Job Seeker Visa Austria: Requirements, Application and Process

Austria offers highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries the opportunity to look for a suitable job in the country even without a specific job offer. The Job Seeker Visa provides legally regulated access to the Austrian labor market for a limited period of time. This article provides an overview of the requirements, the application process, and the next steps toward finding employment in Austria.

Who Can Apply for the Job Seeker Visa in Austria?

The Job Seeker Visa is intended for highly qualified professionals and is NOT the same as the extended student residence permit for the purpose of job seeking, which is often mistakenly referred to by the same name. This blog post therefore does not deal with the extended student residence permit for the purpose of job seeking.

“Highly qualified” individuals are those who achieve the required number of points under the points-based system for the Red-White-Red Card for highly skilled employees (at least 70 points).

How to Apply for the Job Seeker Visa: Process & Required Documents

You can apply for the Job Seeker Visa at the relevant Austrian diplomatic mission (embassy/consulate) in your country of residence. 

In addition to the standard visa application documents, you should also include documents proving that you meet the minimum point requirement for the Red-White-Red Card for highly skilled professionals (university degrees, employment references, language certificates, etc.). 

These documents are then sent to the AMS in Austria for review. If they pass the review and you also meet the other requirements for a visa, the relevant diplomatic mission (embassy/consulate) will issue you a Visa D for the purpose of seeking employment. 

Job Search in Austria with a Job Seeker Visa

It is important that your future job in Austria matches your level of qualifications and that your employer pays you in accordance with your qualifications. There is no specific minimum salary for the Red-White-Red Card for Highly Qualified Professionals. However, your employer in Austria must pay you in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement, taking into account the correct salary level and any customary company-specific overpayment.

Need help with the job search in Austria?

Anyone who meets the requirements for a Job Seeker Visa already has a strong professional profile. The next step is to reach out to Austrian companies and find suitable positions. The Austrian Business Agency’s (ABA) Talent Hub helps highly qualified professionals discover suitable job opportunities in Austria and prepare to enter the Austrian job market. Find the right job on the Talent Hub nowFind the right job on the Talent Hub now ()

Found a job opening – next steps toward the Red-White-Red Card

First of all, congratulations on your job offer! Important: The Job Seeker Visa itself is not a work permit. You may only start your new job in Austria once you have personally received your Red-White-Red Card for Highly Qualified Professionals from the immigration office. We prepared all the information you need about the Red-White-Red Card for you – including how to apply for it and what to keep in mind:

Find out more about the Red-White-Red Card