Austria Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Work Permit in Austria?

In Austria, non-EU/EEA nationals generally require a work permit to be legally employed. Employers looking to hire foreign talent from outside the EU must secure appropriate permits to ensure compliance with Austrian labor laws. This includes employees relocating for long-term assignments or temporary work contracts exceeding six months. However, EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals do not need a work permit due to the freedom of movement within the European Union.

Certain categories like highly skilled workers, researchers, and intra-company transferees may benefit from streamlined processes or exemptions based on the type of employment and their qualifications.

Types of Work Visas in Austria

Austria offers a variety of work visas depending on the nature and duration of employment. Here are the main types of work visas available:

Red-White-Red Card (Skilled Worker Visa)

The Red-White-Red Card is Austria’s main immigration route for skilled workers from non-EU countries. This visa is designed to attract qualified professionals who have specific skills that are in demand in Austria. To qualify for the Red-White-Red Card, applicants must meet the following criteria: they must have a valid job offer in Austria, their qualifications must match the requirements of the job, and their potential salary must meet certain minimum thresholds. The Red-White-Red Card is granted for a period of up to 24 months, after which it can be extended or converted into permanent residency.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for highly skilled professionals and workers with in-demand qualifications in fields such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and business. It is perfect for those looking to build a long-term career in Austria while enjoying the benefits of living in the EU.

Red-White-Red Card Plus

The Red-White-Red Card Plus is a long-term residence permit for foreign nationals who have held the Red-White-Red Card for a minimum of 21 months. This permit is designed to offer more permanent residency rights and the flexibility to live and work in Austria. The Red-White-Red Card Plus allows holders to work with any employer in Austria, unlike the original Red-White-Red Card, which ties the employee to a specific employer.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for foreign nationals who have already lived and worked in Austria under the Red-White-Red Card and are seeking greater work flexibility and long-term residency options. It’s perfect for those who wish to continue their stay in Austria and eventually seek permanent residence.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly qualified non-EU nationals who have secured a job offer in Austria or another EU member state. This card is issued to professionals in fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and research, where there is a demand for highly skilled workers. To qualify, applicants must meet minimum salary thresholds, typically at least 1.5 times the average gross salary in Austria.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for highly skilled professionals with qualifications in high-demand sectors who are looking to work in Austria or other EU countries. It is perfect for those who want the flexibility to move within the EU while building a long-term career.

Austrian Work Permit (Salaried Employment)

The Austrian Work Permit for Salaried Employment is issued to non-EU nationals who have a job offer with a specific employer in Austria. This type of permit is often issued for workers in industries that require specific skills or manual labor. Unlike the Red-White-Red Card, this visa is more restrictive in terms of flexibility because it ties the worker to a single employer.

💡 Best work permit option if: This permit is ideal for foreign nationals who have already secured employment with a specific Austrian employer and do not require the flexibility of the Red-White-Red Card. It is best suited for individuals in sectors where specialized skills or manual labor are required.

Entrepreneur Visa

The Entrepreneur Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who wish to establish their own business in Austria. This visa is aimed at individuals who are ready to invest in the Austrian economy by creating new jobs or expanding an existing business. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their business will have a positive economic impact, create employment opportunities, and contribute to the local community.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for individuals who want to start their own business in Austria. It’s perfect for entrepreneurs who can demonstrate that their business will positively contribute to the local economy and job market.

ICT Card (Intra-Company Transfer)

The ICT Card (Intra-Company Transfer) allows employees of multinational companies to be transferred to the company’s branch or subsidiary in Austria. This visa is typically granted to employees working in managerial, executive, or specialist roles who have been with the company for at least six months. The ICT Card is designed for workers being temporarily relocated to Austria for a specific task or project.

💡 Best work permit option if: This visa is ideal for multinational companies transferring key personnel to their Austrian branch or subsidiary. It is best suited for professionals in senior management or specialized roles who are needed in Austria for a specific project or period.

Work Permit Application Process in Austria (Step-by-step)

In Austria, most non-EU/EEA nationals work under a combined residence and work permit, such as the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card. The process is document-heavy and requires close coordination between the employer, the employee, and Austrian authorities.

• Step 1: The employer defines the role and confirms eligibility for a specific permit type (for example, Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations or EU Blue Card). This includes confirming that the salary and qualifications meet the legal thresholds and that the role fits the relevant category.
• Step 2: The employer gathers corporate documentation and, where required, prepares a job offer or employment contract that meets Austrian labor standards. This typically covers minimum salary, working hours, and compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
• Step 3: The employee collects personal documents such as a valid passport, degree certificates, proof of professional experience, CV, police clearance, and proof of accommodation and health insurance. Documents may need to be legalized or apostilled and translated into German by a sworn translator.
• Step 4: The application for the relevant permit (for example, Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card) is submitted either at the competent Austrian embassy/consulate abroad or directly in Austria, depending on the applicant’s nationality and current status. In many cases, the employer or an authorized representative files the application with the local residence authority in Austria.
• Step 5: Austrian authorities review the application, including points assessment, qualification checks, and, where applicable, a labor market test by the Public Employment Service (AMS). They may request additional documents or clarifications, which can extend the processing time if not provided promptly.
• Step 6: Once the permit is approved, the employee either receives a visa D to enter Austria and collect the residence card, or, if already lawfully in Austria, collects the residence permit directly from the local authority. The employee can usually start work only after the residence and work authorization is formally issued, unless a specific exception applies.
• Step 7: After arrival and permit collection, the employee completes local registrations, such as municipal registration (Meldezettel) and, where applicable, social security enrollment through the employer. The employer must ensure ongoing compliance with permit conditions, including role, salary, and working hours.

