How to obtain a work visa for Austria

How to obtain a work visa for Austria

Moving to Austria for work is a real opportunity to start a new life in a stable European country. It offers high salaries, comfortable living conditions, and a constant demand for skilled and unskilled workers. But before you start looking for jobs, it is important to understand how the work permit system works. In this article, we will explain the different types of work visas, who they are suitable for, and how to apply for one step by step.

Main types of work visas for Austria

There are several types of work visas in Austria, each of which is suitable for different situations, from finding a high-paying job to seasonal work. Below, we will briefly explain the differences between the main types, who they are suitable for, and what is important to consider when applying.

Red-White-Red Card

This is one of the most popular ways to find legal employment in Austria. It is intended for qualified specialists, professions in short supply, university graduates, and key workers. The main requirement is compliance with a points system that includes education, experience, age, language skills, and salary. The card is issued for 24 months and binds the employee to a specific employer.

EU Blue Card

This option is also designed for highly qualified specialists, especially in the fields of IT, technology, and engineering. The main requirement is an employment contract with an Austrian company and a decent salary (usually €45,000 per year or more).

The Blue Card is suitable for those who have already found a job that matches their profile and want to move to Austria legally for a long period of time. The card gives the right to live and work in Austria and, in the future, to obtain a residence permit.

Visa for job seekers

This permit is intended for those who want to come to Austria and find a job there. The visa is issued for 6 months and requires passing a points system (65 to 70 points). After finding employment, it can be changed to a Red-White-Red Card without leaving the country. This option is suitable for candidates with good experience, education, and language skills.

Seasonal work visa

If you plan to work in Austria for a short period of time — for example, during the summer or in agriculture — a seasonal visa is suitable. It is issued for a maximum of 6 months and is most often used for areas such as harvesting, hotel and restaurant service, kitchen assistance, mountain work, etc.

The employer issues an invitation, and you apply for a category D visa. This is a quick and easy way to go to Austria for a part-time job with the opportunity to earn from €1,500 per month and above. This option is especially popular among students and those who want to combine work with travel.

Who is eligible for a work visa in Austria

Not everyone can obtain a work visa in Austria — there are clear criteria that must be taken into account before submitting your application. It all depends on the purpose of your move, your education, experience, and even your age. But if you meet the requirements, your chances are high.

First, a work permit is required for all citizens of countries outside the EU. If you are not from the European Union, you must go through the standard procedure for obtaining a visa or card (for example, the Red-White-Red or Blue Card EU).

A work visa can be obtained by:

• a qualified specialist with a degree and experience;
• people invited by a specific Austrian company;
• applicants who have scored the required number of points and are ready to look for work in Austria;
• seasonal workers — under a special contract for a limited period.

It is important to understand that Austria is interested in attracting professionals, especially in areas where there is a shortage of personnel, such as medicine, construction, engineering, agriculture, and IT. If you have experience in these fields, this is a huge advantage.

In addition, graduates of Austrian universities are eligible for a work visa. After completing their studies, they can stay in the country for 12 months to look for work. If they find a job during this time, they receive a 2-year card with the right to extend it.

Is it difficult to understand the intricacies on your own? Group Working supports candidates at all stages, from analyzing their chances to submitting their application. This is a real way to simplify the path to working in Austria and avoid bureaucratic mistakes.

Requirements for candidates and necessary documents

Wanting to work in Austria is not enough to get a work visa. You need to meet a number of requirements and collect a set of documents. It all depends on the type of visa, but there are basic conditions that are the same almost everywhere.

The most important thing is to prove your qualifications. This can be a diploma, certificate, or other document confirming that you are capable of performing your job. This is particularly important in medicine, engineering, and education. If the document was issued outside the EU, it must be officially recognized in Austria.

Next is language proficiency. Most professions require German at a level of B1 or higher. Doctors, nurses, teachers, and those who work with people often need a B2 level. English is also taken into account, especially in IT and international companies, but German remains the main language.

You cannot start working without a work visa (or appropriate permit). To apply, you will need:

• a completed application form;
• a valid passport;
• a photo (as required by the consulate);
• a resume and cover letter;
• your diploma and proof of qualifications;
• an employment contract or invitation from an employer;
• proof of financial security (usually from €1,000 per month for living expenses);
• medical insurance valid in Austria;
• proof of accommodation — rent, reservation, or ownership.

If you are applying for a visa to look for work, you will need to earn the required number of points. Your education, experience, language skills, age, and previous salary will be assessed.

To avoid getting confused by the details, it is best to consult with specialists. Group Working helps candidates at every stage, from finding a job to gathering documents for a visa.

How to apply for a work visa

The process of applying for a work visa in Austria begins with choosing the right option — whether it’s a red-white-red card or a visa for job seekers. After that, you need to collect a package of documents. This usually includes a questionnaire, passport, photo, proof of financial solvency, diplomas, and certificates confirming work experience. It is important to translate the documents into German in advance and have them certified if necessary.

The next step is to register with the Austrian consulate in your place of residence. It is better to do this in advance, as the wait can take several weeks. At the appointment, you submit your application, provide your biometric data, and pay the consular fee. Depending on the type of visa, this is approximately €120-160. After that, all you have to do is wait for a decision. On average, this takes between four and eight weeks. Sometimes additional documents or clarifications may be required.

If you are applying for a Red-White-Red Card, an additional points-based assessment system is used. To avoid confusion, many people seek assistance. For example, Group Working helps you through the process step by step — from preparing your application to final confirmation of your residence permit.

Once approved, you will receive a D visa or a special work permit. Upon arrival in Austria, you must register your place of residence, take out health insurance, and sign an employment contract. Only then can you officially start working.