Step closer to your dream of working in Austria. Soar high by learning about the eligibility and document requirements and application process for an Austria Job Seeker Visa today!
If a high standard of living, multi-cultural experience, breathtaking landscapes, and strong professionalism and economic prospects are what you crave, then Austria is a place to be. Begin your employment journey in Austria by understanding the intricacies of the Austria Job Seeker Visa.
Not sure where to begin? Look no further. This article will provide you with all the necessary information about the Austria Job Seeker Visa that can help you in your employment search in this developed and prosperous country.
Table of Contents
- What is the Austria Job Seeker Visa for Indians?
- Benefits of Applying for the Austria Job Seeker Visa
- Austria Job Seeker Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Austria Visa Document Checklist for Indians
- Job Search Visa Austria Cost
- Austria Job Seeker Visa Application Process
- What is a Red-White-Red Card in Austria?
What is the Austria Job Seeker Visa for Indians?
Austria, a first-world country located in Central Europe is a hub of many skilled and capable job seekers. Due to its strong economic
and professional stand worldwide, it is the first choice of many highly skilled and experienced non-EU professionals to find job
opportunities.So, how does an individual enter the country to seek job opportunities? Well, acquiring the Austria Job Seeker Visa can
do wonders for such individuals.It is a temporary (six-month) visa permit for non-EU residents which allows “Very Highly Qualified”
professionals to enter the country, search for a job, and convert the visa to a Red-White-Red (RWR) card. Acquiring this visa requires
applicants to follow a grading system or points system wherein an individual must secure at least 70 points out of 100 to be eligible to
apply for this visa.
Benefits of Applying for the Austria Job Seeker Visa
An Austria Visa for Indians willing to seek jobs in the country can be fruitful in several ways, including the following:
- An Austrian Visa for Job Seekers allows a 6-month stay to look for employment opportunities and find scope for building a business in the country.
- The visa allows skilled professionals to expand their knowledge of the related field, network with a multicultural workforce and learn about the current industry trends in Austria.
- Upon finding a suitable job, professionals can further go on to apply for a Red-White-Red Card in Austria which allows them to work and reside in the country for at least 2 years.
- Lucrative growth opportunities are presented once an individual enters the job market, appears for interviews and finds a job.
- Applicants can leverage the renowned medical facilities provided in the country.
- Professionals can receive competitive salaries, benefits, and a good work-life balance in Austria.
Austria Job Seeker Visa Eligibility Requirements
Looking to build a robust career in Austria? If yes, then you must fulfil the following eligibility requirements to apply for an Austria Job Seeker Visa. Candidate must be a “Very High Qualified” individual.
| Eligibility criteria for Austria Job Seeker Visa | Points Required |
| Qualifications and Skills | Maximum Points Allowed: 40 |
| 4-year graduation programme | 20 |
| Mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology (MINT subjects) | 30 |
| Post-doctoral qualification or PhD | 40 |
| Income as a senior manager from a company listed on the stock exchange or that has positive impressions from the Austrian trade office. | Maximum Points Allowed: 10 |
| INR 50,000 - INR 60,000 | 20 |
| INR 60,000 - INR 70,000 | 25 |
| More than INR 70,000 | 30 |
| Work involving research and innovation | 30 |
| Awards | 20 |
| Work experience | Maximum Points Allowed: 20 |
Points per year of work experience Work experience of six months in Austria | 2 10 |
| Language skills | Maximum Points Allowed: 10 |
| Basic German or English language skills (A1 level) | 5 |
| German or English language skills for intensified basic use (A2 level) | 10 |
| French language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Spanish language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Studies in Austria | Maximum Points Allowed: 10 |
| Second section of diploma course(Diplomstudium) or 50% of the necessary total ECTS points | 5 |
| Finished diploma programme (Diplomstudium) or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree | 10 |
| Age | Maximum Points Allowed: 20 |
| Up to 35 years of age | 20 |
| Up to 40 years of age | 15 |
| Up to 45 years of age | 10 |
| Minimum Points Required | Total Points |
| 70 | 100 |
Austria Visa Document Checklist for Indians
Keeping a bunch of documents ready for the Austria Job Seeker Visa is crucial for Indian applicants. Job seekers can take a look at the document checklist provided below when applying for a job seeker visa in Austria:
- A Valid Passport
- Current Biometric Passport Photo
- Birth Certificate
- A legal proof of adequate accommodation in Austria
- Proof of health insurance valid in Austria, covering all risks. Or an overview of possible health insurance.
- Proof of sufficient means of subsistence in Austria (payslips, pay certificates, employment contracts, evidence of retirement, investment capital or sufficient own assets).
