How to Apply for Job Seeker Visa in Austria? Latest Guide

Written by

Sukanta Bera

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Dec 21,2024

How to Apply for Job Seeker Visa in Austria? - TerraTern

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Scrolling to find out how to apply for job seeker visa in Austria? The breathtaking Alpine landscapes and rich cultural diversity have increasingly lured skilled professionals from all over the world to Austria to optimize their careers. Now the question arises of why and how to apply for job seeker visa in Austria. The Austria Job Seeker Visa gives a gateway to this Central European powerhouse, providing qualified professionals an opportunity to scout for work while living the good life in Austria. Whether you are a techie, a researcher, or an expert in a specific field, this comprehensive guide will make the complex process of obtaining one a little easier to understand. This will include the eligibility to apply for the visa and the steps to apply on how to apply for job seeker visa in Austria.

Advantages of Getting a Job Seeker Visa in Austria

Here are the advantages of getting a job seeker visa in Austria:

1. Access to one of Europe's strongest economies with high living standards and excellent social security benefits

2. Opportunity is given to successfully search for employment in Austria for a maximum of 6 months during one's stay in the host country

3. Opportunity to acquire a Red-White-Red Card after finding a job

4. Effective accessibility to the best health care and transport systems

5. Opportunity to work in another EU state once granted permanent residency 

Latest Facts and News:

  • As a new digital nomad visa has been introduced in Austria in 2023, remote workers have more options to choose from.

  • New revisions enabled immigrants to make an application for the Red-White-Red card while still being present in Austria.

  • The minimum salary requirement under particular visa categories was raised by the Austrian government for the year 2024.

  • New fast-track processing for highly skilled workers implemented in select sectors.

  • Professionals in shortage occupations will have a relative advantage as Austria has added more such occupations for which it is easier to get visas.

Also Read Austria Tourist Visa from India: Everything You Need to Know

Understanding the Austria Job Seeker Visa

In order to answer the question of how to apply for job seeker visa in Austria and pull some highly skilled professionals from non-EU regions towards this country, the Austria Job Seeker Visa has been introduced. This visa allows such people to move to Austria for a limited time of up to 6 months, during which they can look for jobs. One of the fundamental purposes of the Visa is to make it easy for immigrants to move to Austria, hence aiming to increase the country's economic activity.

Key Features of the Job Seeker Visa

  • Validity Duration of 6 Months.

  • Visa allows Free Multiple Entries.

  • Dependent Family Members are Allowed to Enter During Those Periods.

  • An option to extend the stay is to apply for the Red-White-Red Card.

  • Provide added support for job prospecting and career advice services.

 

Eligibility Criteria of Austria Job Seeker Visa for Indians

When we are answering the question of how to apply for job seeker visa in Austria, we should also know that the Austria Job Seeker Visa has some criteria that must be adhered to such as a minimum of 70 points for the Austrian points system. The applicants should have the following qualifications that follow:

1. Educational Qualifications:

  • At least a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.

  • The degree must be from a legally established institution of higher education.

  • A Master’s degree or PhD gives you some bonuses.

  • A degree is related to the occupation.

2. Professional Experience

  • Experience relevant to the occupation for at least three years within the last ten years.

  • Added points for managerial experience.

  • Outstanding achievements in the profession.

  • It Is An Added Advantage If the Person Has Done Research Work and Published Articles.

Also Read Housekeeping Jobs in Austria: Latest Job Insights 2025

3. Language Proficiency

  • Speak the German Language (preferably A2 level).

  • Speak English Language (preferably B1 level).

  • More Points for Speaking a More Advanced Language.

  • Certificates of the language must be certified by the authority.

4. Financial Requirements

  • Proof of sufficient funds to support stay in Austria

  • Minimum amount required: €1,500 per month of stay

  • Additional funds are required if bringing family members

  • Bank statements for the last 6 months

Financial Requirements Table

Requirement Type

Amount Required

Duration

Personal Funds

€1,500

Per month of stay

Family Addition (Spouse)

+€750

Per month of stay

Family Addition (Per Child)

+€500

Per month of stay

Health Insurance

Minimum coverage €30,000

Entire stay period

 

Document Preparation Checklist for Austria Job Seeker Visa

  • Damages liquid or other types of collateral adequate to ensure that your stay in Austria is fully catered for

  • Minimum amount required: €1,500 per month of stay

  • Additional funds are required if minor children accompany the applicant.

  • Bank statements for the last 6 months

Also Read: Austria Student Visa Requirements: Latest Expert Guide

Points Calculation Table

This points calculation table will help you check your eligibility criteria.

