When you’re planning to work in Austria, knowing the work visa requirements austria for non eu nationals 2026 is essential. This ultimate guide walks you through every stage from choosing the right permit to applying, arriving, and planning for long-term residency. You’ll learn how to qualify under the points-based system, gather and submit your documents, meet employer obligations, and renew or upgrade your permit. Along the way you’ll find links to related resources, including study in austria january intake 2026 requirements if you’re coming on a student visa, and advice on how to transition from student visa to work permit in europe.
Understand permit types
Austria offers several work authorization routes for non-EU nationals. Each permit has its own criteria, validity period, and renewal rules. Use the table below to compare your options at a glance.
| Permit type | Validity | Key requirement | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red-White-Red Card | Up to 24 months | Minimum 55 points, job offer | Up to 24 months, subject to points |
| EU Blue Card | 12 months (extendable) | Master’s degree or equivalent, salary threshold | Renewable annually |
| Job Seeker Visa (category D) | 6 months | 70 points for very highly qualified | Convert to work permit in Austria |
| Entrepreneur Visa | 12 months | Business plan, sufficient capital | Based on business performance |
| ICT Card | 12 months | Intra-company transfer | Extendable up to 24 months |
Red-White-Red Card
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria’s flagship permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals. To qualify you must:
- Score at least 55 points on the official scale
- Hold a concrete job offer with a matching salary
- Meet health and insurance requirements
Your card is valid for up to 24 months and ties you to a specific employer. After 21 months of qualifying employment you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus, which grants broader labor-market access and fixed-term settlement.
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card targets third-country nationals with a higher education degree and a high-earning position. You need:
- A university degree or equivalent
- A salary at least 1.5 times Austria’s average gross income
Benefits include freedom to move within certain EU states and family reunification rights. You can renew your Blue Card annually as long as you continue to meet the salary and employment conditions. For more on EU-wide eligibility see europe blue card eligibility for non eu nationals 2025.
Job Seeker Visa
Very highly qualified professionals may apply for a Job Seeker Visa (category D) in their home country. Requirements include:
- Minimum 70 points under the “very highly qualified” criteria
- Personal application at an Austrian embassy or consulate
Once you secure a job offer that matches your qualifications, you can convert this visa into a Red-White-Red Card within Austria. Detailed criteria appear on the Austrian Migration Portal [1].
Other work permits
Austria also issues:
- Entrepreneur Visas for foreign investors and start-up founders
- ICT Cards for intra-company transfers
- Short-term work permits for seasonal and restricted occupations
Each has bespoke rules on capital, contract length, and employer sponsorship.
Check your eligibility
Before you apply, confirm you meet Austria’s eligibility requirements.
Points-based system
Both the Red-White-Red Card and Job Seeker Visa use a points-based evaluation. Points are awarded for:
- Formal qualifications (up to 20 points)
- Professional experience (up to 20 points)
- Language competence (up to 15 points)
- Age (up to 10 points)
- Studies in Austria (up to 5 points)
- Additional criteria like awards or special training (up to 20 points)
You need at least 55 points for the standard Red-White-Red Card and 70 points to qualify as very highly qualified. See detailed scoring at Y-Axis.
Job Seeker Visa requirements
To pursue the Job Seeker Visa you must:
- Compile your point calculation sheet
- Obtain a positive eligibility confirmation from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS)
- Book a personal appointment at your local Austrian embassy or consulate
Once approved you have six months to find suitable employment.
Gather required documents
Preparation speeds up approval. Standard paperwork includes:
Passport and identity
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your planned stay
- Passport copies and certified translations
Employment offer
- Signed job contract detailing salary, hours, and role
- Employer declaration and labor-market test proof as per Playroll guidelines [2]
Proof of qualifications
- Degree certificates and transcripts
- Recognition documents for regulated professions (health, law, teaching)
Health and insurance
- Medical certificate confirming fitness to work
- Proof of health insurance coverage valid in Austria
Submit your application
Knowing where and how to apply will prevent common delays.
Where to apply
- If you’re outside Austria, submit at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence
- If you hold a valid visa in Austria, apply at your local residence authority (Magistrat or Bezirkshauptmannschaft)
Application fees
- Red-White-Red Card: €140 on submission, €20 on issuance, €20 for police data collection [3]
- EU Blue Card: approximately €100–€160, depending on region
Processing timelines
Standard processing
- 7 to 8 weeks for Red-White-Red Card applications
- 4 to 8 weeks for most work permits
Fast-track options
- Restricted visas processed in about 3 weeks if employer sponsorship meets urgent labor-market needs
Comply with labor test
Your Austrian employer must conduct a labor-market test before hiring you.
Employer responsibilities
- Demonstrate no suitable EU/EEA candidate is available
- Submit AMS confirmation and job contract
Labor market test
- AMS must review and endorse the vacancy
- Test covers salary thresholds and working conditions
Compliance requirements
- Adhere to Austrian labor laws (AuslBG, BGBL 218/1975) as enforced by AMS and the Ministry of Labour [4]
Plan your move to Austria
After approval, you’ll need to handle residency and local registrations.
Residence registration
- Register your address at the local registration office (Meldeamt) within three days of arrival
- Obtain a confirmation of registration (Meldezettel)
Health insurance coverage
- Enroll in the Austrian statutory health insurance system or maintain valid private coverage
- Provide proof of insurance to extend your permit
Tax registration
- Apply for a tax ID (Steuernummer) through your employer or Finanzamt
- Learn about social security contributions deducted from your salary
Renew or upgrade permit
Staying and working beyond your initial permit requires proactive steps.
Renewal conditions
- Maintain at least 50 points for Red-White-Red Card renewal
- Continue fulfilling health, insurance, and employment conditions
Red-White-Red Card plus
- After 21 months on the standard card you can apply for a plus version
- This upgrade grants fixed-term settlement and unrestricted labor-market access
Switching permit types
- Convert a Job Seeker Visa or EU Blue Card into a Red-White-Red Card once you meet criteria
- Change from an ICT Card to a Blue Card if you secure a higher-paid role
Seek permanent residency
Long-term planning starts with early preparation.
Eligibility criteria
- Hold a Red-White-Red Card plus for at least 21 months
- Demonstrate stable income, German language skills (B1 level), and integration
Application steps
- Compile proof of continuous residence and employment
- Submit application at the competent residence authority
- Attend an interview if required
Once granted, you enjoy permanent residence rights and can apply for Austrian citizenship after additional residency.
By following these steps you’ll demystify the work visa requirements austria for non eu nationals 2026 and set yourself up for a smooth transition into your Austrian career. Good luck with your application, and don’t forget to explore related resources such as how to obtain permanent residency in europe after work permit to plan your long-term future.
