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Austria Job Seeker Visa & Red-White-Red Card: 2025 Eligibility Criteria Explained


February 3rd, 2025 at 05:51 am

Austria Job Seeker Visa & Red-White-Red Card: 2025 Eligibility Criteria Explained

If you are an international professional considering Austria for your career, this update is crucial. Austria has revised the eligibility criteria for two key work visa pathways: the Job Seeker Visa and the Red-White-Red Card Visa.

These changes, effective from 2025, directly affect skilled workers. Understanding the new salary thresholds and point system modifications is essential for your application.

Key Changes to Visa Criteria

Increased Salary Requirements

Employers must now offer a minimum salary of €3,225 per month for key workers applying under the Red-White-Red Card Visa. This amount has increased from €3,030 in 2024.

Adjusted Points-Based System

The points system now awards one point per half-year of work experience, instead of two points per year. Additionally, English language proficiency is now recognized for extra points, benefiting professionals in international firms.

Importance of These Changes

If you plan to apply for Austria’s Job Seeker Visa or the Red-White-Red Card, you must align your qualifications with these new benchmarks. Understanding these changes will help you maximize your chances of securing a position in Austria in 2025.

Eligibility Requirements for the Austria Job Seeker Visa (2025)

The Job Seeker Visa allows highly skilled professionals to enter Austria for six months to search for employment. Applicants must score at least 70 points out of 100 in a points-based system.

Point Distribution for Job Seeker Visa

Criteria Maximum Points
Educational Qualification 40
Work Experience (per year) 20
Language Skills (German/English) 10
Age Factor (younger candidates score higher) 20
Higher Studies in Austria 10
Total Maximum Points 100
  • Educational Qualification: Degrees in STEM fields carry higher points. A PhD receives the highest preference, but a Master’s or Bachelor’s in high-demand fields is still valuable.
  • Work Experience: Professionals with over ten years of experience score the highest. Experience in shortage occupations also provides additional points.
  • Language Proficiency: Proficiency in German (A1 to C2) and English (at least B2) earns additional points.
  • Age Limit: Candidates under 35 years old receive higher scores. Those over 40 score fewer points.
  • Studies in Austria: Previous studies in Austria provide bonus points, strengthening the application.
Validity and Conditions

The Job Seeker Visa is valid for six months. If you secure employment during this period, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card. If not, you must leave Austria when the visa expires.

Eligibility Requirements for the Red-White-Red Card Visa (2025)

The Red-White-Red Card allows skilled workers to live and work in Austria for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal.

Categories for Eligibility

  • Very Highly Qualified Workers: Must score at least 70 points, similar to the Job Seeker Visa. Requires a PhD or Master’s in STEM fields and extensive work experience.
  • Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: Workers must secure a job offer from an Austrian employer in high-demand fields.
  • Other Key Workers: Non-shortage occupation workers can apply if they have a job offer and meet salary thresholds.
  • Graduates of Austrian Universities: Graduates can apply without a job offer if they meet the criteria.
  • Self-Employed Key Workers & Start-up Founders: Must demonstrate significant economic benefit for Austria with a solid business plan.
Required Documents for the Red-White-Red Card
  • Firstly, a valid passport
  • Also, a job contract from an Austrian employer
  • In addition, proof of qualifications
  • Similarly, evidence of work experience
  • Likewise, a language proficiency certificate
  • Besides that, salary proof
  • Lastly, health insurance coverage
Validity and Renewal

The Red-White-Red Card is initially valid for two years and can be renewed. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency in Austria.

Job Seeker Visa vs. Red-White-Red Card

Feature Job Seeker Visa Red-White-Red Card Visa
Purpose Find a job in Austria Work and live in Austria
Validity 6 months 2 years (renewable)
Job Offer Required? No Yes
Eligibility Based On 70 Points System Job offer & 70 Points System
Family Reunification No Yes (Red-White-Red Plus Card)
Leads to Permanent Residency No Yes, after 5 years

These changes present new opportunities for skilled professionals seeking to work in Austria. Prepare now to align your qualifications and increase your chances of success.

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