Austria offers a Job Seeker Visa as part of its Red-White-Red Card immigration scheme to attract highly qualified professionals from non-EU countries. This visa allows eligible individuals to enter Austria for up to six months to search for employment. If the applicant secures a job that matches their qualifications, they can then apply for the Red-White-Red Card (work and residence permit) without leaving the country.
What is the Austria Job Seeker Visa?
The Job Seeker Visa (Category D) is a long-term visa that permits highly skilled non-EU/EEA nationals to stay in Austria for six months for the purpose of finding a job. It does not allow employment during this period — its sole purpose is to allow job hunting within Austria.
Once you find a suitable job offer, you can convert your visa into a Red-White-Red Card without leaving Austria.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for this visa, you must meet the criteria for “Very Highly Qualified Workers” under Austria's points-based system, which evaluates your:
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Education and qualifications
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Work experience
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Language skills (German and/or English)
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Age
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Studies completed in Austria (if applicable)
You must score at least 70 points out of 100.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Self-Assessment: Calculate Your Points
Use the official points calculator provided by the Austrian government or consult with the Austrian embassy to ensure you meet the minimum score required (70/100 points).
2. Prepare Your Documents
You will need to gather and submit a variety of supporting documents, including:
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A valid passport
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Recent passport-sized photograph
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Proof of academic qualifications (e.g., degrees, transcripts)
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Proof of relevant work experience (e.g., letters of reference)
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Language certificates (German and/or English)
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Updated CV
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Proof of accommodation in Austria
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Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements, payslips)
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Health insurance valid in Austria
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Police clearance certificate (if required)
Note: All foreign documents may need to be translated into German and legalized or apostilled.
3. Submit Your Application
You must apply for the Job Seeker Visa in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You cannot apply for this visa from within Austria.
4. Attend the Interview
As part of the application process, you may be invited for an interview where you must demonstrate your qualifications and explain your plans to find employment in Austria.
5. Pay the Visa Fee
Be prepared to pay the applicable visa fee (varies by country). Check the embassy website for up-to-date pricing and accepted payment methods.
6. Wait for a Decision
Visa processing may take several weeks, depending on your country and the completeness of your application. You’ll be notified once a decision is made.
After Arrival in Austria
Once you enter Austria on the Job Seeker Visa:
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You cannot work until you secure a qualifying job and apply for the Red-White-Red Card.
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If you find employment matching your qualifications within six months, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card without leaving Austria.
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If you do not find a job within the visa validity period, you must leave the country when the visa expires.
Tips for Success
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Start preparing documents early, especially if translation and legalization are needed.
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Aim for a strong score in the points system by including proof of additional qualifications or language proficiency.
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Maintain adequate financial means to support yourself during your stay (no income is allowed while job-seeking).
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Stay informed on labor market trends and shortage occupations in Austria to increase your chances of securing a job offer.
The Austria Job Seeker Visa offers an excellent opportunity for highly qualified individuals to explore career opportunities in one of Europe’s most stable economies. By meeting the eligibility requirements and preparing thoroughly, you can position yourself for success in the Austrian job market — and ultimately transition to long-term residence through the Red-White-Red Card.
