The Austria work visa, commonly referred to as the Red-White-Red Card grants highly qualified workers from third countries the opportunity to stay and work in Austria. Whether you have plans for another adventure or an up climb in the career ladder, here is a detailed guide on what you will need for an Austria work visa.
Understanding the Red-White-Red Card
The Red-White-Red Card is designed for highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations and key workers, and graduates of Austrian universities. This card is issued for 24 months, entitling the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment with the employer.
Admission Criteria
Highly Qualified Worker
- Qualifications and Experience: Proof of relevant academic qualifications and professional experience.
- Language Proficiency: German or English language skills at a proficient level.
- Special Achievements: Recognized awards, patents, or innovative projects.
- Job offer: Employment that is offered for at least the legally stipulated minimum salary for highly qualified workers
Skilled Workers for Shortage Professions
- Shortage Occupation: The Prospective Job must be one of the shortage occupations in Austria.
- Qualification and Certification: Relevant qualification and training for the job
- Employment Opportunity: employment opportunity that matches the specifications of the shortage profession
Other Key Workers
- Employment Opportunity: You have to give a legally binding offer of employment that specifies a minimum guaranteed salary. It is a formal offer of employment or contract of employment by the employer indicating that you will be appointed for some particular job with specified details of salary and other terms of employment.
- Academic Qualifications and Work Experience: Relevant academic qualifications and work experience shall be provided. This may include certificates, diplomas, or any other documents which may confirm your education and work experience relevant for the job you are applying for in Austria.
Austrian University Graduates
- Completion of Studies: Proof of completion of a course of study at a university in Austria has to be provided, either in the form of a degree certificate, a transcript, or an official letter from the university confirming graduation.
- Job Offer: This shall be an official letter of offer of employment or a contract of employment from a prospective employer, showing your title, salary, and terms of employment.
Application Requirements
General Documents
- Valid Passport: You are required to have a passport, which would be valid for the entire period of your stay in Austria. The passport should contain extra months of validity beyond the period you intend to stay to avoid problems. Renew it if it is close to expiring.
- Passport Photos: Attach recent passport-sized photos. The photos should be white with a plain background and sharp focus. It should be 35mm x 45mm in size. Follow these to avoid delays.
- Health Insurance: You are required to have health insurance that covers all risks, including accidents and illnesses, for the whole stay. This might be international or local Austrian insurance complying with the required standards.
- Accommodation Proof: Proof of accommodation in Austria tenancy agreement, hotel confirmation, or an invitation letter by a resident of Austria. The document should include your address and length of stay.
- Financial Proof: Provide proof of sufficient means of subsistence by including bank statements, a letter from the bank, or proof of income from the employer. Be sure to have enough to meet your cost of living, hosting, food, and transportation.
Specific Documents
- Employment Contract: You need to provide a signed employment contract or a legally binding job offer. This document confirms your job position, salary, and employment terms.
- Qualification: Submit certificates, diplomas, and other documents that prove your qualifications. These should be relevant to the job you’re applying for in Austria.
- Language Skills: Provide proof of your German or English language skills. This can be language certificates or test results showing proficiency in either language, as required by your job or the visa category.
Step by Step Application Procedure
- Job Hunt: Find a job that is eligible for the Red-White-Red Card category.
- Gather Documents: Put together all your documents, including your passport, employment contract, proof of qualification.
- Apply: Apply at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence or, when legally admissible, in Austria itself.
- Wait: The processing time varies, but it is usually a question of weeks to months.
- Collect Visa: You will receive the Red-White-Red Card, and you may commence working in Austria once this application has been granted.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Thoroughness: Check all of your documents and fill them out correctly.
- Proof of Qualifications: Make sure your qualifications are recognized in Austria. If not, you may need to have your documents translated and authenticated.
- Language Skills: Knowledge of German can really boost your application, especially if the required job needs German as a language.
- Seek Professional Help: Consider getting the help of an immigration lawyer or a relocation expert.
That is the question: how to get an Austria work visa. It means satisfying all of the eligibility criteria, collecting documents, and following the application procedure to the dot. With this Red-White-Red Card, exciting career options open in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries. All the best for your application, and a warm welcome to Austria!
