Austria job-seeker visa and Red-White-Red Card for very highly qualified workers 2026

A highly qualified worker from a third country has two options in Austria. Someone who does not yet have a job offer can come on a job-seeker visa valid for six months to look for work. Someone who already has a job offer that meets the requirements can apply for a Red-White-Red Card, either at the Austrian representation in the home country or in the country of legal residence, or, after entering Austria legally and while the stay remains legal, directly with the responsible residence authority. An employer in Austria can also submit the application on the worker's behalf.

To qualify for either route, the applicant must reach a minimum score on a points system. Points are awarded for special qualifications and skills, such as a doctoral degree, a degree in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology, earnings in senior management, research and innovation activity or recognised prizes; for work experience; for German, English and some other language skills; for age; and for studies completed in Austria. The Public Employment Service confirms the points to the representation, which then grants the job-seeker visa.

The job-seeker visa is a Category D visa applied for in person. The application needs a valid travel document, a recent photograph, proof of customary accommodation, health insurance covering all risks and proof of adequate means of subsistence, together with documents proving each scoring criterion. If the worker receives a job offer while the visa is still valid, a Red-White-Red Card can be requested from the residence authority in Austria. Anyone who may enter Austria without a visa does not need the job-seeker visa and can apply for the card during a legal visa-free stay if a job matching the qualifications is found.

There is no application window; applications can be submitted at any time.