Austria – Work Visa Requirements (2025)
- Types of Permits Available
- The Red-White-Red Card: For skilled and “very highly qualified” workers. Grants residence + work rights.
- Job Seeker Visa: Allows very highly qualified professionals to enter Austria to look for a job over a 6-month period. Once a suitable position is found, one can switch to a work-permit permit such as the Red-White-Red Card.
- EU Blue Card: For highly qualified workers with specific salary thresholds. It gives rights similar to permanent residence given certain conditions.
- Working Holiday Visa: For citizens of specific countries, allowing temporary work + travel (often limited duration, sometimes up to a year).
- Eligibility Criteria Several common factors are considered:
- Academic qualifications: A recognized university degree or comparable vocational qualification. In many cases, more points are awarded for degrees in high-demand fields.
- Work experience: Relevant professional experience is required. More experience increases the chance of approval.
- Language skills: German is usually preferred; sometimes minimum levels (often A1/A2 or higher) are required for certain visa types. English may also count in some cases.
- Salary threshold / points system:
• In 2025, the minimum monthly salary requirement for some Red-White-Red Card applications has increased (e.g. about €3,225/month for “key workers”).
• Applicants need to score enough points overall (based on education, experience, language, age, etc.). - Valid job offer: For many work visa types (Red-White-Red, Blue Card), you’ll need a concrete offer of employment from an Austrian employer. For the Job Seeker Visa, you don’t need the offer initially, but you do need to meet the “very highly qualified” criteria.
- Application Process & Other Requirements
- Apply via the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. Some steps (like submitting documents, biometrics) may require visits.
- Valid passport: Usually valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay.
- Passport photos, proof of qualifications (certified), proof of funds / ability to support oneself, health insurance.
- Sometimes you need to show accommodation in Austria, and possibly proof of two-way ticket or means to return.
- Duration / Residency Path
- Once granted, many of these permits allow initial residence + work in Austria (often for 1–2 years), renewable under certain conditions.
- After fulfilling conditions (duration, language, integration), there may be opportunities for permanent residency or citizenship.
- Changes in 2025 Some of the updates for 2025 include:
- Increased salary minimums for key categories (e.g. Red-White-Red Card) – e.g. ~ €3,225/month.
- Adjustments in the points-based system (how points are awarded for experience, language, etc.).
- Expansion of the list of shortage occupations (fields where Austria has higher demand).
How to get a work visa for Austria
To obtain a work visa for Austria, foreign nationals typically need a job offer from an Austrian employer and must meet the country’s eligibility requirements for employment. The most common type of work visa is the Red-White-Red Card, which allows qualified non-EU/EEA citizens to live and work in Austria for up to two years. Applicants are assessed on a points-based system that considers qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age. The process generally involves securing a job offer, gathering required documents (such as a valid passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, and health insurance), and submitting the application to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country or, in some cases, directly in Austria. After approval, you may enter Austria and register your residence. EU and EEA citizens, however, do not need a work visa and can work freely in Austria.
Work in Austria visa processing time
Austria Visa Processing Time Information:
The processing time for an Austrian visa varies depending on the visa type, the applicant’s nationality, and the time of year. Generally, short-term Schengen visas (up to 90 days) are processed within 15 calendar days from the date of the appointment at the embassy or visa application center. In some cases, especially during peak travel seasons or when additional documentation or verification is required, processing may take up to 30 to 45 days. Long-term visas or residence permits (for work, study, or family reunification) typically require 6 to 12 weeks for processing, as they involve coordination with Austrian immigration authorities. Applicants are advised to submit their applications well in advance of their planned travel date to avoid delays.
Work in Austria visa documents checklist
This checklist is intended to help applicants prepare the required documents for a work visa or residence permit to work in Austria. All applicants must ensure that documents are complete, accurate, and submitted in the correct format as required by the Austrian embassy or consulate. Depending on the type of employment and nationality of the applicant, additional documents may be requested. All documents not originally in German or English must be accompanied by a certified translation. Applicants are strongly advised to verify specific requirements with the Austrian diplomatic mission or the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) before submission, as regulations may vary based on individual circumstances and visa category.