- Moreover, applicants must submit some additional documents for the authorities to assign them points under the points system. The following documents are required to be submitted:
| Particulars | Description |
| Graduation Documents |
Proof of a successful completion of a four-year programme at a university or equivalent |
| Document reflecting the status of university or other institution of tertiary education |
| Proof of successful completion of a programme in a MINT subject (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural sciences, Technology) |
| Proof of habilitation |
| Gross Annual Salary in a Senior Management Position |
Pay Slips or Tax Assessment Notice |
| Confirmation by the previous employer about the applicant’s work in a senior management position |
| Proof of the company getting listed on the stock exchange or a positive report from a competent Austrian foreign trade office about its activities or business segment |
| Research and Innovation Activities |
Proof of scientific publications, including titles and sources |
| Certificate issued by a university or research institution where the applicant worked in R&D or academic scientific teaching |
| Proof of patent application(s) from the extracts of national or regional patent registers |
| Awards and Prizes | Document showing the conferral of the award or prize |
| Work Experience | Testimonials |
| Work Certificates |
| Letters of Recommendation |
| 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 from ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) |
| Diplomas and certificates as evidence of proficiency in English: Cambridge Certificate, TELC, IELTS diploma, TOEIC diploma, TOEFL diploma. |
| Studies in Austria | Course record book and related examination certificates |
| German language diplomas and certificates from ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) |
| Proof of successful completion of a programme of studies in Austria |
Job Search Visa Austria Cost
When applying for a job search visa in Austria, applicants must pay an application fee.
Usually, the fee to apply for a Job Seeker Visa in Austria is € 150.
Further, the granting of the visa costs € 20.
While the cost of personalisation, including the fingerprints, scan of photography and signature makes it a total of € 20.
However, when applying for an Austria Work Visa or a Red-White-Red Card, professionals might need to pay a total of € 120.
Austria Job Seeker Visa Application Process
Having an Austria Job Seeker Visa is a dream of thousands of Indians, however, they remain unaware of where to begin!? Well, the
following steps carry an answer to the question of what are the steps of an Austria Job Seeker Visa application:
Step 1: Check the Austria Job Seeker Visa Eligibility The first step in the Austria Job Seeker Visa process is taking a look at the eligibility criteria and other requirements. This will help the applicants to ease out tasks at every stage.
Step 2: Gather Documents Required for the Austria Job Seeker Visa It is recommended that the applicants keep the documents
required for the visa application ready. This practice will ensure that all the documents are in one place and nothing goes missing as
the embassy does not take responsibility for any missing document.
Step 3: Choose an Application Office The next step is to choose a visa application office. It means that the applicants must
apply for the Austria Job Seekers Visa at the nearest embassy. Several Austrian representatives are available in India to verify the
application.
Step 4: Book an appointment With the Consulate/Embassy Booking an appointment with the Embassy is crucial to applying for the
Job Seeker Visa in Austria. Applicants will not be allowed to visit the embassy or consulate without prior scheduling. Moreover, it
might take several weeks to get an appointment.
Step 5: Pay the Austria Job Seeker Visa Fee and Submit the Application Applicants must also pay an application fee when
applying for the Austria Job Seeker Visa. The fee must be paid either through cash or a demand draft. However, the mode of payment
varies across centres.
Lastly, submit the application for a visa on the day of the appointment. When submitting the application applicants might get asked a few questions relating to the reason for their stay, plans after job, the duration of stay and more.
Step 6: Wait for a Revert The authorities revert with an answer at least 1 to 3 months after the application, depending on
their backlog. Thus, patiently waiting for a reply is the only option.
Meanwhile, they can look for jobs in Austria and check accommodation options there. This can save them a lot of time during their stay.
The embassy will notify the applicant about their status. If the visa is approved, applicants must collect their passport with the
visa sticker and travel to Austria within the validity period of the visa. However, if it is rejected, candidates are required to
do the following:
- Contact the nearest Austrian embassy or the one located in New Delhi regarding the reason for the rejection of the application.
- Apply again with the latest documents at least 15 days before the trip.
- Applicants must ensure to enter all the details correctly in their application form.
- The photograph submitted must satisfy the international standards for such applications.
- Purchase a medical insurance of well above Rs. 27,18,930.
- Maintain the financial statements to convince the authorities about the ability to fund one’s expenses in Austria.
What is a Red-White-Red Card in Austria?
A Red-White-Red Card is a step-up to the Austria Job Seeker Visa. After finding a job, it guarantees a residence permit and employment permit in the country. It serves as a contract of employment with a particular employer and is usually valid for 2 years. However, only the following professionals are eligible to avail the Red-White-Red Card:
- Very Highly Qualified Workers
- Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
- Other Key Workers
- Graduates of Austrian Universities and Colleges of Higher Education
- Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry
- Self-employed Key Workers
- Start-up Founders
Further, the applicants can also apply for a Red-White-Red Plus Visa, 21 months after working for an employer in Austria. It offers limitless access to the Austrian labour market.