Austria’s Job Seeker Visa

Applicators with this visa can stay in Austria for six months in pursuit of work. Applying through an Austrian representative office in their home country or current place of residence, individuals can move to a Red-White-Red Card, Austria's residency and work visa, should they successfully land a job during this period.

Using a points-based system, Austria controls skilled worker immigration via the job seeker visa. Designed especially for "very highly qualified workers," this visa has a point level that applicants must satisfy to be eligible for a six-month job seeker visa and, should employment be secured, a Red-White-Red Card. With a maximum of 100 points, points are given across numerous categories—including qualifications, skills, work experience, language ability, and age. Applicants must score at least 70 points to qualify; a Points Calculator accessible on the Austrian Migration website helps one to project this. This calculator is only a guide, though; it does not substitute the official assessment carried out by Austrian authorities.

Points System Breakdown

The points system assesses applicants based on specific categories, each with maximum allowable points:

Special Qualifications and Skills (up to 40 points):

Graduating from a higher education institution with a program duration of at least four years: 20 points.
Specialization in MINT subjects (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology): 30 points.
Holding a PhD or post-doctoral qualification: 40 points.
Gross salary from previous senior management roles or experience in high-profile companies can add up to 30 points based on the salary bracket.
Additional points are available for activities in research and innovation or recognized awards.

Work Experience (up to 20 points):

Applicants can earn points for each half-year of professional experience (1 point per half-year) and may receive additional points for Austrian work experience.

Language Skills (up to 10 points):

Basic language skills in German or English (A1 or A2 level) contribute 5–10 points, with additional points for proficiency in languages like French, Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian at the B1 level.

Age (up to 20 points):

Age is considered, with a maximum of 20 points for applicants up to 35 years old, 15 points for those up to 40, and 10 points for those up to 45.

Studies in Austria (up to 10 points):

Points are awarded if an applicant has completed specific educational milestones in Austria, such as a diploma program or a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree.

General Requirements

To apply for Austria’s job seeker visa, applicants must provide the following documents:

Valid Passport: A passport that is current and valid for the period of stay.
Recent Photo: Passport-sized and meeting Austrian specifications.
Proof of Accommodation: Lease agreements or preliminary rental agreements.
Health Insurance: A policy covering all potential health risks during the stay.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Evidence of adequate financial resources, such as pay slips, employment contracts, or proof of personal assets.

Additional documents related to qualifications, experience, and language skills are also required to assess eligibility under the points system. Translations of documents not in German or English are necessary, and legalized copies may be requested.

Application steps

Applicants must apply in person at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in their home or current country of residence. The visa application fee is EUR 150, and applicants need to complete an application form as part of the process. The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) assesses the application to confirm that the applicant meets the 70-point requirement.

Red-White-Red Card

If an applicant secures a job offer within the six-month visa period, they can apply for the Red-White-Red Card, which serves as both a work and residence permit. For “Very Highly Qualified Workers,” this process is straightforward, as the employer also participates in the application.

The Austria Job Seeker Visa provides a structured path for skilled professionals to establish themselves in Austria. With a clear points system based on qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant criteria, Austria enables highly skilled individuals to enter and contribute to its workforce. By ensuring all documentation is complete and meeting the required points threshold, applicants can enhance their chances of obtaining the visa and beginning their employment journey in Austria. For more details, consulting the official Austrian Migration website or an Austrian representative office is advisable.

Austria Job Seeker Visa: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply

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