Qualification/Criteria

Details

Maximum Points

Educational Qualifications

   

Bachelor's Degree

From recognized university

20 points

Master's Degree

From recognized university

25 points

PhD

From recognized university

30 points

Graduation from the world's top 500 universities

Additional points

+10 points

 

Document Preparation Checklist

The important question of how to apply for job seeker visa in Austria, we should start by knowing the importance of preparing the right documentation cannot be overemphasized in the undertaking of the Austria Job Seeker Visa application. To make it easier for you, we prepared a detailed checklist arranged by topics. Pre-collection of these documents will make a difference to the applicants since some certificates and authentication take weeks to be obtained.

1. Personal Documents

  1. Passport (18 months and above is good)

  2. `Birth certificate (with apostille attachment)

  3. Marriage certificate

  4. Recent Passport Photographs 35-45 mm

  5. Full Resume/CV (in English or German)

2. Educational Documents

  1. Degree certificates issued by universities

  2. Relevant academic transcripts

  3. Course commencement certificates

       4. Professional qualifications

       5. All educational documents must be apostilled

Also Read: Construction Jobs in Austria: Latest Expert Job Guide

3. Professional Documents

  1. Docs of Employment

  2. Letters of reference from past employers

  3. Documents evidencing managerial experience

  4. Professional accomplishments supporting documents

  5. Work portfolio (when relevant)

4. Language Proficiencies Certificates

  1. Certificate of proficiency in German

  2. Certificate of proficiency in the English language

  3. Certificate of other foreign language(s)

  4. Test results and the expiration period

5. Financial Documents

  1. Bank statements (for the last six months)

  2. Evidence of having a stable income

  3. Investment portfolios (where applicable)

  4. Sponsorship letter (if a sponsor was involved)

  5. Medical insurance cover

Complete Application Procedure for Job Seeker Visa in Austria

How to apply for job seeker visa in Austria? On the surface, it may look like a daunting task, but in reality, it’s simply a matter of paying attention to detail and preparing correctly. When considering the application for the first time, it can appear multi-dimensional, howeve,r it can be simplified with the processes of segmenting and substaging. One major aspect of a successful application rests on having a clear grasp of the requirement and ensuring all documentation is painstakingly made before submission. Always following steps in the correct order is of particular importance for Austrian authorities – they pay a lot of attention to detail, and this is your chance of being approved. Let’s analyze each step to enable how to apply for a job seeker visa in Austria.

Step 1: Initial Preparation

  1. Determine the score using the official point assessment tool

  2. Assemble and notarize all the necessities

  3. Interpret documents into German or English Language

  4. Define specific and time-bound job search activities

  5. Investigate possible firms and industries for employment

Step 2: Application Submission through the Internet

  1. Fill in the required application from the electronic device

  2. Attach electronic copies of all required documents

  3. Apply for the application deposit

  4. Book a date at the Austrian consulate

  5. Keep the text showing the application submission

Step 3: Meeting at the Embassy

  1. Show the original paper work

  2. Declare biometric information

  3. Be present at the interview for visa

  4. Submit more papers when needed

  5. Clear off other costs and payments

Step 4: Instructed Affairs After Visa Grant

  1. Getfinalivae evolution

  2. Plan for the trip or journey

  3. Book the place where to stay in Austria

  4. Report with relevant agencies in the country where you have gone to within the country

  5. Start the searching for work purposes

Also Read Top Driver Jobs in Vienna Austria: Latest Job Insights 2024

Job Search Strategy in Austria

Now that you know how to apply for job seeker visa in Austria and with an Austria Job Seeker Visa at hand, your next important task is searching for a suitable job in Austria. Integration into the Austrian working environment requires an understanding of the mingling of traditional customs and contemporary business methods. The country has a good economy with a lot of possibilities, but to get the job one is looking for, a thorough plan that incorporates both the Internet and socializing has to be employed. Culture in business, rules of the industry, and language protocol that bear on the terms of partnerships are of great essence. If it is a startup you are looking for you can start from Vienna, but if it’s rather a big corporation, look for them in other parts of Austria. Whatever the case, having the right strategy on how to market oneself is the right step towards achieving career goals in Austria.

