Austria Blue Card

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Austria, world-famous for its gorgeous cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and thriving economy (fifth highest GDP in the EU), has attracted plenty of highly skilled professionals worldwide through its Blue Card program over the years.

Launched back in 2009 by the EU, this specialised residence and work permit is designed to attract top talent from non-EU countries, offering a streamlined pathway to live and work in Austria.

If you possess higher education qualifications and a job offer that matches your skills, the Austria Blue Card could be your gateway to a fulfilling career and a rewarding life in this beautiful Central European nation.

 

Eligibility criteria for Austria's Blue Card

To qualify for the Austria EU Blue Card, you must meet specific criteria that demonstrate your high level of skills and qualifications:

• Education: You must have successfully obtained a university degree or other tertiary education program with a minimum duration of three years.

  Note: ICT professionals and service managers may qualify without a degree. Candidates must demonstrate at least three years of relevant professional experience equivalent to a university degree acquired within the seven years preceding application.

• Job offer: You need a binding job offer from an Austrian employer for at least six months. The position offered must match your educational qualifications and professional experience.
• Minimum salary: Your annual gross salary, including any special payments, must be at least equal to the average gross annual income of full-time employees in Austria. As of 2024, this threshold is set at €47,855.
• Labour market test: The Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) will conduct a labour market test to ensure that no equally qualified Austrian or EU citizen is available to fill the position you've been offered.

Unlike some visa types, there's no points system to adhere to. Simply meet these criteria, and you'll have demonstrated your value as a highly skilled worker and your potential to contribute positively to the Austrian economy.

The application process for an Austrian Blue Card

Applying for the Austria Blue Card involves a well-defined process with two main options for submission:

1. Application by you:

• You can submit your application directly to an authorised Austrian representative  (embassy or consulate) in your home country or country of residence.
• Ensure you have all the required documents, including a completed application form, a valid passport, a recent passport-style photo, proof of education and professional experience, a binding job offer, and evidence of health insurance.

2. Application by your potential employer:

• Your prospective employer in Austria can also submit the application on your behalf to the competent residence authority in Austria (the local Provincial Governor's Office or the district administration authority).
• Along with the application, your employer must provide an Employer's Declaration confirming the terms and conditions of your employment.

You can find a link to all the forms for both individual and employer applications here.

Documents needed for your residence permit

You'll need specific documentation to accompany your application, which includes:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Recent photo (45x35mm, taken in the last six months)

• Family papers (if applicable):

  ◦ Marriage or divorce certificate

  ◦ Partnership registration or dissolution

  ◦ Adoption papers

  ◦ Family relationship proof

  ◦ Death certificate

  ◦ Health insurance proof

• Education or experience:

  ◦ University degree (3+ years) with graduation certificate

  ◦ For ICT pros: 3+ years of relevant experience in the last seven years

• Employer's declaration (per AuslBG)
• Professional licence (for regulated jobs)

With these documents, you'll need to submit both the original documents AND copies. This means attaching your official passport and so on. What's more, all documents need to be in either German or English. Translations must be provided if your documents are in any other language.

Finally, share as much as you can to help accelerate the process and maximise your chances of a successful application. You may be asked for more papers during the process if needed.

3. Processing and decision:

• Once your application is submitted, the Austrian representation or residence authority will forward it to the Public Employment Service (AMS).
• The AMS then assesses your qualifications, salary, and conducts the labour market test.
• If the AMS confirms that you meet all the requirements, the residence authority will issue your Blue Card, provided you also fulfil the general requirements for residence permits.
• If your application is approved, the residence authority will notify you.
• If you require a visa to enter Austria, you'll need to apply for a Visa D at the Austrian representation in your country of residence.

By following the correct procedures and providing all the necessary documentation, you can streamline the application process and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Duration of the Austria Blue Card

The Austria Blue Card is typically issued for a period of 24 months, granting you the right to reside and work in Austria for that duration.

This initial validity aligns with the typical duration of employment contracts and provides a stable foundation to establish yourself in the country.

Renewal:

If you wish to continue living and working in Austria beyond the initial 24 months, you can apply for a renewal of your Blue Card.

The renewal is contingent upon you still meeting the eligibility criteria, including having a valid job offer and earning the minimum required salary.

