Austria’s job-seeker visa | A gateway for global talent

Introduction to Austria’s job-seeker visa

The pursuit of opportunities often knows no borders. People from around the globe are constantly on the lookout for countries that can offer them not just jobs but also a chance at a better life. Austria, nestled in the heart of Europe, is a promising destination for global talent and provides a job-seeker visa program. This initiative helps skilled individuals explore, work, and contribute to Austria’s vibrant economy. In this blog, we will discuss Austria’s job-seeker visa in detail, understanding its benefits, eligibility criteria, and the experiences of those who have successfully embarked on this journey.

Austria’s appeal to global talent

With its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and strong economy, Austria has always been a desirable destination for expatriates. Known for its high standard of living, excellent healthcare system, and quality education, Austria offers an excellent quality of life. But what truly sets it apart is its welcoming attitude towards global talent.

Austria’s economy benefits greatly from the contributions of skilled workers, particularly in sectors such as technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare. Recognizing the need to attract global talent, the Austrian government introduced the job-seeker visa for highly qualified individuals.

Understanding Austria’s job-seeker visa

A temporary residence permit designed that enables individuals to search for employment opportunities is nothing but Austria’s job-seeker visa. It allows prospective employees to explore the job market, attend interviews, and secure a suitable job that aligns with their skills and qualifications. This visa is valid for six months, you can extend it for another six months if needed.

Applicants must be self-supporting during the visa’s validity period and have health insurance. They can change their visa to a work permit after they find a job. However, if they are unable to find work, they will have to leave the country when their visa runs out. 

Cards issued by the Austrian government

Red-White-Red card

The primary requirement for a Red-White-Red Card is a definite work offer. You will receive the card if you meet all the conditions. You also have to meet the general requirements under Austrian settlement and residency law (with the exception of housing and income).

If you possess a Red-White-Red Card, you will get a fixed-term settlement and employment with the employer mentioned on your application. The Red-White-Red Card typically lasts for 24 months. If this is a side job, and you satisfy all other legal requirements, you can also work for yourself.

Red-White-Red card plus

The Austrian residence authority (Provincial Governor, authorized Regional Administrative Authority, or Local Administrative Authority) will evaluate your application for a Red-White-Red Card Plus. If you are a very highly qualified person with a Red-White-Red Card and have worked for at least 21 months within the last 24 months while meeting the requirements for employment, then you are eligible for this card.

One who holds a Red-White-Red Card Plus can get fixed-term employment and unfettered access to the job market.

Eligibility criteria

You must obtain at least 70 points depending on the following criteria in order to receive the cards-

Graduation from a higher education institution with a minimum program duration of at least 4 years-	20 points
For topics, such as math, informatics, natural sciences, or technology	30 points
Ph.D. or habilitation following a post-doctoral degree	40 points
The gross annual salary in a senior management position with a publicly traded company or one for which the relevant Austrian foreign trade office issued a favorable report on its operations or business sector-	For €50,000 to 60,000- 20 pointsFor €60,000 to 70,000- 25 pointsFor more than €70,000- 30 points
Research and innovation activities (Patent applications, publications)-	20 points.
Prizes (recognized honors)	20 points
Professional experience (appropriately representing the applicant’s training or a senior management position)	Maximum points permitted- 20 points
Language abilities	Maximum points permitted- 10
Language proficiency in either German or English at the A1 level for basic usage of the language	5 points
Language abilities (A2 level) in either German or English for enhanced elementary language use	10 points
Spanish language skills needed for autonomous use (B1 level)	5 points
French language abilities required for independent use (B1 level)	5 points
Proficiency in Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian at the B1 level or higher for independent use	5 points
35 years old or younger	20 points
40 years old or younger	15 points
45 years old or younger	10 points
ECTS points for the second part of the diploma program (Diplomstudium)	5 points
Completed bachelor’s and master’s degree programs or a certificate study program	10 points

Application process

The application process for a job-seeker visa in Austria involves several steps-

• Collect all the required documents, including educational certificates, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a police clearance certificate.
• Submit your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. Ensure that you have all the necessary documents and that your application is complete.
• You may be required to attend an interview at the Austrian embassy or consulate to discuss your intentions and plans in Austria.
• If your application is approved, you will receive a job-seeker visa, allowing you to enter Austria and search for employment.

Key takeaways

• Austria is a desirable location for international talent looking for work possibilities and a better life due to its rich culture, high standard of living, and robust economy.
• The Austria job-seeker visa is a temporary residence permit that allows individuals from non-EU/EEA countries to search for employment opportunities in Austria for up to six months, with the possibility of an extension.
• To be eligible for the Austrian job-seeker visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including educational qualifications, sufficient financial means, health insurance, and language proficiency.
• The Austria job-seeker visa program offers a chance for skilled individuals to contribute to Austria’s economic growth and experience its welcoming culture, further enriching the country’s diverse workforce.

We hope you found this blog informative. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about studying abroad or any related topics, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Click here to contact us for more information. Our team is ready to assist you with any queries or guidance you may need.

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FAQs

Q1. Can I apply for the Austria Job Seeker visa again if I need more time to find a job?

Ans- Typically, applicants can submit only one visa application. After the visa expires, you can look into visa alternatives or find a job in your home country before reapplying.

Q2. What are the other work visa options available for working in Austria?

Ans- The blue card is another work visa alternative in Austria. Highly skilled non-EU citizens can reside and work in Austria for a duration of two years with the EU blue card. 

Q3. How much funds are required for a job seeker visa in Austria?

Ans- A minimum of 4-5 lacs per person is the fund requirement for a job seeker visa in Austria.