Eligibility for Austria Job Seeker Visa and Red-White-Red Card Visa for 2025

If you’re an international professional eyeing Austria as your next career destination, you can’t afford to miss this update! Austria has revised the eligibility criteria for two of its most crucial work visa pathways—the Job Seeker Visa and the Red-White-Red Card Visa—effective from 2025. These changes directly impact skilled workers, making it essential for job seekers and professionals to understand the new salary thresholds, point system modifications, and eligibility criteria before applying.

So, what’s different now?

• Increased Salary Requirements: Employers must now offer a minimum salary of €3,225 per month (up from €3,030 in 2024) for key workers applying under the Red-White-Red Card Visa.
• Points-Based System Adjustments: Work experience now grants one point per half-year instead of two points per year, and English language proficiency is now officially recognized for additional points—giving a boost to professionals in international firms.

Why is this crucial?

If you’re planning to apply for Austria’s Job Seeker Visa to secure a job or a Red-White-Red Card to work and live in Austria, you must align your qualifications and job search strategies with these new eligibility benchmarks.

This article will walk you through each visa type, updated eligibility criteria, and the application process so you can maximize your chances of working in Austria in 2025. Read on to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity

1# Eligibility Requirements for Austria Job Seeker Visa (2025)

The Austria Job Seeker Visa is a temporary visa that allows highly skilled professionals to enter Austria for six months to look for a job. It is a points-based system where applicants need to score at least 70 points out of 100 to qualify. To be eligible for the Job Seeker Visa for Austria in 2025, applicants must fulfill the following requirements:

1# Meet the Minimum Point Requirement (70/100 Points System)

Applicants are assessed based on multiple factors, including qualifications, work experience, language skills, age, and studies in Austria. Following distribution will add up to increase your chances of obtaining this visa:

2# Educational Qualification

• • A degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields carries higher points.
  • A PhD is given the highest preference.
  • Applicants with a Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in high-demand fields can still qualify.

3# Work Experience

• • Skilled professionals with more than 10 years of experience score the highest.
  • Experience in shortage occupations in Austria provides additional points.

4# Language Proficiency

• • German Language (A1 to C2 Level) can earn additional points.
  • English Language (at least B2 level) also carries points.

5# Age Limit

• • Under 35 years old: Higher chances of obtaining points.
  • Older candidates (above 40) score fewer points.

6# Studies in Austria (Bonus Points)

• • If an applicant has previously studied in Austria, they receive additional points, making their application stronger.

Validity & Conditions

• The Job Seeker Visa is valid for 6 months.
• If the applicant secures a job in Austria during this period, they can apply for the Red-White-Red Card to stay and work legally.
• If the applicant fails to find a job, they must leave Austria when the visa expires.

2# Eligibility Terms of Austria Red-White-Red Card Visa (2025)

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence and work permit designed for skilled workers, allowing them to live and work in Austria for up to 2 years with the possibility of renewal.

Eligibility Criteria for Red-White-Red Card Visa

To be eligible for the Red-White-Red Card, applicants must fall under one of the following categories:

1. • Very Highly Qualified Workers
   • Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
   • Other Key Workers
   • Graduates of Austrian Universities
   • Self-Employed Key Workers & Start-up Founders

1# Very Highly Qualified Workers (Points-Based System)

To qualify, applicants must score at least 70 points out of 100, similar to the Job Seeker Visa criteria.

• • PhD or Master’s degree in STEM fields.
  • Extensive work experience (10+ years).
  • Research or scientific achievements.

2# Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

• • Austria publishes a Shortage Occupation List each year.
  • Workers in high-demand fields (such as IT, engineering, health care, and construction) are prioritized.
  • They must secure a job offer from an Austrian employer before applying.

3# Other Key Workers

Non-shortage occupation workers can apply if:

• • They have a job offer in Austria.
  • Their salary meets the minimum salary threshold (varies by industry).
  • The employer proves that the job cannot be filled by an Austrian or EU worker.

4# Graduates of Austrian Universities

Students who completed a degree in Austria can apply for the Red-White-Red Card without needing a job offer if they meet the required criteria.

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

• • Entrepreneurs must show a significant economic benefit for Austria.
  • They must have a solid business plan and sufficient investment funds.

Required Documents for the Red-White-Red Card in 2025

• • Valid passport
  • Job contract from an Austrian employer (for employed workers)
  • Proof of qualifications and degrees
  • Evidence of work experience
  • Language proficiency certificate (German/English)
  • Salary proof (Meeting minimum income threshold)
  • Health insurance coverage

Validity & Conditions

• • The Red-White-Red Card is initially issued for 2 years.
  • After 2 years, it can be renewed for another 3 years as a Red-White-Red Plus Card.
  • After 5 years of legal residence, applicants can apply for permanent residency in Austria.

Differences: Austria Job Seeker Visa VS Red-White-Red Card Visa

Apply for Austria Job Seeker Visa Here: https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/very-highly-qualified-workers/.
Apply for Austria Red/White Card Here: https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/redwhiteredcardplus/.

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