Are you looking to advance your career and explore new opportunities in Austria, and want to move to Austria without a job offer? The Austria Job Seeker Visa might be your gateway to the Austrian labor market, helping you achieve your professional goals in this beautiful European country
Austria, a thriving European nation with a rich history, allows individuals from non-EU/EEA countries to search for employment in Austria on an Austria Job Seeker Visa within a 6-month timeframe, providing a chance to connect with employers and secure a job that matches their skills and qualifications
Why Choose Austria for Your Job Search?
Austria, known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a thriving job market, has become an attractive destination for job seekers worldwide. Here are some reasons why you should consider Austria for your career aspirations:
- Strong Economy: Austria boasts a robust and diverse economy, offering a wide range of job opportunities across various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and engineering. The country’s stable economy ensures job security and competitive salaries.
- High Quality of Life: Austria consistently ranks high in terms of quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and public services. Its cities, like Vienna, are known for their cleanliness, safety, and overall livability.
- Multilingual Environment: Austria’s multilingual society, with German as the primary language, creates a welcoming atmosphere for international job seekers. Proficiency in German can significantly enhance your employment prospects.
- Central Location: Austria’s central location in Europe makes it a strategic base for travel and exploration throughout the continent. You’ll have easy access to neighboring countries and diverse cultures.
Benefits of Austrian Job Seeker Visa
- This visa enables a 6-month stay in Austria for job-hunting purposes.
- During the validity of the Visa D, the holder is entitled to enter, transit, and stay up to 90 Days in other Schengen countries.
- Upon receiving the employment offer (an employment contract) within the validity period of the visa (6 Months), you can apply for a red, white, and red card for the residence visa in Austria.
Eligibility Criteria of Austria Job Seeker Visa
The Austria Job Seeker Visa is designed to help individuals find suitable employment in Austria. The minimum eligibility requirements of the visa are as follows:
- Hold a valid passport from a non-EU/EEA country.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Show evidence of health insurance coverage.
- Possess qualifications and skills relevant to your job search.
- Commit to actively seeking employment during your stay in Austria, and
- As per the point grid, having a minimum of 70 points is mandatory.
Austria Job Seeker Visa Points
In order to apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa, it is mandatory to meet a minimum of 70 Points out of 100 points, from the following list of criteria:
| 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 |
|
|
| 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) |
2 |
| Six months of work experience in Austria |
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 |
20 |
| Up to 40 years of age |
15 |
| up to 45 years of age |
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 |
|
How to apply for Austria Job Seeker Visa?
Follow step-by-step process to apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa (category D visa).
Step 1: Gather all required documents, including your CV, educational certificates, and a detailed job search plan.
Step 2: Submit your visa application to the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your home country or the country where you reside.
Step 3: Attend an interview at the embassy or consulate if require
Step 4: If your application is approved, you’ll receive an Austria Job Seeker Visa.
Step 5: Once in Austria, actively search for employment in your field.
Step 6: When you secure a job offer, you can transition to a work visa or residence permit (red-white-red card).
What are the documents required for Austria Job Seeker Visa?
The following documents are typically required when applying for an Austria Job Seeker Visa:
-
A valid Passport
-
Passport-sized photo (as per the photo specifications), not older than six months.
-
Proof of suitable and locally customary accommodation.
-
Evidence of comprehensive health insurance (should covers all risks, either through compulsory health insurance or an equivalent insurance policy)
-
Proof of sufficient means of financial support, which can be demonstrated with payslips, employment contracts, insurance benefit certificates, evidence of retirement or other pension or insurance benefits, investment capital, or adequate personal assets.
