Very Highly Qualified Workers

As a highly qualified worker from a third country, you have the following options:

• If you don't yet have a job offer, you can come to Austria on a job-seeker visa, valid for six months, to look for work.
• If you already have a job offer, and meet the relevant requirements, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card at the Austrian representative authority in your home country or in the country where you are legally residing.
• After legally entering Austria and while your stay remains legal, you can also apply for a Red-White-Red Card directly with the responsible residence authority

To qualify for either the job-seeker visa or the Red-White-Red Card, you must score at least 70 points based on the following criteria:

Where do you apply for a job-seeker visa?

You apply for the job-seeker visa (Category D visa) in person at the relevant Austrian representation (embassy or consulate) in your home country, or in the country where you are legally residing. The application form is available from the Austrian representative authority. The job-seeker visa is granted once the Public Employment Service (AMS) confirms to the representative authority that you have reached the required number of points for admission.

If you are permitted to enter Austria without a visa, you won't need a job-seeker visa. In that case, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card during your legal, visa-free stay in Austria, provided you find a job matching your qualifications within that period.

What happens if I receive a job offer?

If you receive a job offer (an employment contract) while your visa is still valid, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card at the relevant residence authority in Austria (the Governor of the state, or an authorized district administrative authority or municipal office).

You can apply for the Red-White-Red Card for "Highly Qualified Individuals" in person at the relevant Austrian representative authority (the embassy or consulate in your home country, or in the country where you are legally residing). Alternatively, your prospective employer can submit the application on your behalf at the relevant residence authority within Austria (the Governor of the state, or an authorized district administrative authority or municipal office). The application must be accompanied by an employer's declaration - a statement from the company providing detailed information about the future position.

Please Note:

If you wish to be represented by someone else during the official proceedings, please note that your representative must hold the appropriate authorization. Otherwise, the representation cannot be accepted.

Which documents to submit?

To apply for the Job Seeker Visa, you have to submit the following documents:

• Valid travel document (e.g. passport)
• Photo (dimensions: 45x35mm) which is not older than six months
• Proof of locally customary accommodation (e.g. lease contracts, preliminary agreement on tenancy rights or ownership evidence)
• Proof of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or equivalent insurance policy)
• Proof of adequate means of subsistence (payslips, pay certificates, employment contracts, insurance benefit certificates, evidence of retirement or other pension or insurance benefits, investment capital or sufficient own assets)

You have to submit the following documents for examination of the individual criteria under the points system (see above):

1.      Special qualifications and skills

Graduation

• Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a four-year programme at a university or another institution of tertiary education
• Document reflecting the status of the university or other institution of tertiary education
• Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a programme in a MINT subject (= mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, technology)
• Document furnishing proof of habilitation

Gross annual salary in a senior management position

• Tax assessment notice or pay certificate
• Confirmation by the previous employer that you worked in a senior management position
• Proof that the company is listed on the stock exchange or positive report from the competent Austrian foreign trade office about its activities or business segment

Research and innovation activities

• Proof of scientific publications, stating titles and sources
• Certificate issued by a university or research institution that you worked in R&D or academic scientific teaching
• Proof of patent application(s) through extracts from national or regional patent registers

Recognised awards and prizes

• Document proving the conferral of the award or prize

2.    Work experience

• Testimonials and work certificates

3.    Language skills

• Language diploma or language course certificate at the A1 or A2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The certificate should not be older than five years.
  German language diplomas and certificates may in particular be obtained from the following institutions: ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF)
  The following diplomas and certificates in particular are recognised as evidence of proficiency in English: Cambridge Certificate, TELC, IELTS diploma, TOEIC diploma, TOEFL diploma.

4.    Studies in Austria

• Course record book and related examination certificates
• Document reflecting the successful completion of a programme of studies in Austria

Please note:

You have to submit originals and copies of the above-mentioned documents. If the documents are not available in German or English, translations into German or English must be provided. The Austrian representation will examine documents for completeness and send them to the AMS for assessment and awarding of points. Upon request you have to furnish legalized versions of documents.

Do I have to go through a formal recognition procedure in Austria?

Formal recognition is ONLY required for so-called regulated professions. By law, regulated professions can only be practised if the corresponding qualifications have been formally recognised. This applies, for example, to all health professions, to employment as a teacher at a public school, as a nursery school teacher or as a lawyer.

The website Berufsanerkennung.atcan help you find out whether your profession is regulated in Austria and, if so, which body is responsible for recognition.

If you apply for a Red-White-Red card, your qualifications will be checked on the basis of the documents you submit.

When will a Red-White-Red Card be issued?

The primary requirement for a Red-White-Red Card is a concrete employment offer. This employment must match your qualification while offering adequate pay. If these requirements are met, the AMS issues a positive evaluation and you will receive the Red-White-Red Card provided that the general requirements under Austrian settlement and residence law are met as well (except accommodation and income).

As a holder of a Red-White-Red Card, you are entitled to fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specified in your application. The Red-White-Red Card is generally issued for a period of 24 months. You can also work self-employed, if this employment is subsidiary to your paid employment and all other legal requirements are fulfilled.

When will a Red-White-Red Card plus be issued?

As a Very Highly Qualified Person holding a Red-White-Red Card, you may apply for a Red-White-Red Card plus at the competent residence authority in Austria (Provincial Governor, authorised Regional Administrative Authority or Local Administrative Authority) if you were employed in accordance with the eligibility criteria for a minimum of 21 months during the preceding 24 months, to be assessed by the AMS.

If you are a holder of a Red-White-Red Card plus, you are entitled to fixed-term settlement and unlimited labour market access. You can find more information on the Red-White-Red Card plus here.

Further information and useful links

Fees

• Jobseeker Visa: € 195
• Application fee: € 218

Application forms 

• Application forms 
• Application form for the Jobseeker Visa and criteria data sheet (English)

Laws and provisions

• Settlement and Residence Act (German)
• Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals (German)
• Visa requirements (German)
• General information on visas (English)

Links

• Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (English)
• Austrian consular representations (English)
• Professional Recognition in Austria
• Contact point (recognition of qualifications)