Eligibility Quiz
Are you a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland?
Application Process
The Visum zur Arbeitssuche (Job Seeker Visa) is a Category D visa that allows you to stay in Austria for up to six months to find a job. You must apply for this visa in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country or your country of legal residence.
Note for Visa-Free Nationals: If you hold a passport from a country that allows visa-free entry to Austria (such as the USA, Canada, or Japan), you do not need to apply for this visa. You can enter Austria for 90 days and apply for your work permit directly if you find a job during that time.
Step 1: Self-Assessment
Before gathering documents, use the official points calculator provided by the Austrian government. You must score at least 70 out of 100 points under the "Very Highly Qualified Workers" category to be eligible. If you do not meet this threshold, your application will be rejected.
Step 2: Document Preparation
Collect all required evidence for your points and your stay. Any document not in English or German must be translated by a certified translator. You will need:
- A valid passport and a passport-sized photo (45x35mm) taken within the last six months.
- Proof of points: University diplomas (specifically MINT subjects for extra points), employer testimonials, and language certificates (IELTS/TOEFL for English or ÖSD/Goethe for German).
- Proof of accommodation: A rental agreement or a Wohnrechtsvereinbarung (a legal "Lending Agreement" from a friend or relative in Austria).
- Proof of health insurance: A policy providing "full cover" for all risks within Austria.
- Proof of funds: Bank statements showing you have at least €1,200 per month for your stay.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Book an appointment at your local Austrian embassy or consulate. You must submit your application and all supporting documents in person. You will pay the application fee at this time.
Step 4: Verification by the AMS
The embassy does not make the final decision. They will forward your file to the Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS), the Austrian Public Employment Service. The AMS will verify your qualifications and confirm if you meet the 70-point requirement.
Step 5: Visa Issuance
If the AMS approves your application, the embassy will notify you to collect your Category D visa. Once you arrive in Austria, you can begin your job search. You are not permitted to start working until you have successfully converted this visa into a Red-White-Red Card after receiving a concrete job offer.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (Payable at Embassy) | €150 |
| Personalization (Biometrics) | €20 |
| Total Estimate | €170 |
This total does not include costs for document translations, notarizations, travel to the embassy, or the mandatory health insurance policy.
Processing Time
The timeline for the Job Seeker Visa depends heavily on the workload of the AMS in Austria and the specific embassy.
- Official Processing Window: 4 to 12 weeks.
- Practical Reality: Most applicants should expect a wait of 3 to 5 months from the date of submission.
- Total End-to-End Planning: It is recommended to begin the process 6 months before your intended departure date to account for document gathering and verification.
Document Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Austria. Language certificates and bank statements should generally be no older than six months at the time of application.