, an employer has to sponsor the work permit for their employees.

The Austria work permit requirements for employers are:
  • The employer has to apply at the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS).
  • Submit a declaration stating details of the employment.
  • Please note that the employer may have to give a Labour Market Test, which requires them to prove that no registered worker with the AMS can be employed for the given role.

REQUIREMENTS FOR AN AUSTRIA WORK PERMIT BY/FOR EMPLOYEES

The list of Austria work visa requirements for an employee is extensive. Employees must submit the following documents:
  • Valid passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Recent photographs
  • Evidence of adequate means of subsistence
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Health insurance
Considering the points-based system of eligibility, additional documents in Austria work permit requirements include:
  • Evidence of completed vocational education/training
  • The gross annual salary in a senior management position
  • Research and innovation activities
  • Awards and prizes
  • Work experience certificates
  • Language Skills
  • Examination certificates of studies in Austria

AUSTRIA WORK PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS

The Austrian work visa process differs according to the type of visa applied for. Most of your employees who are offered a secured job have to apply for the Red-White-Red card. The two main ways of getting a Red-White-Red Card are:
  • You can apply for your employee’s Austrian work permit at the local residence authority.
  • Your employee can personally apply at the representative authority in the respective country.
  • Submit all the necessary documents.
  • Pay the Austrian work visa fees.
  • Wait for the processing.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To work in Austria, you'll generally need a Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte) or an EU Blue Card, depending on your qualifications and the nature of your employment. The Red-White-Red Card is for skilled workers, graduates, and key personnel, while the EU Blue Card is for highly qualified workers with a job offer and a high salary. If you're seeking employment, you can also apply for a Job Seeker Visa to look for work in Austria for a limited time.
A German language certificate is not mandatory when applying for an Austria work visa from India, especially under the Red-White-Red Card scheme. However, basic German (A1 or A2) can help earn additional points and improve your chances. For most skilled or shortage occupation roles, language skills are not a legal requirement, though some employers may prefer it.
Yes, your family can join you in Austria if you hold a valid work visa or residence permit, such as the Red-White-Red Card. This is done through family reunification.
Yes, you can change employers in Austria after getting your visa, but certain conditions apply. If you hold a Red-White-Red Card, you must stay with the same employer for at least 12 months before switching. After that period, you can change jobs, but the new position must meet the same criteria (salary, qualifications, etc.) as your original visa approval. Once eligible, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, which allows free access to the Austrian labour market without employer restrictions.
To extend your Austria work permit, apply at your local immigration office before your current permit expires. You’ll need to show that you still meet the visa requirements. If eligible, you can also apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus for more job flexibility.