1. General Job Seeking

  • Portals for jobs in Austria

  • Sites for professionally oriented networking

  • Job portals for specific industries

  • Career services throughout the company

  • Websites of recruitment agencies

2. Networking Opportunities

  • Trade and professional associations

  • Conferences and conventions

  • Networking activities

  • Former students’ associations

  • Job fairs

3. Language Acquisition

  • German language learning programs

  • Assimilation courses

  • Courses for career advancement

  • Networking in the industry

  • Opportunities to work with no pay

Converting to a Red-White-Red Card

Finding work during your time in Austria is an exciting time. At that point, you can apply for the first Red-White-Red Card, which will allow you to change your status to that of a worker in the country. This card is important because it will enable you to change from working only for your current employer to exploring options for becoming a permanent resident in Austria. The conversion process of this kind is convenient, but attention and caution are advised concerning timing and other requirements. Understanding this transition is vital because it links to the beginning of your new life in Austria. So now let’s look at the details of what it would take for you to get a red-white-red card from a job seeker visa.

1. Requirements for Getting a Red-White-Red Card

  1. Obtain Employment offers relevant to competencies

  2. Salary levels are met

  3. Get the application in before the visa expires

  4. Submit a distressed employment contract

  5. Show efforts made towards integration

2. Process of Obtaining Red-white-Red Card

  1. The application is started by the employer

  2. Additional documents are submitted

  3. Wait for an evaluation

  4. There is a response to the evaluation

  5. Work starts

Also Read: How to Apply Job in Austria? Latest Expert Guide 2024

Tips for Job Success in Austria for Indians

We all know that seeking a job in a foreign land is pretty daunting; thus, applying for a visa might seem to be an even more tedious task. However, all Austrian Job Seeker Visa candidates must remember to seize the opportunity, as with the right planning, attention to detail, and an adequate approach towards both the application and the searching process, success is guaranteed. Whether you are well experienced in Austria or are planning to shift there as a fresh graduate, it is crucial to understand how the immigration laws work as it’ll have a significant impact on how easy or difficult the process will be. There are a plethora of tips and strategies that one can utilize during this journey to make it easier and assist in achieving the prime goal of thriving in their desired career in Austria.

Tips for the Job Application Process in Austria

  • Prepare for the Job market at least six months before the job search date.

  • Make sure you have gone through every single document that is needed.

  • Never forget to save all of the documents that have been filed for submission.

  • Make sure to follow up because communication is key.

  • Remember to keep documents consistent.

Tips for Job Search in Austria

  • Create a CV based on the Austrian format.

  • Make sure to grab the essentials, like a basic conversation in German.

  • Make sure to gain an understanding of how people in business conduct themselves in the local culture.

  • Focus on developing a professional circle.

  • Look for an internship there.

Austria Job Seeker Visa for Indian Applicants

Additional documentation Indian applicants are required to submit:

  • Educational Qualification details.

  • Employment history.

  • Professional contacts.

  • Career progression details.

  • Better financial information.

Austria Job Seeker Visa Appointment

Make the booking for the slot as early as possible, as there may be scarcity. Also, prepare for the session in the following manner:

  • The applicant’s application submitted

  • Frequently asked questions in the interview

  • Organizing documents

  • Reaching earlier

  • All original documents

Also Read: Electrical Engineering Jobs in Austria: Latest Job Guide

 

Conclusion

In this blog, we’ve answered the main question of how to apply for job seeker visa in Austria. The Austria Job Seeker Visa allows skilled workers to move towards their goals in one of the developed countries in Europe. To be successful in getting this visa, one must prepare very well and pay attention to the requirements and processes of acquiring the visa. Following this complete document and being proactive in the application process will enhance your chances of getting one of the most valued doors to work in Austria.

To learn more about Austrian immigration, visit TerraTern and start your immigration journey with us!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the success rate of job seeker visa in Austria?

The success rate for Austria Job Seeker Visa applications is approximately 75-80% for candidates who meet all eligibility criteria and score above 70 points in the points system. However, success rates can vary based on qualifications, sector demand, and economic conditions.

Is it possible to extend the Austria Job Seeker Visa?

No, the Austria Job Seeker Visa cannot be extended beyond the initial 6-month period. However, if you find employment during this time, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card to continue your stay in Austria.

Can I go to Austria without job offer?

Yes, the Job Seeker Visa specifically allows qualified professionals to enter Austria without a job offer and search for employment for up to 6 months. However, you must meet the minimum points requirement and other eligibility criteria.

What happens if I don't find a job within the 6-month period?

If you don't secure employment within the 6-month period, you must leave Austria when your visa expires. You can reapply for a new Job Seeker Visa after spending at least 6 months outside Austria.

What is the age limit for job seeker visa in Austria?

There is no strict age limit for the Austria Job Seeker Visa. However, the points system favors younger applicants: those under 35 receive 20 points, 35-40 receive 15 points, 41-45 receive 10 points, and over 45 receive 5 points.