Qualification Measures: Austria Job Seeker Visa And Red-White-Red Card Visa For 2025

Austria has a strong job market and needs skilled workers from around the world. Jobs are in high demand, especially in IT, engineering, healthcare, and trades. Workers get good pay, strong job protections, and a high quality of life. This makes Austria a great place for building a career and finding long-term opportunities.

To work in Austria, foreign workers must meet certain job requirements. It’s important to understand these rules to apply successfully. Austria has two main work visas for skilled workers: the Job Seeker Visa and the Red-White-Red Card Visa.

Both visas have strict requirements, such as minimum salary, education level, and work experience. Applicants need to understand these rules. This helps them match their skills to Austria’s job and immigration policies.

Austria Job Seeker Visa – Qualification Measures

Austria’s Job Seeker Visa lets skilled workers enter the country and search for a job for up to six months. It is for people with in-demand skills who don’t have a job offer yet. To qualify, they must meet certain requirements and score enough points in Austria’s system.

Who Can Apply?

The Job Seeker Visa is available to non-EU professionals who demonstrate exceptional qualifications and skills. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a university degree or specialized training relevant to Austria’s labor market.
• Meet the minimum points requirement based on education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability factors.
• Possess sufficient financial means to support themselves during the job search period.
• Have health insurance coverage valid in Austria.

If a person finds a job within six months and meets Austria’s work permit rules, they can apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This card allows them to live and work in Austria for a long time.

Points-Based System (Minimum Score Requirement and Point Allocation)

Applicants must score at least 70 out of 100 points in Austria’s points-based system. Points are awarded based on the following key factors:

Education Level and Field of Study

• A PhD or Master’s degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) earns the highest points.
• Degrees in fields experiencing labor shortages, such as IT, healthcare, and engineering, receive additional points.
• Higher education qualifications from recognized institutions contribute to the overall score.

Work Experience and Industry Relevance

• Applicants earn one point per half-year of professional experience (previously two points per year).
• Work experience in high-demand industries increases an applicant’s competitiveness.
• Leadership roles, research achievements, or specialized skills may provide additional points.

Language Proficiency (German/English)

• German language skills are highly valued, with points awarded based on proficiency level.
• English language proficiency is now officially recognized for additional points, benefiting professionals in international industries.

Age and Adaptability Factors

• Younger applicants receive higher points, with maximum points awarded to those under 35 years.
• Prior study or work experience in Austria improves an applicant’s score.
• Special achievements, such as patents, research publications, or awards, can contribute to the total points.

Applicants must score at least 70 points to qualify. Those who score less cannot get the Job Seeker Visa. So, it’s important to check qualifications carefully before applying to meet Austria’s strict requirements.

Austria Red-White-Red Card Visa – Qualification Measures

The Red-White-Red Card Visa is Austria’s main work permit for skilled workers with a job offer. It helps bring in qualified workers, fill job shortages, and grow the economy. This visa lets people work and live in Austria for a long time.

To qualify, applicants must meet certain requirements, score enough points (if needed), and have a job offer with a minimum salary. The visa is first given for two years and can lead to permanent residency.

Who Is Eligible?

The Red-White-Red Card is available to five categories of professionals:

1. Very Highly Qualified Workers

• Must score at least 70 out of 100 points in Austria’s points-based system.
• Typically includes professionals with advanced degrees (PhD/Master’s) in STEM fields, extensive experience, or significant research achievements.
• Does not require an immediate job offer but provides six months to find employment in Austria.

2. Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

• Austria publishes a Shortage Occupation List annually, identifying sectors with high labor demand.
• Eligible fields often include IT, healthcare, engineering, and construction.
• Applicants must secure a job offer from an Austrian employer before applying.

3. Professionals in non-shortage occupations may apply if:

• They have a job offer from an Austrian employer.
• Their salary meets the minimum income threshold (varies by industry).
• The employer proves that no suitable Austrian or EU candidate is available for the role.

4. Graduates of Austrian Universities

• Foreign students who complete a degree in Austria can apply for a Red-White-Red Card.
• A job offer is not required if they meet the minimum salary and qualification requirements.

5. Self-Employed Key Workers & Start-up Founders

• Entrepreneurs must demonstrate that their business provides a significant economic benefit to Austria.
• They must present a detailed business plan and secure sufficient investment funds.

