Austria Job Seeker Visa

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

The Austria Job Seeker Visa allows highly qualified individuals from non-EU countries to live and search for employment in Austria for up to six months.

However, this is only accessible to people who are classed as "Very Highly Qualified Workers" under the Red-White-Red visa program.

And since Austria's social market economy is considered one of the best in the world, ranking fifth highest in GDP in Europe, it's an ideal destination for skilled professionals seeking fulfilling careers.

If you're well qualified and want to explore the Austrian job market, network with potential employers, and ultimately secure a position leading to long-term residency in Austria, the Job Seeker Visa could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

 

Eligibility criteria for the Austria Job Seeker Visa

To qualify for the Austria Job Seeker Visa, you need to demonstrate that you can contribute significantly to the Austrian workforce. This goes hand in hand with the Red-White-Red visa that allows highly qualified workers to live and work in Austria.

The only difference here is that with the Red-White-Red visa, you must already have a job with a defined employer. This visa, as the name suggests, gives you six months in the country to find an employer and become employed.

Upon employment, you'll need to apply for a Red-White-Red visa card as normal.

To see whether you're eligible for the Job Seeker program, the Austrian Federal Ministry created a points-based system to assess eligibility fairly.

You'll need to provide documentation amounting to a minimum of 70 points based on various factors, including:

• Special qualifications and skills: This category takes your educational background, professional experience, research and innovation activities, and any awards or recognitions you've received into account. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) provides support for gathering and translating awards and certifications online, which can be accessed via this portal.
• Research and innovation activities: You'll be awarded further points for any scientific publications, patent applications or academic scientific teaching achievements. This category comes under the umbrella of special qualifications, so don't worry if you don't have anything to submit here.
• Work experience: For every half year of work experience relevant to your qualifications, you'll gain 1 point towards your application. If you have at least six months of relevant work experience in Austria, you'll earn 10 points for every six months worked, not exceeding a maximum of 20 points total. Both testimonials and work certificates are accepted here; just make sure they're translated into either German or English.
• Language skills: Proficiency in German or English is the key here, but additional language skills (e.g., French, Spanish, Bosnian) may also earn points. Your language proficiency will be assessed per the Common European Framework of Reference for Language Skills (CEFR) at A1, A2, or B1 levels, respectively.
• Age: Younger applicants generally receive more points in this category, with anyone under the age of 35 granted a maximum of 20 points.
• Studies in Austria: If you completed part or all of your studies in Austria, you'll earn additional points here.

All points are awarded subject to proof, so it's important to ensure that you have all of the relevant evidence and documentation attaining these categories and that they've all been translated into either English or German.

You can check the official Austrian Migration website for a full breakdown of circumstances and correlating awarded points.

Other requirements:

In addition to the points-based system, you'll need to fulfil several other key requirements, listed below.

• Valid passport: You must be able to provide a valid passport, and it must remain valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Austria.
• Proof of accommodation: You need to provide evidence of having secured suitable accommodation in Austria for the duration of your stay.
• Health insurance: You must have proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in Austria for all events of €30,000 or more.
• Sufficient funds: You'll need to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay in Austria, essentially proving you're not in debt and won’t need to rely on social welfare benefits.

Meeting these criteria demonstrates your potential to find suitable employment in Austria and contribute positively to the Austrian economy and society.

Documentation

To apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa, you'll need to gather and submit a set of documents that support your eligibility and intentions:

Application forms:

• Job Seeker Visa application form: The main application form focuses on your intentions to find employment in Austria and your personal information. You can apply with any "competent Austrian representation", such as an embassy or consulate in whichever country you're in. You can find more information here.
• Criteria data sheet: This data sheet will be combined with your evidence of awards, qualifications and other documentation, along with translations of your documents.

For further instructions on how to complete the forms above, you can refer to the official Austrian Migration website.

Supporting documents:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Austria and have at least two blank pages.
• A recent passport photo: You must provide a photograph (dimensions: 45x35mm) taken in the last six months.
• Proof of accommodation: Evidence of having secured suitable accommodation in Austria. This can be in the form of a lease, lease agreement or ownership evidence. You can't stay at a friend's house or use any other means of free accommodation since they don't have any legally binding terms.
• Proof of health insurance: Documents confirming that you have comprehensive health insurance coverage valid in Austria, a minimum of €30,000.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Documents demonstrating your financial resources, such as bank statements or investment capital.

