Want to work in Austria in 2026? The Austria Work Visa and the Red-White-Red Card make it possible for skilled professionals to work legally, enjoy competitive pay, and access a high standard of living. Whether you already have a job offer or want to explore the Austria Job Seeker Visa, this guide explains everything you need to know to live and work in Austria successfully.
Why Work in Austria?
Austria is renowned for its stable economy, excellent infrastructure, and strong social benefits, making it highly appealing for foreign workers.
Key Benefits:
- Legal Employment: Work across sectors such as IT, engineering, healthcare, tourism, and hospitality.
- Permanent Residency Pathway: After a certain period of employment, you can apply for permanent residency.
- Family Reunification: Bring your spouse and children to Austria while working.
- Competitive Salary & Social Benefits: Enjoy a good standard of living with health insurance, pensions, and unemployment coverage.
- High Quality of Life: Austria offers excellent public services, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
- Work-Life Balance: Regulated working hours, paid leave, parental leave, and public holidays.
- Cultural & Professional Growth: Multilingual environment, international networking, and exposure to Austria’s arts, history, and heritage.
Local Example: Workers in Vienna’s tech districts or Salzburg’s tourism sector enjoy competitive salaries while living close to key landmarks like Stephansdom Cathedral or Hohensalzburg Fortress.
Who Does Not Need a Work Permit?
- Citizens of the EU/EEA can live and work in Austria for up to 90 days without a work permit.
- After 90 days, registration with Austrian authorities is required to continue employment.
Austria Red-White-Red Card
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria’s primary work visa for highly skilled non-EU workers. It combines a work permit and residence authorization for up to 24 months, with eligibility based on a points system evaluating age, qualifications, work experience, and language skills.
Who Can Apply?
- Very highly qualified workers / Job Seekers
- Skilled workers in shortage occupations
- Other key workers
- Graduates of Austrian universities
- Regular workers in tourism, agriculture, and forestry
- Self-employed key workers & start-up founders
Points Required:
| Worker Type | Points Needed |
|---|---|
| Very Highly Qualified | 70 |
| Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations | 55 |
| Other Key Workers | 55 |
| Job Seekers | 70 |
Austria Work Visa Requirements
Requirements vary by visa type, nationality, and job sector. General requirements include:
- Valid passport
- Job offer (except for Job Seeker Visa)
- Proof of qualifications and relevant experience
- Health insurance coverage
- Proof of financial self-sufficiency
Pro Tip: Use EURES, karriere.at, and ams.at for verified job listings in Austria. Jobs in shortage occupations (e.g., IT, engineering, healthcare) have higher chances of visa approval.
Step-by-Step Austria Work Visa Process
Step 1: Secure a Job in Austria
- Either obtain an employment offer or apply for a Job Seeker Visa to find work within six months.
Step 2: Apply for a Work Permit
- Your employer or you can apply at the local Austrian residence authority or embassy in your home country.
Step 3: Apply for the National D Visa
- Before traveling to Austria, apply for a long-term D visa. The Red-White-Red Card is collected after arrival.
Step 4: Travel to Austria
- Pick up your Red-White-Red Card valid for 24 months.
- After two years, apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus, allowing extended residence and work flexibility.
Austria Work Visa Costs
| Visa Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Job Seeker Visa | €150 |
| Red-White-Red Card Application | €120 |
| Red-White-Red Card Grant | €20 |
| Fingerprints / Photo / Signature | €20 |
Processing Time: Typically 4–8 weeks, depending on your nationality and local embassy workload.
Shortage Occupation Areas in Austria
Austria prioritizes workers in high-demand sectors, including
- IT & Software Development
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical)
- Healthcare (Nurses, Doctors, Caregivers)
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Skilled Trades & Agriculture
Local Insight: Vienna’s Donau City has a booming IT and finance sector, while Tyrol and Salzburg often need hospitality staff.
Conclusion:
Austria’s robust economy, excellent standard of living, and competitive pay make it an attractive place for foreign workers. Austria offers qualified professionals a number of methods to find work and start a new life in the nation, whether they are applying for a Red-White-Red Card or a Job Seeker Visa.
Although the procedure might appear complicated, you can obtain a work permit and take advantage of all that Austria has to offer if you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the many kinds of visas and their requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the requirements for an Austrian work visa?
To apply for a work visa in Austria, you typically need a job offer from an Austrian employer, proof of qualifications, a valid passport, and health insurance. The job must also meet the necessary salary requirements.
How long is the Austria work visa valid?
The work visa is usually valid for up to 12 months, with the option to renew depending on the employment contract and the type of visa granted.
Can I bring my family with me on an Austria work visa?
Yes, under certain conditions, you can bring your spouse and children with you on a family reunification visa once you are employed and living in Austria.
