Work visa for EU/EEA residents
People belonging to the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) do not require a work visa. They do not need a work permit to work in the country.
EU Blue card
The EU blue card allows highly qualified non-EU citizens to live and work in Austria for a period of two years. The work visa is granted provided there is a valid job offer. Another condition is that the AMS (the Austrian Labor Market Service) should declare that the specific work cannot be done by any Austrian or EU citizen.
Red-white-Red card
The Austrian government provides the Red-White-Red card visa option for highly skilled workers. It is a combination of a residence permit and a work permit.
It is valid for two years and the visa is linked with a specific employer. If you change your employer within those two years, you will have to apply for a new Red-White-Red card.
What are the eligibility requirements for the various Austrian work visas?
Red-white-Red card
- The Red-White-Red card is given to applicants after assessing them on a points-based system.
- The applicants must have enough points based on criteria like age, education, professional experience, language skills, etc.
- Applicants are assessed by the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) which will evaluate the applicant and decide on the number of points.
- Individuals who have had the Red-White-Red card for more than two years can apply for the Red-White-Red card plus provided the applicant has met the eligibility requirements and has worked with the same employer for a minimum of 21 months.
Work visa for EU/EEA residents
- Must be employed in an Austrian organization or are self-employed
- Must prove that they have enough income and insurance to support themselves and their family
- Must register at the local immigration office within three months of their entry
EU Blue card
- Must have completed a university course of at least three years
- Qualifications must suit the job profile
- Salary specified in the job offer must be 1.5 times higher than the average annual income of full- time employees in Austria