• Documents for points assessment: Depending on the criteria you're claiming points for, you'll need to provide supporting documents, such as:

  ◦ Diplomas and certificates for educational qualifications

  ◦ Work certificates or testimonials from previous employers

  ◦ Language certificates from recognised institutions

  ◦ Proof of research activities, publications, or awards

  ◦ Documents related to any studies completed in Austria

Take time to ensure your documents are complete, accurate, and well-presented, as any errors could delay your application.

Remember that all documents must be in German or English, and if they're not, you must provide official translations alongside the original documents.

It can be helpful to invest in professional assistance to ensure that your application meets all of the requirements and showcases your potential for success in Austria.

Duration

The Austria Job Seeker Visa allows you to seek employment for up to six months.

This time frame gives the opportunity to actively search for employment in Austria, attend job interviews, and get to know potential employers. It's important that you use this time well, and to secure a job offer that aligns with your qualifications and skills.

Once you receive a job offer, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card, which provides a longer-term residence and work permit in Austria.

The Job Seeker Visa is not renewable. If you're unable to find employment within six months, you'll need to leave Austria and reapply at a later date if you want to continue your job search.

You will have to wait 12 months before applying again.

How to apply for a Job Seeker Visa in Austria

The application process for the Austria Job Seeker Visa involves several key steps:

Step 1: Prepare your application

• Check requirements: All requirements, as outlined above, must be met before any stage of this process can begin. It could be beneficial to hire a consultant, as they can help ensure that you meet the criteria.
• Complete the application forms: Fill out both the application form and criteria data sheet accurately and thoroughly.

You'll find the Austria Job Seeker Visa application form and the criteria data sheet here. For further instructions on how to complete the forms above, you can refer to the official Austrian Migration website.

• Gather supporting documents: Compile all the necessary documents, including your passport, certifications, proof of income, and proof of housing.

Note: Remember, all documents must be in German or English. If they're not, you must provide certified translations alongside the original documents.

Step 2: Submitting your application

• Schedule an appointment: Contact an Austrian representative, such as an embassy or consulate, in your country of residence to schedule an appointment for submitting your application.
• Attend your appointment: Bring all your original documents and copies to your appointment. The embassy or consulate staff will review your application and may ask you questions about your qualifications, work experience, and intentions in Austria.

Step 3: Await approval

• Await a decision: The embassy or consulate will forward your application to the Public Employment Service (AMS) for assessment. If your application is approved, the embassy or consulate will issue your Job Seeker Visa. If your application is rejected, you'll receive a written decision explaining the reasons, and you can appeal the decision within a specific timeframe.

The processing time for a Job Seeker Visa can vary, but it's generally within a few weeks. It's best to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any potential delays.

Visa fees

As of September 2024, the application fee for the Austria Job Seeker Visa is €150, and you'll pay this when you submit your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate.

It's important to note that this fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

You should also take into account other costs related to obtaining necessary documents, such as translations or certifications, and travel expenses for attending your appointment.

Talk to a visa consultant

The Job Seeker Visa offers a fantastic opportunity to grow a thriving career, but looking for work in Austria requires careful planning and preparation. Especially since you'll be working against the clock and can be restricted from applying again if you cannot find a job opportunity.

It can be ideal to enlist the help of a visa consultation service that can help guide you through the complexities and ensure your application is handled seamlessly. All the while giving you time to explore your job prospects and pursue your career ideas.

When working with a consultation service, you'll benefit from:

• Expert guidance: Receive personalised support and advice from experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of the Job Seeker Visa.
• Streamlined process: Benefit from a simplified application process, ensuring all documents are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
• Increased success rate: Maximise your chances of approval with expert guidance and meticulous attention to detail.

Important note:

Always refer to the official Austria migration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on visa options and requirements. Immigration regulations are ever-changing, so it's important to stay informed throughout the application process and beyond.

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