Important Updates for 2025

In 2025, Austria changed its Job Seeker Visa and Red-White-Red Card rules. These changes will affect salary requirements, points, and language skills. Austria has also updated its Shortage Occupation List, deciding which jobs get priority. Job seekers and employers should understand these new rules to follow them correctly.

Changes in Salary Thresholds and Eligibility Points

• The minimum salary requirement for Red-White-Red Card applicants has increased to €3,225 per month (previously €3,030 in 2024).
• The points-based system now allocates one point per half-year of work experience instead of two points per year, making experience-based scoring more competitive.
• These changes affect professionals applying as key workers and those using the Very Highly Qualified Worker pathway.

Adjustments in Language Proficiency Scoring

• English language proficiency is now officially recognized in the points-based system, allowing applicants to earn points even if they do not speak German.
• While German remains a priority, applicants with strong English skills will now be more competitive, particularly in international industries such as IT, finance, and research.
• Employers hiring foreign professionals benefit from a wider talent pool, as non-German-speaking applicants now have a greater chance of meeting visa criteria.

Updated Shortage Occupation List and Its Impact on Applicants

• Austria revises its Shortage Occupation List annually to address labor market demands.
• The 2025 list has expanded to include new in-demand fields, such as green energy specialists, AI and cybersecurity professionals, and medical technologists.
• Certain professions, such as traditional manufacturing roles, have been removed or adjusted, affecting eligibility for some applicants.
• Job seekers in shortage occupations have a higher chance of visa approval if they secure employment in these prioritized fields.

 Application Process

Applying for Austria’s Job Seeker Visa or Red-White-Red Card Visa requires careful preparation and adherence to specific requirements. Understanding the step-by-step process will help applicants submit a successful application and avoid unnecessary delays.

Job Seeker Visa Application Process

This visa allows highly skilled professionals to enter Austria for six months to search for employment.

Check Eligibility

• ]Ensure you meet the points-based system requirement (minimum 70 points).
• Confirm that your education, experience, and language skills align with the criteria.

Compile Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Proof of qualifications (diplomas, degrees)
• Work experience records (employment contracts, recommendation letters)
• Language proficiency certificate (German or English)
• Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during the job search period
• Health insurance coverage

Submit the Application

• Applications must be submitted at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country.

Wait for Processing

• Processing time varies but generally takes 8–12 weeks.

Receive Visa Decision

• If approved, you receive a Job Seeker Visa valid for six months.
• If denied, you may appeal or reapply with stronger qualifications.

Find Employment & Convert Visa

• Once you secure a job, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card to stay and work in Austria.

Red-White-Red Card Application Process

This visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Austria for two years.

Confirm Eligibility

Check whether you qualify under one of the five categories:

• Very Highly Qualified Workers (must score at least 70 points)
• Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
• Other Key Workers
• Graduates of Austrian Universities
• Self-Employed Key Workers & Start-up Founders

Secure a Job Offer (If Required)

• Most applicants need a valid employment contract from an Austrian employer.
• Ensure the salary meets or exceeds the minimum income threshold (€3,225/month for key workers in 2025).

Prepare Application Documents

• Valid passport
• Job contract (if applicable)
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Proof of work experience (employment records, references)
• Salary proof (for income verification)
• Health insurance coverage
• Language proficiency certificate (German/English, if required)

Submit Application

Applications can be submitted at:

• The Austrian embassy/consulate (if applying from abroad)
• The Austrian immigration authority (if applying within Austria)

Wait for Processing

• Processing times vary but generally take 6–8 weeks.

Receive Decision & Collect Residence Permit

• If approved, you receive a Red-White-Red Card, valid for two years.
• After two years, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Plus Card (three-year validity).
• After five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need a Job Offer to Apply for the Red-White-Red Card?

Yes, except for Very Highly Qualified Workers and Austrian university graduates, who may apply without a job offer if they meet the points requirement.

Can I Bring my Family With Me on a Red-White-Red Card?

Yes. After obtaining a Red-White-Red Plus Card, you can bring family members, who will receive a residence permit with work rights.

Is English Proficiency Accepted for Visa Points?

Yes, in 2025, English proficiency is now officially recognized in the points-based system, making it easier for international professionals to qualify.

Conclusion

Check official Austrian immigration websites and get professional advice if needed. With the right steps, getting a work visa for Austria in 2025 can be simple and possible. Professionals should keep up with the latest job shortages and salary requirements to make sure they qualify under the new rules.