Austria opens application for Job Seeker Visa for foreigners| Here is how to apply to work in Austria
You are a qualified worker and citizen of a third country (a country outside the EU) seeking to live and work in Austria? In this case you need the Red-White-Red Card. Your family members can apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus (please refer to the chapter on family reunification).
The Red-White-Red Card is issued for a period of 24 months and entitles you as the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specified in your application.
You are eligible for a Red-White-Red Card if you belong to one of the following groups:
- 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
General Requirements for Issuing Residence Permits
The authorities may only grant you a residence title if you meet the following requirements:
Adequate means of subsistence
You have to have a fixed and regular personal income enabling you to cover your living costs without resorting to welfare aid from local authorities. At the time of application the regular monthly income must be equal to the equalisation supplement reference rate (Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz) of the General Social Insurance Act (Allgemeines Sozialversicherungsgesetz – ASVG).
Equalisation supplement reference rate since 1st of January 2024:
- For singles: € 1,217.46
- For couples: € 1,921.96
- For each child additionally € 187,93
Proof of social benefits which you are entitled to only after your residence permit has been granted (welfare benefits or equalisation supplements in particular) is not factored in.
Please note:
When applying for a Red-White-Red Card or a Blue Card EU, make sure to take note of the special requirements concerning your income according to “Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nations”. There is no proof of income necessary according to Settlement and Residence Act”
Health Insurance Coverage
For your stay in Austria, you must have health insurance coverage which provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks. If you are insured in the public social insurance system (e.g. you are employed in Austria), this coverage is sufficient.
Adequate Accommodation
You have to provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation (e.g. by providing a lease contract), considered adequate for your family size.
In applications for the following residence permits no proof of adequate accommodation is required (but the monthly costs for the accommodation have to be taken into account in calculating adequate means of subsistence where those are required).
- Red-White-Red Card
- Blue Card
- Settlement permit Researcher and Researcher-Mobility
- Settlement permit for extended family members of EEA nationals or Swiss nationals
- Student
- ICT and mobile ICT
- Volunteers
Interested applicants must visit the official website to apply