Austria Job Seeker Visa Application Process

Austria Job Seeker Visa Application Process

The Austrian job seeker visa is a type D (national) visa issued to citizens of foreign countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area who want to find work in Austria to find work in the Republic of Austria.

If you meet certain criteria outlined by the Austrian government, you can obtain a job seeker visa and be able to legally seek work in Austria for 6 months.

Who is Eligible for an Austrian Job Seeker Visa?

In order to obtain an Austrian job search visa, applicants must receive at least 70 points out of 100 within the scope of the point system created according to certain criteria.

This system, called Red-White-Red card, aims to select qualified and experienced profiles such as scientists and senior managers as highly qualified employees.

To qualify for an Austrian job seeker visa, you must meet the basic Austrian visa requirements and the scoring system requirements detailed below.

Austria Job Seeker Visa Scoring System

In the Austrian job search visa scoring system, a candidate is given a score based on their professional qualifications, work experience, language skills, academic success and salary level. The criteria within the scoring system are defined under headings such as graduating from a higher education institution, special qualifications and skills, special qualifications and skills in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences and technology, post-doctoral qualification or doctoral degree, research and innovation activities, awards, work experience, language skills, age and studies conducted in Austria, if any.

A sample screen from the points system test for the Austrian job search visa is as follows.

Austria Job Seeker Visa Application Steps

Applications for Austrian job seeker visas are made to the authorized intermediary institution VFS Global visa application center. The application steps you need to follow to obtain an Austrian job seeker visa are listed below.

1. Complete and sign the Austrian national visa application form.
2. Prepare other documents required for the job search visa.
3. Make an appointment online at the VFS visa application centre.
4. At the appointment, hand in your application file and provide fingerprint registration.
5. Pay the visa fee and intermediary service fee.

Your file, which is processed at the visa application center, will be forwarded to the Austrian foreign mission for evaluation. After the consulate's decision, you can pick up your passport from the intermediary office where you applied.

Austria Job Seeker Visa Application Documents

The application documents requested by the foreign mission for the Austrian job search visa are listed below.

• Passport obtained within the last 10 years
• Austrian national visa application form
• 2 current biometric photographs
• Birth certificate
• Documents regarding accommodation
• Documents regarding transportation
• Travel health insurance
• Documents showing financial adequacy

To examine individual criteria within the Austrian scoring system, you must prepare the documents below that apply to you.

• At least a 4-year higher education diploma
• Document indicating the status of the higher education institution
• Document proving successful completion of a program in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, technology
• Proof of professional authorization
• Tax assessment notice or payment certificate
• Letter from the employer stating that you are working in a senior management position
• Proof that the company you work for is listed on the stock exchange
• Evidence of scientific publications
• Certificates showing that work has been done on an R&D or academic project.
• Patent documents
• Documentation proving that the award was received
• Work certificates
• A language diploma or language course certificate at A1 or A2 levels within the scope of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

Austria Job Seeker Visa Fee

The Austrian job search visa fee is 150 euros and payment must be made only in cash and in euros at the time of application.

For 2024, the total visa fee, including travel insurance, notary and sworn translation costs if necessary, amounts to an average of 320 euros.

Frequently Asked Questions

The questions most frequently asked to our experts by people who want to obtain a visa to look for work in the Republic of Austria are answered below.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Austrian Job Seeker Visa?

The Austrian job search visa takes an average of 8 weeks to be issued. You should be aware that the period may be extended depending on the workload of the consulate, additional documents requested, or if the evaluation process falls on a public holiday.

How Many Months Can I Stay in Austria with a Job Seeker Visa?

You can stay in Austria for a maximum of 6 months with a job search visa. There is no possibility of extending your visa.

What Happens If I Cannot Find a Job in Austria During My Visa?

If you cannot find a job that meets your qualifications during the duration of your job search visa, you must leave Austria. The Austrian job search visa expires after 6 months and there is no possibility of extending the visa.

After leaving Austria you can apply for a new job search visa after a waiting period of 12 months.

Can I Work in Austria with a Job Seeker Visa?

No, you do not have the right to work in Austria with a job seeker visa. The Austrian job seeker visa is not a work permit.

If Austrian job seeker visa holders receive a job offer, they must apply for a work permit, such as the Austrian Red-White-Red Card .

What are the Austrian Job Sites?

The most popular Austrian job search sites are listed below.

• Expatica Job Boards
• Jobs in Vienna
• To the career
• Career Jet
• Indeed

To find a job in Austria, you can also use the AMS eJob-Room, the largest job agency in Austria, the European employment services cooperation network (EURES), the Euro Science Jobs site for finding a job in science, Der Standard and LinkedIn for Austrian job advertisements in the media and social media.