Are you considering moving to Austria to pursue a career? The Austria Job Seeker Visa might be just what you need.
The Austria Job Seeker Visa is a temporary visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Austria and search for a job for up to six months.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the Austria Job Seeker Visa, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, benefits, length, cost of the visa, and other important details.
What's Covered in This Article
Eligibility for Austria Job Seeker Visa
The Austria Job Seeker Visa is a point-based system, and to be eligible for it, applicants must score a minimum of 70 points in the eligibility assessment. Points are awarded based on the following factors:
- Educational qualifications
- Work experience
- Age
- Language proficiency
- Adaptability
Reaching a minimum of 70 points according to the following list of criteria is a prerequisite for the Austria Jobseeker Visa:
|
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 programme: four years |
20 |
| – in the subjects 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 (recognised prizes) |
20 |
|
Work experience (adequately reflecting applicant’s qualification or senior management position) |
Maximum allowable points: 20 |
|
Work experience (per year) Six months of work experience in Austria |
2 10 |
|
Language skills |
Maximum 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 intependent use of the language – (B1 level) |
5 |
|
Spanish language skills for the intependet use of the language – (B1 level) |
5 |
|
Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian language skills for the intependet 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 programme (Diplomstudium) or half of the required total ECTS points |
5 |
|
Completed diploma programme (Diplomstudium) or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme |
10 |
|
Sum total of maximum allowable points: |
100 |
|
Required minimum: |
70 |
Benefits of Austria Job Seeker Visa
The Austria Job Seeker Visa offers many benefits for those who wish to work in Austria. Some of the benefits include:
- The opportunity to search for a job in Austria for up to six months
- The ability to travel freely throughout the Schengen area during the visa’s validity period
- The opportunity to learn the local language and culture, which can be helpful in securing employment
- The possibility of extending the visa if a job offer is received
Length of Austria Job Seeker Visa
The Austria Job Seeker Visa is valid for six months.
During this period, the visa holder can stay in Austria and search for employment.
If a job offer is received during this time, the visa holder can apply for a work permit and stay in Austria to work.
If you receive an employment/job offer (work contract) during the validity period of your visa, you may apply for a Red-White-Red Card with the competent residence authority in Austria (Provincial Governor/ Landeshauptmann/ Landeshauptfrau, authorised Regional Administrative Authority/Bezirkshauptmannschaft, Local Administrative Authority/Magistrat).
You may apply personally for the Red-White-Red Card for “Very Highly Qualified Workers” with the competent Austrian representation authority (embassy or consulate in your home country or your country of residence). Your potential employer may file the application with the competent residence authority in Austria (Provincial Governor, authorised Regional Administrative Authority or Local Administrative Authority). An employer’s declaration (Arbeitgebererklärung) with specific details concerning your future place of employment has to be submitted along with the application.
If the job seeker does not find a job during the six-month period, the visa will expire, and the individual must leave Austria.
How to Apply for Austria Job Seeker Visa
The application process for the Austria Job Seeker Visa is straightforward.
You have to apply for the Job Seeker Visa (category D visa) personally at the competent Austrian representation (embassy or consulate) in your home country or your country of residence. Application forms are available at the Austrian representative authority.
You will receive an Ausria Job Seeker Visa if the Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice – AMS) confirms to the Austrian representative authority that you have reached the points required for admission.
If you entered Austria under a visa-free regime, you do not need a Job Seeker Visa. If you find a job matching your qualification during your lawful visa-free stay, you may apply for the Red-White-Red Card during this period here in Austria.
Applicants need to follow these steps:
- Fill out the Austria Job Seeker Visa application form online.
- Collect all necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of financial resources, health insurance, and educational qualifications.
- Submit the completed application and all supporting documents to the nearest Austrian embassy or consulate.
- Pay the visa fee, which varies depending on the applicant’s nationality.
- Schedule an interview with the embassy or consulate.
- Attend the interview and provide any additional information or documentation that is requested.
To apply for the Job Seeker Visa, you have to submit the following documents:
- Valid travel document (e.g. passport)
- Photo (dimensions: 45x35mm) which is not older than six months
- Proof of locally customary accommodation (e.g. lease contracts, preliminary agreement on tenancy rights or ownership evidence)
- Proof of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or equivalent insurance policy)
- Proof of adequate means of subsistence (payslips, pay certificates, employment contracts, insurance benefit certificates, evidence of retirement or other pension or insurance benefits, investment capital or sufficient own assets)
Documents for Austria Job Seeker Visa
You have to submit the following documents for examination of the individual criteria under the points system (see above):
1. Special qualifications and skills
Graduation
- Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a four-year programme at a university or another institution of tertiary education
- Document reflecting the status of the university or other institution of tertiary education
- Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a programme in a MINT subject (= mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, technology)
- Document furnishing proof of habilitation
Gross annual salary in a senior management position
- Tax assessment notice or pay certificate
- Confirmation by the previous employer that you worked in a senior management position
- Proof that the company is listed on the stock exchange or positive report from the competent Austrian foreign trade office about its activities or business segment
Research and innovation activities
- Proof of scientific publications, stating titles and sources
- Certificate issued by a university or research institution that you worked in R&D or academic scientific teaching
- Proof of patent application(s) through extracts from national or regional patent registers
Recognised awards and prizes
- Document proving the conferral of the award or prize
2. Work experience
- Testimonials and work certificates
3. Language skills
- Language diploma or language course certificate at the A1 or A2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
German language diplomas and certificates may in particular be obtained from the following institutions: ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF)
The following diplomas and certificates in particular are recognised as evidence of proficiency in English: Cambridge Certificate, TELC, IELTS diploma, TOEIC diploma, TOEFL diploma.
4. Studies in Austria
- Course record book and related examination certificates
- Document reflecting the successful completion of a programme of studies in Austria
Cost of Austria Job Seeker Visa
The cost of the Austria Job Seeker Visa varies depending on the applicant’s nationality. As of 2023, the visa fee for citizens of the United States is €120. The visa fee for citizens of other countries may vary.
Other Important Details
It’s important to note that the Austria Job Seeker Visa does not provide a work permit. Once a job offer is received, the visa holder must apply for a work permit to stay in Austria and work legally.
Additionally, the visa holder must have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Austria.
The required amount varies depending on the length of stay and other factors.
In conclusion, the Austria Job Seeker Visa is an excellent option for those who wish to search for employment in Austria.
It provides a six-month period to search for employment, the ability to travel freely throughout the Schengen area, and the possibility of extending the visa if a job offer is received. With a point-based eligibility assessment
system, applicants must demonstrate their skills and qualifications, making it a fair and transparent process.
In addition, the Austria Job Seeker Visa is an excellent opportunity for those who want to learn about the local culture and language, which can be helpful in securing employment.
Austria is known for its high quality of life, thriving economy, and diverse job opportunities, making it an attractive destination for job seekers from all over the world.
It’s worth noting that the Austria Job Seeker Visa is a temporary visa, and it does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.
However, if a job offer is received, the visa holder can apply for a work permit, which may lead to permanent residency in the future.
In conclusion, the Austria Job Seeker Visa is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to explore career opportunities in Austria.
With a straightforward application process, fair and transparent eligibility assessment, and many benefits, the Austria Job Seeker Visa is a great option for job seekers from all over the world.
So if you’re considering a move to Austria, be sure to check out the Austria Job Seeker Visa and take advantage of the opportunities it provides.