Requirements and Eligibility for a Work Permit

Eligibility for an Austrian work permit depends on the worker’s nationality, qualifications, salary level, and the specific permit category. Authorities focus on protecting the local labor market while attracting highly skilled professionals.

Common requirments inlcude:

• Proof of a concrete job offer or signed employment contract with an Austrian employer. This demonstrates that there is a genuine role and that the salary and working conditions meet Austrian standards and any applicable collective agreements.
• Relevant qualifications and professional experience, such as university degrees, vocational training, and reference letters. These are used to assess points for the Red-White-Red Card and to confirm that the employee is suitably skilled for the position.
• Minimum salary thresholds appropriate to the permit type and sector. For example, EU Blue Card holders must typically earn a higher salary level, which signals that the role is highly skilled and reduces the risk of underpayment.
• Valid travel document and clean criminal record. A valid passport and police clearance certificate help authorities verify identity and assess security and public order considerations.
• Proof of accommodation and health insurance in Austria. These requirements ensure that the employee will have suitable living arrangements and access to healthcare without becoming a burden on the social system.
• Compliance with labor market tests where applicable, usually conducted by the Public Employment Service (AMS). This helps confirm that no suitable local or EU/EEA candidate is available before granting a permit to a third-country national.

Work Permit Processing Time in Austria

Processing times for Austrian work permits and visas can vary significantly depending on the permit type, the authority’s workload, and the completeness of the file. Seasonal peaks and additional security checks can also extend timelines.

The typical processing time for a work permit or visa in Austria can vary depending on whether you apply for a Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card, or another residence permit, and whether the application is filed in Austria or at an embassy. Generally, you can expect the following timelines:

• Temporary Residence or Work Permit: Around 6 to 12 weeks after all required documents are submitted and the file is considered complete by the competent authority.
• Permanent Residence: Approximately 6 to 12 months or longer, depending on background checks, proof of integration, and the completeness of long-term residence documentation.
• Short-Term Business or Work Visas: Typically 2 to 6 weeks after submission, especially for visa C or D for business meetings, short training, or brief project work, assuming no additional security checks are needed.

Expected Processing Timeline: Employer vs Employee

While exact timelines differ by case, you can roughly map out the process into weekly milestones shared between employer and employee.

• Week 1: Employer confirms the role, selects the appropriate permit route, and issues a compliant job offer or draft employment contract.
• Week 2: Employee gathers personal documents, arranges translations and legalizations, and shares scans with the employer or immigration advisor for pre-check.
• Week 3: Employer or representative compiles the full application package, completes forms, and files the application with the Austrian authority or embassy.
• Weeks 4–8: Authorities review the application, conduct any labor market test, and may request additional information; both employer and employee respond quickly to avoid delays.
• Weeks 8–12: Decision is issued, visa D (if needed) is stamped, and the employee prepares for travel, onboarding, and local registration in Austria.

Who Does What During Austria Work Permit Sponsorship?

• Employers are responsible for: Defining the role, ensuring the salary and conditions meet Austrian standards, preparing and submitting the work permit or residence permit application where permitted, and responding to authority queries. They must also maintain records, comply with labor and social security rules, and monitor permit expiry and renewal dates.
• Employee is responsible for: Providing accurate personal information and supporting documents, arranging translations and legalizations, and attending any embassy appointments or local authority visits. They must also maintain a valid passport and health insurance and comply with the specific terms of their permit, including employer, role, and permitted activities.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Austria

Most Austrian work and residence permits, such as the Red-White-Red Card, are initially issued for up to two years and can be renewed if the underlying employment and eligibility criteria remain satisfied. After a certain period of lawful residence and integration, some workers may transition to a Red-White-Red Card Plus or long-term residence status, which offers more flexibility on the labor market.

Renewal applications usually need to be filed before the current permit expires, often within a specific window (for example, three months before expiry), and practice may vary by authority. It is prudent for employers and employees to track expiry dates carefully, start gathering renewal documents early, and confirm current rules with the local residence authority or a qualified immigration advisor.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Austria?

The fees for work permits and visas in Austria can vary depending on the type of permit.

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Australia, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

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Visa Requirements For Digital Nomads in Austria

Austria does not have a specific visa for digital nomads. However, digital nomads can apply for a tourist visa or a residence permit if they plan to stay long-term. Employers should ensure that remote work arrangements comply with Austrian tax and labor regulation.

 
• Proof of Income: Sufficient financial means to support the stay.
• Health Insurance: Valid coverage for the duration of the stay.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.