Austria Work Visa (Red-White-Red Card) | Types of Austria Work Permit

Do you envision yourself working among Austria’s gorgeous vistas? The Austria Work Visa (Red-White-Red Card) is your best option. We’ll go over all you need to know about getting this highly sought-after visa in this comprehensive tutorial. We have you covered with regard to the application procedure and eligibility requirements.

Although working in Austria can change your life, getting a visa can be challenging. With step-by-step explanations and useful information on the Austria Work Visa (Red-White-Red Card), this guide strives to make it easier for you. Join me as we set out on this fascinating excursion.

Austria Work Visa (Red-White-Red Card): An Overview

Before delving into the specifics, let’s understand the basics of the Austria Work Visa (Red-White-Red Card). This visa is designed to attract skilled workers, researchers, and their family members to Austria. It offers multiple categories, each tailored to a specific group of applicants. Here are the key categories:

1. Skilled Workers

Skilled workers with a job offer in Austria can apply for this category. The Red-White-Red Card is typically valid for one year and can be renewed.

2. Researchers

If you’re engaged in research activities, you can apply under this category. It allows you to work and reside in Austria while pursuing your research.

3. Key Workers

Austria encourages key workers who are essential to the country’s economy and labor market. This category prioritizes those individuals.

4. Graduates of Austrian Universities

Graduates from Austrian universities can extend their stay and explore employment opportunities through this category.

5. Self-Employed Key Workers

Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals with a sustainable business idea can obtain the Red-White-Red Card.

6. Artists and Cultural Professionals

Austria appreciates artists and cultural professionals, offering them the chance to work and contribute to the country’s vibrant cultural scene.

Why Choose Austria for a Work Visa:

1. Strong Economy: Austria has a stable and strong economy with low unemployment rates, making it an appealing destination for job seekers.
2. High Quality of Life: Austria consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, offering excellent healthcare, education, and safety for residents.
3. Cultural Richness: Austria is known for its rich cultural heritage, including historic cities, music, and art. It’s a great place for those interested in cultural experiences.
4. Centrally Located: Austria is centrally located in Europe, making it easy to travel to other European countries.
5. Opportunities for Skilled Workers: Austria has a demand for skilled workers in various sectors, including technology, healthcare, engineering, and tourism.

Who Can Apply for a Work Visa in Austria:

The eligibility criteria for Austria work visas can vary depending on the specific type of visa you’re applying for. However, in general, the following individuals may be eligible to apply:

1. Skilled Workers: Skilled workers with job offers in Austria in sectors where there is a labor shortage may apply for various work visas, such as the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card.
2. Highly Qualified Professionals: Individuals with higher education qualifications and specialized skills may qualify for the EU Blue Card.
3. Seasonal Workers: If you intend to work seasonally in sectors like agriculture or tourism, you may apply for a seasonal work visa.
4. Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Individuals: Those looking to establish businesses or work as self-employed individuals can apply for self-employment visas.
5. Researchers and Scientists: Researchers and scientists with job offers from Austrian research institutions or universities may be eligible for specific research visas.
6. Dependent Family Members: Spouses, children, and other dependent family members of individuals with work visas can often apply for dependent visas to join their family in Austria.

Stay Duration

The Austria Red-White-Red Card Visa will be issued for 24 months. 

The Job Seeker Visa will allow you to stay for six months. If you are able to find a job then you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card permit that will be issued for 24 months.

Austria Work Visa Cost

• Jobseeker Visa: €150
• Red-White-Red Card:
  • Application: €120
  • Granting: €20
  • Costs of (Fingerprints, scan of photography, and signature): €20
• EU Blue Card:
  • Application: €120
  • Granting: €20
  • Costs of (fingerprints, scan of photography, and signature): €20

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Austria Work Visa Processing Time

The processing time depends on the location and country from where you are applying. On average it can take up to 8 weeks.

• Red-White-Red Card: 8 weeks
• Job Seeker Visa: 6 weeks
• EU Blue Card: 6 weeks

Skill Shortage in Austria

If you belong to one of the fields listed in the shortage of occupation then your chances of getting Austria work visas are very high.

For the year 2023, the following occupations are deemed shortage professions:

Here you can find the list of Austria-wide shortage occupations and regional shortage occupations for 2023:

Typical Documents Required for a Work Visa in Austria:

The specific documents required for a work visa in Austria can vary depending on the type of visa and your individual circumstances. However, common documents typically include:

1. Valid Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Austria.
2. Visa Application Form: Complete and signed visa application forms.
3. Job Offer: A formal job offer or employment contract from an Austrian employer.
4. Qualifications: Educational certificates, diplomas, or degrees relevant to your job.
5. Proof of Accommodation: Evidence that you have a place to stay in Austria.
6. Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage for your stay in Austria.
7. Financial Proof: Bank statements or evidence of financial means to support yourself during your stay.
8. Police Clearance Certificate: A certificate confirming you have no criminal record in your home country.
9. Passport-Sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Austrian visa photo requirements.
10. Additional Documents: Depending on your visa type, you may need additional documents such as proof of language proficiency or business plans (for self-employed visas).

Types of Work Visa Offer by Austria

Austria offers several types of work visas and permits for foreign nationals who want to work in the country. These visas are designed to cater to various employment and immigration situations. Here are some of the main types of Austria work visas:

1. Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card):
   • The Red-White-Red Card is a comprehensive work and residence permit for qualified skilled workers, including employees, self-employed individuals, and key workers in shortage professions.
   • It is issued based on a point system, taking into account factors like education, work experience, language skills, and age.
   • The RWR Card can be valid for a specific duration and can lead to permanent residence in Austria.
2. EU Blue Card:
   • The EU Blue Card is designed for highly skilled non-EU/EEA nationals who have a job offer in Austria.
   • To be eligible, you typically need higher education qualifications, and your job must meet certain salary requirements.
   • The EU Blue Card offers a fast track to permanent residence and work rights in other EU countries.
3. Seasonal Work Visa:
   • This visa is for individuals who plan to work in Austria on a seasonal basis, such as in agriculture or tourism.
   • It is usually valid for a limited time and is tied to specific job offers.
4. Employment Visa (Type D Visa):
   • The Type D Employment Visa is for individuals who have secured a job in Austria. It’s a prerequisite for obtaining a work and residence permit in Austria.
   • It’s typically issued for a short duration and allows you to enter Austria to start your job.
5. Self-Employed Work Visa:
   • If you want to establish your own business or work as a self-employed individual in Austria, you may apply for a self-employment visa.
   • You’ll need to meet certain financial and business plan requirements to qualify.
6. Work Visa for Researchers and Scientists:
   • Austria encourages researchers and scientists to work in the country. There are specific visas and permits available for researchers and scientists who have job offers from Austrian research institutions or universities.
7. Intra-Corporate Transfer (ICT) Visa:
   • This visa is for employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to their company’s branch or subsidiary in Austria.
   • It allows for temporary residence and employment in Austria.
8. Dependent Visa:
   • Spouses, children, and other dependents of foreign workers in Austria may be eligible for a dependent visa to join their family members.
9. Start-up Visa:
   • Austria offers a start-up visa for entrepreneurs and founders who wish to launch innovative start-up businesses in the country.
   • This visa is designed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Austria.

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