Everything You Need to Know About the Job Seeker Visa in Austria

Are you looking to work in Austria and explore all that the country has to offer? If so, you may be interested in applying for a job seeker visa. This type of visa allows you to enter Austria and search for employment for a specific period of time.

Here’s everything you need to know about the job seeker visa in Austria:

Application Documents Requirements

Job Seeker Visa Application

Originals and copies of the documents must be submitted at the time of application.  If the documents are not available in German or English, translations into German or English must be provided. For review purposes, the authority may eventually require certified versions of the documents.  

General Requirements  

The following documents must be presented at the time of your visa application:  • Valid travel document (passport)  

• Birth certificate or equivalent document  

• Photograph (dimensions: 45x35mm) not older than six months  

• Proof of accommodation at least for the time of arrival (e.g. tenancy agreement or proof of  freehold property purchase)  

• Proof of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or equivalent insurance,  e.g. comprehensive travel insurance) 

• Proof of adequate means of subsistence (payslips, pay certificates, employment contracts,  insurance benefit certificates, evidence of retirement or other pension or insurance benefits,  investment capital or sufficient own assets)  

Points System  

Please submit all documents reflecting your individual score. The examination procedure and  assignment of points can only commence after you have filed your application. For a first estimate of  your score, please use the Points calculator on our website.  

1. Special Qualifications and Skills  

Graduation  

• Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a four-year programme at a university or  another institution of a tertiary education  

• Document reflecting the status or status of the university or other institution of tertiary  education by the competent authority (only required if the respective institution is not listed on  www.anabin.de, see Downloads – Recognized Degrees)  

• Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a programme in a MINT subject  (= mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, technology)  

• Document furnishing proof of habilitation  

Gross annual salary in a senior management position  

• Tax assessment notice or pay certificate  

• Confirmation by the previous employer that the applicant worked in a senior management  position 

2 

• Proof that the company is listed on the stock exchange or positive report from the competent  Austrian foreign trade office about its activities or business segment  

Research and innovation activities  

• Proof of scientific publications, stating titles and sources (for scientific publications forming part  of university studies, no points can be assigned) 

• Certificate issued by a university or research institution that the applicant worked in R&D or  academic scientific teaching  

• Proof of patent application(s) through extracts from national or regional patent registers  

Recognized awards and prizes  

• Document proving the conferral of the award or prize  

Recognized awards and prizes must have been awarded for absolutely exceptional  achievements in the areas of science, economy, technology, politics, arts or sports and must be  internationally well-known, or of eminent significance in the respective professional circles.  

2. Work experience  

• Testimonials and work certificates  

3. Language skills  

• Language diploma or language course certificate at the A1 or A2 levels of the Common  European Framework of Reference for Languages not older than five years  

German language diplomas and certificates may in particular be obtained from the following  institutions: ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF).  The following diplomas and certificates in particular are recognised as evidence of proficiency in  English: Cambridge Certificate, TELC, IELTS diploma, TOEIC diploma, TOEFL diploma.  If you have successfully studied at a school or university with English as the language of  instruction during at least two years, the proof of recent graduation from this institution can be  accepted as a confirmation of your language skills. The degree may not be more than five years old.  

4. Studies in Austria  

• Course record book and related examination certificates  

• Document reflecting the successful completion of a programme of studies in Austria 

Application process

The application process for a job seeker visa in Austria is as follows:

Official link to download the application form and requirements:

1. 1. Gather all required documentation, including your passport, a completed application form, and proof of sufficient funds and health insurance coverage.

1. 1. Schedule an appointment with the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.

1. 1. Attend the appointment and bring all required documentation. You may also need to provide a personal interview and/or take a medical exam.

1. 1. If your application is approved, you will receive a visa that allows you to enter Austria and search for employment for a specific period of time, usually six months.

Tips for a successful job search

Once you arrive in Austria, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of finding employment:

Network with other professionals in your field, either through professional organizations or online networks.

Bonus Tip:

LinkedIn is a professional networking website that can be a valuable resource for job seekers, including those on a job seeker visa in Austria. Best advised to start using LinkedIn to reach out to hiring managers and apply for jobs even before you travel to Austria It’ll save you a lot of time money and energy.

Here are some tips for using LinkedIn to search for jobs:

1. 1. Create/Update a LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, experience, and education. Include a professional photo and any relevant certifications or awards.

1. 1. Connect with other professionals in your field, particularly those who work in Austria or have connections to the country. You can do this by sending connection requests or joining relevant groups.

1. 1. Use the LinkedIn job search function to find opportunities that match your skills and experience. You can filter your search by location (e.g. Austria), industry, and job title.

1. 1. Tailor your LinkedIn profile and job search to the specific types of positions you are interested in. For example, if you are a software developer, make sure to highlight your programming skills and experience in your profile and search for jobs that specifically mention software development.

1. 1. Consider using LinkedIn Premium, which offers additional job search and networking features such as access to job postings that are not available to non-premium members and the ability to see who has viewed your profile.

By following these tips and being proactive in your job search, you can use LinkedIn to find employment opportunities in Austria while on a job seeker visa.

Learning German

Consider taking German language classes or obtaining other certifications even before traveling to Austria that may make you more attractive to potential employers and help you to adapt to the work and social culture.

Futher Austrian/European job search engines (mainly in German) in which ‘research’ is a search criterion:

• • The Austrian Job Exchange for Research, Development and Innovation

• • FWF Job Market

• • UNIPORT – Career Center University Vienna

• • University of Innsbruck Career-Service

• • TU Career Center

• • life-science Karriere Services

• • absolventen.at– Das Job- und Karrierenetzwerk

• • biotechjobs.at
    
    Online job plattform for biotechnology

• • karriere.at

• • it-karriere.at
    
    Online job plattform for IT

• • www.jobrapido.at
    
    Search through all job vacancies on all Austrian job sites

• • Academics.at

• • Academicpositions.at

• • Der Standard.at / Careers (select “Tätigkeitsfeld: Wissenschaft/Forschung”)

• • Die Presse (through “willhaben.at”)

• • job.kurier.at (select “Forschung, Entwicklung, Wissenschaft”)

• • www.monster.at

• • METAJob.at

• • karriere.at (select “Wissenschaft/Forschung”)

• • Locanto (selected “Forschung”)

• • Jooble (job aggregator)

• • Gigajob.at

• • AcademicTransfer

• • Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) – Recruiting & placement services with EURES

• • EURES – The European Job Mobility Portal

• • EuroScienceJobs – Research Science Jobs and Postdocs in Europe

• • EU careers

• • In Österreich: Jobbörse – Arbeiten in der EU: Shaping Europe together – Starten Sie Ihre Karriere bei den Institutionen der EU

Consider internships or part-time work as a way to gain experience and build your resume.

Take away

Overall, the job seeker visa in Austria is a great opportunity for non-EU citizens to explore the country and search for employment. By following the application process and taking proactive steps during your job search, you can increase your chances of finding the perfect job in Austria.