Austria · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
AI-drafted, editorial review pending. The official links below are checked — confirm specifics with the authority.
Third-country nationals generally need a Red-White-Red Card to live and work in Austria. It is criteria-based, with separate routes for very highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, other key workers, graduates of Austrian universities, self-employed key workers and start-up founders, most of them scored on points. The card is issued for 24 months. The EU Blue Card is a parallel route for jobs that need a degree.
- Most routes need a job offer and a minimum score for qualifications, experience, language skills and age.
- Shortage occupations are listed nationwide and by region in a regulation issued each year.
- Family members of a card holder can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus.
- Migration Platform of the Austrian Federal Government
Federal Government's migration platform: Red-White-Red Card and EU Blue Card.
- AMS — Arbeitsmarktservice
Public Employment Service: job portal and shortage occupations.
Government portals
- oesterreich.gv.at — Austrian Government Portal — Guidance and online services for residents, including residence registration and ID Austria.
- USP — Business Service Portal — Online company formation (e-start-up), beneficial-owner filings and business dealings with the authorities.
- Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) — Tax, customs and online filing through FinanzOnline.
- Migration Platform of the Austrian Federal Government — Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card and family reunification, with a points calculator.