Freelance work in Austria visa options
If you’re interested in doing freelance work in Austria, there are several visa and residence options depending on your nationality and the nature of your work. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work in Austria without a visa but must register with local authorities if staying longer than three months. Non-EU/EEA nationals typically need a residence permit that allows self-employment. One common option is the “Red-White-Red Card for Self-Employed Key Workers,” which is granted if your freelance activity brings significant economic benefit to Austria (e.g., creating jobs, introducing innovation, or generating regional value). Another possibility is the “Residence Permit – Self-Employed” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Selbständige), suited for freelancers offering services on a smaller scale. Artists and creative professionals may qualify under the “Artist Visa” (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit). Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income, health insurance, and accommodation. Visa procedures can vary, so it’s advisable to consult the Austrian embassy or consulate or check the Austrian Immigration Portal (oead.at or oesterreich.gv.at) for current requirements and documentation.
EU blue card vs red white red card Austria
In Austria, both the EU Blue Card and the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card are residence and work permits for highly qualified non-EU nationals, but they differ in eligibility criteria and flexibility. The EU Blue Card is aimed at highly skilled professionals with a university degree and a binding job offer that meets a specific minimum salary threshold (around 1.5 times the average gross annual income in Austria). It provides easier mobility within the EU, allowing holders to move to another EU country for work after 18 months. The Red-White-Red Card, on the other hand, targets a broader range of skilled workers—including graduates of Austrian universities, shortage occupation workers, and key employees—and has varied criteria based on a points system that evaluates qualifications, experience, age, and language skills. While both cards allow family reunification and can lead to permanent residence, the EU Blue Card offers greater EU-wide mobility, whereas the RWR Card is specifically tailored to Austria’s labor market needs.
How to apply for an Austrian work visa online
To apply for an Austrian work visa online, applicants must first determine the appropriate visa or residence permit type based on their employment situation—such as the Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers or the EU Blue Card for highly qualified professionals. The process typically begins by gathering required documents, including a valid passport, proof of employment or a job offer from an Austrian employer, academic and professional qualifications, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient financial means. Applicants can submit their visa application through the Austrian embassy or consulate’s online portal in their home country or, in some cases, via Austria’s official immigration website. After submitting the digital application and paying the processing fee, applicants may be asked to attend an in-person appointment for biometric data collection or document verification. Once approved, the visa or residence permit allows the individual to legally work and reside in Austria. It is advisable to apply at least three months before the intended start date of employment, as processing times can vary.
Work in Austria visa fees and costs
Applying for a work visa in Austria involves several fees and related costs. The standard application fee for most types of Austrian work visas — such as the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card — is around €120 to €160, depending on the specific visa category and where you apply (inside or outside Austria). Applicants may also need to pay additional fees for document processing, translations, notarizations, and residence registration upon arrival, which can add another €50 to €150. Health insurance and proof of sufficient financial means are also required and may involve separate expenses. Overall, the total cost of obtaining and maintaining a work visa in Austria typically ranges from €200 to €400, excluding travel and accommodation costs during the application process.
Family reunification with Austria work visa
Family reunification in Austria allows family members of individuals holding a valid Austrian work visa or residence permit to join them in Austria and live together legally. Eligible family members typically include a spouse or registered partner, minor children, and, in certain cases, dependent adult children or parents. To apply, the sponsoring family member in Austria must demonstrate adequate income, accommodation, and health insurance to support their relatives. The family members abroad must apply for a residence permit (“Aufenthaltstitel – Familienangehöriger”) at the Austrian embassy or consulate in their home country. Once approved, this permit allows them to enter and reside in Austria, often granting access to education and, in some cases, employment. The process helps ensure that families can remain together while maintaining compliance with Austrian immigration and residence regulations.
Change tourist visa to work visa Austria
If you are currently in Austria on a tourist visa and wish to change your status to a work visa, it’s important to note that this process generally cannot be completed within Austria. Austrian immigration law typically requires applicants to apply for a work visa or residence permit (“Red-White-Red Card”) from outside Austria, usually at an Austrian embassy or consulate in their home country. To qualify for a work visa, you must have a valid job offer from an Austrian employer and meet specific eligibility criteria based on your qualifications, experience, and salary level. Before your tourist visa expires, you should leave Austria and submit your work visa application abroad. Once approved, you can return to Austria to begin employment legally. It’s strongly recommended to consult the Austrian Embassy or the Migration Office (MA 35) for guidance on your specific situation and the most current requirements.