The Austrian Job Seeker Visa allows individuals from non-European countries to come to Austria for 6 months to look for work. This visa does not require a job offer from Austria. Apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa 2023 and travel throughout Austria. The Job Seeker Visa is ideal for those who do not have a job offer and are looking for work in Austria. Anyone from any country is eligible to apply.
The Austria Job Seeker Visa application process is so simple that even a child can qualify. It is a point-based system. You must score 70 points. The criteria for completing these 70 points are simple. In this post, I’ll explain the application process for the Austria Job Seeker Visa, the Points system, what you’ll need, and how to apply. More information is provided below.
Details on the Austria Job Seeker Visa 2023
Job Country: Austria is the job country.
Visa category: Job Seeker Visa
Who is Eligible to Apply: Anyone is eligible to apply.
Job Offer Required: A job offer is not required.
Eligibility for a Job Seeker Visa to Austria in 2023
To be eligible for the Job Seeker visa, applicants must score at least 70 points out of a possible 100 points using the points criteria system, which includes:
- Graduation or Graduated
- Qualifications and abilities
- Qualifications and skills in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, or technology are required.
- PhD or postdoctoral qualification
- Research and innovation activities
- Awards
- Working knowledge
- Language abilities
- Age
- Research in Austria
Checkout Engineer Work Visa in Australia Without Job Offer in 2023
Documents Required Documents for a Job Seeker Visa
You must submit the following documents to apply for the Job Seeker Visa:
- A valid travel document (such as a passport)
- Photo (45x35mm) that is no more than six months old
- Proof of locally customary accommodation (for example, lease contracts, preliminary tenancy agreements, or ownership documents)
- Evidence of health insurance
Which other European countries provide visas for job seekers?
Austria is a country in Europe. Other European countries that offer a Job Seeker Visa, in addition to Austria, include:
Who Can Apply for the Austrian Job Seeker Visa 2023?
The job seeker visa is not appropriate for everyone.
- Only non-Europeans are eligible to apply.
- EU citizens do not require a work visa to enter Austria.
Austria Job Seeker Visa Points Calculator
For example, if you already have a skill or experience, you will receive 40 points. You will receive 20 points if you have graduated, and 20 points if you are under the age of 35.
The Table of Points Calculator is provided below.
Eligibility criteria for very highly qualified persons |
Points |
Special Qualifications and Skills |
Maximum allowable points: 40 |
Graduation from an institution of higher education, the minimum duration of the program: four years |
20 |
– in the subjects of mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology (MINT subjects) |
30 |
– Post-doctoral qualification (habilitation) or PhD |
40 |
Gross salary of the previous year earned in a senior management position with a company listed on the stock exchange or a company for which the Austrian foreign trade office in charge issued a positive report about its activities or business segment: – €50,000 to 60,000 – €60,000 to 70,000 – More than €70,000 |
20 25 30 |
Research and innovation activities (Patent applications, publications) |
20 |
Awards (recognized prizes) |
20 |
Work experience (adequately reflecting applicant’s qualification or senior management position) |
Maximum allowable points: 20 |
Work experience (per year) Six months of work experience in Austria |
2 10 |
Language skills |
Maximum allowable points: 10 |
German or English language skills for the elementary use of the language on a basic level – (A1 level) |
5 |
German or English language skills for the intensified elementary use of the language – (A2 level) |
10 |
French language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) |
5 |
Spanish language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) |
5 |
Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian language skills for the independent use of the language – (B1 level) |
5 |
Age |
Maximum allowable points: 20 |
Up to 35 years of age Up to 40 years of age up to 45 years of age |
20 15 10 |
Studies in Austria |
Maximum allowable points: 10 |
The second part of the diploma program (Diplomstudium) or half of the required total ECTS points |
5 |
Completed diploma program (Diplomstudium) or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree program |
10 |
Sum total of maximum allowable points: |
100 |
Required minimum: |
70 |
Validity of a Visa
The Jobseeker Visa is valid for six months and allows the holder to legally stay in Austria and look for work.
The Job Seeker Visa is not a valid work permit.
It should be noted that a Job Seeker Visa is not a work permit. It only allows you to look for work. Once you have a job offer, you can apply for a work permit.
Time Required for Processing
The processing time for your visa can range between 3 and 5 months.
Visa Fees
Jobseeker Visa: € 150
Red-White-Red Card (Work Permit):
- Application: € 120
- Grant amount: € 20
- Personalization fees (fingerprints, photography scan, and signature): € 20
Austria Visa Application Form for Job Seekers
Job Seeker Visa Application Form and Criteria Data Sheet (English)
When, Where, and How to Apply for a Job Seeker Visa in Austria in 2023
Where to Apply: You must apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa (Category D Visa) at your home country’s Austrian embassy or consulate.
You can select your nation from this link and it will inform you of the “Representative” Authority for Austria in your own country where you can file your application.
The Advantages of the Job Seeker Visa
- You can apply even if there is no job offer.
- You can visit Austria without working.
- In six months, you should be able to find work.
- A Job Seeker Visa does not require sponsorship or a job offer.
What happened after you were hired?
If you receive a job offer while on a Job Seeker Visa, you may apply for the Red-White-Red Card permit in Austria.
Visit the official website and source for the Austria Job Seeker Visa for more information.
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