Work Permits for Austria

You must obtain a work permit for Austria to legally work in the country if you are not an EU member state citizen. There are a number of different types of work permits available depending on your field of work, skill level, and qualifications.

It is important to note that expats from non-EU-member states must apply for the relevant entry visa or work permit at the Austrian embassy or consulate in their home country before travelling to Austria.

Types of work permits in Austria

Red-White-Red Card

Valid for two years, this work-and-residence permit is granted to non-EU foreigners who score adequately on a points-based immigration system. Points are granted for various desirable attributes, such as special skills and qualifications, work experience and language skills.

After holding the Red-White-Red Card for two years, you'll be eligible to change jobs without needing to apply for a new card, provided you meet certain conditions. You'll also be able to access social services and travel to certain EU countries without a visa. 

EU Blue Card

This is a residence-and-work permit that allows highly qualified non-EU citizens to live and work in Austria for up to two years.

To apply for an EU Blue Card, you must have completed a university degree for at least three years. For professionals in certain fields like IT, your professional experience may be considered sufficient if you don't have a university degree. 

Your qualifications must match the job profile, and the salary specified in the contract must be at least one and a half times higher than the average yearly income of full-time workers in Austria. This work permit will only be granted if the Austrian Public Employment Service is satisfied that the company could not find a suitable Austrian or EU citizen to do the job.

The EU Blue Card is valid for 24 months. After holding the EU Blue Card for 21 months, you'll be eligible to apply for a Red-White-Red Card, since it allows greater access to the Austrian labour market. 

Red-White-Red Card Plus

After two years working for the same employer, Red-White-Red Card and EU Blue Card holders become eligible to apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus. This gives expats fixed-term settlement and free access to the labour market, allowing them to change employers without having to reapply for a new card.

Family members moving to Austria to join either an Austrian citizen or a holder of an employment card are eligible for a Red-White-Red Card Plus right away. Family members who are 14 years and older must have an A1 level proficiency in German.  

Job Seeker Visas for Austria

The job seeker visa is aimed at highly qualified non-EU citizens who want to work in Austria but have not yet secured a job and cannot apply for an EU Blue Card or a Red-White-Red Card. As with the Red-White-Red Card, the Job Seeker Visa utilises a points-based system that applicants must satisfy to be eligible for this visa.

Under a Job Seeker Visa, you are allowed to visit Austria for up to six months to find and secure a job, but it does not allow them to work. Once you have secured a suitable position, you must still apply for a relevant work permit.

Useful links

• Austrian Federal Government Migration Platform

*Visa requirements can change at short notice, and expats should contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.