Fees

Applying for the Austria Blue Card involves several fees that you or your employer will need to cover:

• Application fee: The application fee for the Blue Card is €120. This fee is payable when you submit your application to the Austrian representation or residence authority.
• Granting fee: If your application is successful, you'll need to pay an additional granting fee of €20.
• Personalisation costs: There is a further fee of €20 for the personalisation of your residence permit, which includes capturing your fingerprints, photograph, and signature.

These are the standard fees associated with the Blue Card application. However, it's important to note that additional costs may arise in certain situations:

• Visa D fee: If you require a Visa D to enter Austria and collect your Blue Card, you'll need to pay the corresponding visa fee. This can cost up to €150.
• Translation and legalisation costs: If any of your documents are not in German or English, you may need to have them translated and legalised by certified professionals, which can incur additional expenses.

It's crucial to factor in these potential additional costs when budgeting for your Blue Card application and relocation to Austria.

Other important things to know

While the core eligibility criteria, application process, and fees are crucial, there are additional aspects to keep in mind when considering the Austria Blue Card:

• Family reunification: Under certain conditions, you can bring your family members (spouse, registered partner, or children) to Austria with you. They'll need to apply for their own residence permits and meet specific requirements. It may be easier to work with a consultant to ensure everyone in your family is covered, and the process runs smoothly.
• Self-employment: While primarily designed for employed individuals, the Blue Card allows you to engage in self-employment activities to a limited extent, as long as it remains secondary to your main employment and adheres to all legal requirements.
• Change of employer/occupation: If you wish to change employers or occupations while holding a Blue Card, you must inform the residence authority and ensure that your new position still meets the eligibility criteria for the Blue Card, including the minimum salary threshold and the labour market test.
• Permanent residency: After five years of continuous legal residence in Austria, including time spent on a Blue Card, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. This grants you the right to live and work in Austria indefinitely without requiring further permits or renewals.

Remember, immigration regulations and visa requirements can change. Always refer to the official Austrian immigration website or seek professional advice for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Understanding these additional aspects can help you make informed decisions and navigate your journey towards obtaining the Austria Blue Card and building a successful career in Austria.

FAQs

Can I bring my family members with me on a Blue Card?

Yes, you can bring your family members (spouse, registered partner, or children) to Austria with you under certain conditions. They will need to apply for their own residence permits and meet specific requirements, such as providing sufficient financial means and having adequate accommodation.

What are the language requirements for the Blue Card?

There are no formal language requirements for obtaining the Blue Card itself.

However, proficiency in German or English can significantly enhance your job prospects and overall integration into Austrian society. Additionally, if you intend to apply for permanent residency after five years, you will need to demonstrate sufficient German language skills.

Can I change employers while on a Blue Card?

Yes, you can change employers while holding a Blue Card. You must inform the residence authority and ensure that your new position still meets all the eligibility criteria for the Blue Card, including the minimum salary threshold and the labour market test.

How long can I stay in Austria with a Blue Card?

The Blue Card is initially issued for 24 months. You can apply for renewals if you still meet the eligibility criteria. After five years of continuous legal residence in Austria, including time spent on a Blue Card, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

What is the pathway to permanent residency with a Blue Card?

After holding a Blue Card for 21 months, you can apply for a "Red-White-Red Card plus," which grants you unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.

After five years of continuous legal residence in Austria, including time spent on a Blue Card and/or a Red-White-Red Card plus, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency, provided you meet other requirements such as demonstrating sufficient German language skills and integration into Austrian society.

Talk to a visa consultant

There's no denying that the Austria Blue Card offers a unique opportunity for highly skilled professionals to pursue their career aspirations in a country renowned for its quality of life, economic stability, and cultural richness.

However, the application process can be intricate, and navigating the intricacies of Austrian immigration law can be challenging, but this shouldn't hold you back.

Enlisting in the help of a visa consultation service can help make the process simple while maximising your chances of success, ultimately saving you time, money, and stress.

Important note:

Always refer to the official Austrian immigration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on the Blue Card and its requirements. Immigration regulations can change, so staying informed throughout the process is crucial.

Need visa assistance/immigration advice?

Fill out this form

Shoot us an email with your inquiry at [email protected].