Just like Sweden and Germany, you can now move to Austria without having a job offer under the Austria job seeker visa scheme.
This article will cover How to apply for requirements for the Austria job seeker visa, the documents you need to submit, the cost of applying and how to apply for the Austria Job seeker visa plus the duration of the visa and a special concession for Africans.
What is the Austria Job Seeker visa?
This is a visa scheme approved by the Austrian government that enables very high skilled workers to move to Austria to look for a job without first getting a job offer.
Once a candidate lands in Austria and successfully gets a job, they can convert their visa to a work permit or Red-White-Red card.
Note that the Austria job seeker is a point-based system pegged at 100 points. Interested candidates will need to score at least 70 points to qualify for the Austrian job seeker visa.
You must first calculate your points to see if you are eligible.
How to calculate your points for an Austria Job seeker visa?
In order to calculate your points, you will need to check your current situation over certain criteria like age, Educational qualification, your previous role, past salary amount and whether you have a job experience in Austria.
All of that will be summed to arrive at your final point. Use the table below to calculate your points.
| 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 programme: four years | 20 |
| – in the subjects 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 (recognised 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 |
| 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 |
| Second part of diploma programme (Diplomstudium) or half of the required total ECTS points | 5 |
| Completed diploma programme (Diplomstudium)
or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme |
10 |
| Sum total of maximum allowable points: | 100 |
| Required minimum: | 70 |
If you don’t meet up to the required 70 points, there is a special concession for people from Africa and 3rd world countries. Continue reading to find out more.
What documents do you need to apply for Austria Job Seeker Visa?
In order to apply for an Austria job seeker visa, you need the following documents:
- A valid international passport
- Your birth certificate
- Recent passport photograph (dimensions 45x35mm). Note: This shouldn’t be older than six months from the time of your application
- Proof of accommodation status in your country (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 funds/ good financial standing (pay slips, employment letter, insurance benefit certificates, evidence of retirement or other pension or insurance benefits, investment capital or sufficient owned assets)
What is the cost of applying for an Austria job seeker visa?
You need approximately 300 Euros to apply.
How long is the Austria job seeker visa valid?
Unlike Germany job seeker visa which is 6 months and Sweden job seeker visa which is 9 months respectively, the Austria job seeker visa is valid for 12 months.
How to apply for the Austrian Job Seeker visa
In order to apply for the Austria job seeker visa, you first must have all the documents required above. Once you have all the documents above, you will need to visit the Austrian Embassy or consulate in your home country or the country where you reside.
What is the special concession for Africans and people from 3rd world countries?
As a citizen of a 3rd world country, you may apply for a skilled worker visa, valid for 24 months if score only 55 points, you have proof of completing training in a shortage occupation area in Austria or you have a valid employment offer from an organization willing to pay you the going minimum wage in the country.
See: The Complete list of UK health worker job (ONC) codes
Find the list of shortage jobs in Austria here.
To find out more about the Austria job seeker visa, go here. Feel free to ask questions. A member of our team will be willing to respond to you as soon as possible. Kindly share this article with those who might need it.
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