Austria Job Seeker Visa
Why Apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa?
- Access a wide range of employment opportunities across diverse industries in Austria.
- Stay in Austria for up to six months to explore career prospects without needing a job offer upfront.
- Benefit from Austria’s points-based immigration system that values age, education, work experience, and language skills.
- Seamlessly transition from a Job Seeker Visa to a Red-White-Red (RWR) Card once employed.
- Unlock a pathway to permanent residency in Austria with the RWR Card Plus.
What is the Austria Job Seeker Visa?
The Austria Job Seeker Visa, also referred to as the Special D Visa, is a temporary residence permit introduced to attract highly skilled professionals from non-EU/EEA countries. This visa allows qualified candidates to stay in Austria for up to six months to actively seek employment.
Once you secure a job in your field of expertise, you can transition to a Red-White-Red (RWR) Card, opening doors to long-term residence and career growth in Austria.
The Austria Job Seeker Visa offers several benefits, including:
- Temporary residence
- Points-based
- The visa is based on points awarded for your age, qualifications, work experience, language skills, and studies in Austria. You need to score at least 65 or 70 points to qualify.
- Transition to residence permit
- If you find a job in Austria, you can convert your visa to a Red-White-Red (RWR) card, which is valid for two years.
- RWR Card Plus
- After 21 months on the RWR card, you can apply for an RWR Card Plus, which allows you to work for any employer in Austria.
- Unrestricted access to the job market
- With the RWR Card Plus, you can change employers without having to renew your card.
- Opportunity to meet employers
- You can attend interviews, meet employers, and network with relevant people in the country.
Eligibility for the Austria Job Seeker Visa
Eligibility is determined through a points-based system considering:
- Educational Qualifications: Have a university degree or other higher education qualification that took at least four years to complete
- Professional Experience: A minimum of three years of relevant work experience.
- Language Skills: Have German A2 or English intensified elementary language skills (IELTS – min 6.5 Band, PTE Academic – minimum scores of 50–60)
- Age Limit: Applicants must be Up to 45 Years.
- Proof of Funds: Show financial stability with a minimum of €1,332 per month for six months.
- Health and Accommodation: Comprehensive health insurance and proof of accommodation in Austria.
Austria Job Seeker Visa Points System:
Reaching a minimum of 70 points according to the following list of criteria is a prerequisite for a Job Seeker Visa and for a Red-White-Red card:
Eligibility criteria for very highly qualified persons | Points |
Special qualifications and skills | Maximum allowable points: 40 |
Graduation from an institution of higher education, minimum duration of program: four years | 20 |
- in the subject’s mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology (MINT subjects) | 30 |
- Post-doctoral qualification (habilitation) or PhD | 40 |
Gross salary of previous year earned in a senior management position with a company listed on the stock exchange or a company for which the Austrian foreign trade office in charge issued a positive report about its activities or business segment: - €50,000 to 60,000 - €60,000 to 70,000 - More than €70,000 | 20 25 30 |
Research and innovation activities (Patent applications, publications) | 20 |
Awards (recognized prizes) | 20 |
Work experience (adequately reflecting applicant’s qualification or senior management position) | Max. allowable points: 20 |
Work experience (per half-year) Six months of work experience in Austria | 1 10 |
Language skills | Max. allowable points: 10 |
German or English language skills for the elementary use of the language on a basic level – (A1 level) | 5 |
German or English language skills for the intensified elementary use of the language – (A2 level) | 10 |
French language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) | 5 |
French language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) | 5 |
Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) | 5 |
Age | Maximum allowable points: 20 |
Up to 35 years of age Up to 40 years of age Up to 45 years of age | 20 15 10 |
Studies in Austria | Maximum allowable points: 10 |
Second part of diploma program (Diploma studium) or half of the required total ECTS points | 5 |
Completed diploma program (Diploma studium) or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program | 10 |
Sum total of maximum allowable points: | 100 |
Required minimum: | 70 |
Eligibility criteria for very highly qualified persons | Points |
Special qualifications and skills | Maximum allowable points: 40 |
Graduation from an institution of higher education, minimum duration of program: four years | 20 |
- in the subject’s mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology (MINT subjects) | 30 |
- Post-doctoral qualification (habilitation) or PhD | 40 |
Gross salary of previous year earned in a senior management position with a company listed on the stock exchange or a company for which the Austrian foreign trade office in charge issued a positive report about its activities or business segment: - €50,000 to 60,000 - €60,000 to 70,000 - More than €70,000 | 20 25 30 |
Research and innovation activities (Patent applications, publications) | 20 |
Awards (recognized prizes) | 20 |
Work experience (adequately reflecting applicant’s qualification or senior management position) | Max. allowable points: 20 |
Work experience (per half-year) Six months of work experience in Austria | 1 10 |
Language skills | Max. allowable points: 10 |
German or English language skills for the elementary use of the language on a basic level – (A1 level) | 5 |
German or English language skills for the intensified elementary use of the language – (A2 level) | 10 |
French language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) | 5 |
French language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) | 5 |
Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) | 5 |
Age | Maximum allowable points: 20 |
Up to 35 years of age Up to 40 years of age Up to 45 years of age | 20 15 10 |
Studies in Austria | Maximum allowable points: 10 |
Second part of diploma program (Diploma studium) or half of the required total ECTS points | 5 |
Completed diploma program (Diploma studium) or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program | 10 |
Sum total of maximum allowable points: | 100 |
Required minimum: | 70 |
How to Apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa
- Check Your Eligibility: Use the Austria Points Calculator to determine your score.
- Gather Documents: Prepare the following:
- Valid passport
- Health insurance
- Proof of funds
- Proof of accommodation
- Birth certificate or marriage certificate
- Higher education degree
- German or English language skills
- You may also need to provide a recent medical report and vaccination records.
- Once you secure a job, your employer may help you obtain a work permit, which is usually required to work legally in Austria.
- Submit Your Application: Apply at your nearest Austrian consulate or embassy.
- Approval and Travel: Once approved, move to Austria to begin your job search.
Visa Costs and Processing Times
- Cost For Austria Job Seeker Visa
The Total Application fee:
For International= € 310
For Indian =Approx. ₹ 27605 INR
- Austria Job Seeker Visa Processing Times
- The processing time for an Austria Job Seeker Visa is typically 8 to 12 weeks (1 to 3 Months)
Why Choose HelpOverseas for Your Austria Job Seeker Visa?
Helpoverseas provides comprehensive assistance to make your move to Austria seamless. Our services include:
- Free Points Calculation: Determine your eligibility through a detailed assessment.
- Expert Guidance: Personalized support throughout your visa application process.
- Job Market Insights: Access valuable information to secure the right job in Austria.
- Language Coaching: Enhance your German or English skills for better career prospects.
- Post-Arrival Assistance: Settle into Austria with our dedicated relocation services.
Contact Us Today
Begin your journey to Austria by assessing your eligibility. Our team is ready to help you achieve your dream of working and living in Austria.
Reach out to HelpOverseas for expert guidance now!