Austria

Requirements

• At least 70 of 100 points (qualification, experience, salary, language, age, publications/patents)
• Job offer with employer's declaration (Arbeitgebererklaerung) for the RWR Card
• For the Jobseeker Visa: proof of accommodation and subsistence funds
• Valid passport, all-risk health insurance

Required Documents

• Valid passport and photo 45x35 mm required
• Degree certificates and transcripts required
• Employment certificates and points evidence (publications, patents, salary records, age proof) required
• Language diplomas
• Accommodation and subsistence proof (for Jobseeker Visa)

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Optional Jobseeker Visa

   Enter on the 6-month Jobseeker Visa to find a matching job.

2. 2

   Sign employment

   Conclude employment with the employer's declaration.

3. 3

   Lodge RWR application

   File at embassy or have employer file with the residence authority.

4. 4

   AMS points check

   AMS verifies at least 70/100 points.

5. 5

   Collect card

   Convert before the Jobseeker Visa expires; collect the RWR Card.

Official Sources

• Official Very Highly Qualified Workers - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• At least 55 of 90 points
• Vocational training/diploma matching a listed shortage occupation
• Job offer with adequate pay
• Occupation must be on the current year's shortage-occupation regulation

Required Documents

• Vocational training certificate/diploma required
• Work-experience testimonials required
• Language certificate not older than 5 years
• Criminal-record extract
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm listed occupation

   Verify the occupation is on the current shortage-occupation list.

2. 2

   File application

   File at embassy or via employer with the residence authority.

3. 3

   AMS examination

   AMS verifies at least 55/90 points and job/pay adequacy.

4. 4

   Card issued

   Card issued (24 months); obtain Visa D if required.

Official Sources

• Official Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• At least 55 of 90 points
• Employer's declaration showing gross pay at least EUR 3,465/month (2026)
• AMS labour-market test (no equally qualified registered jobseeker)
• Bonus +20 points for professional athletes/coaches

Required Documents

• Qualification and experience evidence required
• Employer's declaration showing gross pay at least EUR 3,465/month required
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Secure job offer

   Obtain a qualifying job offer meeting the salary threshold.

2. 2

   File application

   File at embassy or via employer with the residence authority.

3. 3

   AMS labour-market test

   AMS runs the labour-market test and verifies at least 55/90 points.

4. 4

   Card issued

   Collect the card; obtain Visa D if required.

Official Sources

• Official Other Key Workers - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Completed Austrian degree
• Job offer at customary graduate salary
• Valid passport, health insurance

Required Documents

• Proof of completed Austrian degree required
• Graduate-level job offer with customary salary required
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Extend for job search

   On graduating, extend the student permit by 12 months to job-search before it lapses.

2. 2

   Secure graduate job

   Find a qualifying graduate-level job.

3. 3

   Switch in-country

   Switch to the RWR Card at the residence authority (MA 35 in Vienna).

Official Sources

• Official Graduates - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• At least 7 months registered seasonal work in last 2 years in the same sector
• German A1 certificate
• Binding permanent job offer

Required Documents

• Proof of at least 7 months registered seasonal work in last 2 years required
• German A1 certificate required
• Binding permanent job offer required
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Document seasonal work

   Gather proof of qualifying seasonal employment.

2. 2

   File application

   File at embassy or via employer.

3. 3

   AMS examination

   AMS examines the application.

4. 4

   Card issued

   Collect the card.

Official Sources

• Official Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Holding/held qualifying RWR Card or being a family member of a qualifying sponsor
• Secure subsistence (pay slips/contract/pension)
• Locally customary accommodation
• Family members: German A1 and proof the sponsor holds the qualifying title

Required Documents

• Subsistence proof (pay slips/contract/pension) required
• Accommodation proof required
• Family: German A1 and proof sponsor holds qualifying title
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Determine filing location

   First-timers file abroad; existing residents file with the Provincial Governor / District Authority.

2. 2

   Submit application

   Lodge with required documents.

3. 3

   Renewal timing

   Renew before expiry but no earlier than 3 months before expiry.

Official Sources

• Official Red-White-Red Card plus - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Work contract with employer's return-capability declaration
• At least 9 months prior group employment (6 for trainees)
• Company-register extract showing genuine activity
• Managers: contract showing managerial function; trainees: training agreement plus degree
• Mobile ICT: activity over 90 days transferring from another member state

Required Documents

• Work contract with return-capability declaration required
• Proof of at least 9 months prior group employment (6 for trainees) required
• Company-register extract showing genuine activity required
• Trainees: training agreement plus degree
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   File application

   Apply at the embassy or have the Austrian branch file with the Provincial Governor.

2. 2

   AMS expertise

   AMS reviews labour-market requirements.

3. 3

   Permit issued

   Permit issued (up to 3 years; 1 year for trainees).

Official Sources

• Official ICT - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Completed tertiary education of at least 3 years (or 3 years comparable experience in last 7 years for ICT/managers)
• Binding job offer / employment contract of at least 6 months matching qualifications
• Gross salary at least EUR 55,678/year (2026)
• Employer's declaration; for regulated professions, proof of right to practise
• Valid passport, all-risk health insurance, secure subsistence

Required Documents

• Valid passport required
• Recent photo 45x35 mm, not older than 6 months required
• Tertiary degree certificate (at least 3 years) with certified translation required
• Employer's declaration and employment contract showing qualifying salary required
• Proof of right to practise for regulated professions
• Criminal-record extract (recommended no older than 3 months)
• All-risk health insurance proof required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Secure qualifying job

   Sign an employment contract of at least 6 months matching your qualifications and meeting the salary threshold.

2. 2

   Lodge application

   Apply in person at the Austrian embassy/consulate abroad, or have the employer file with the residence authority in Austria.

3. 3

   AMS examination

   The Public Employment Service (AMS) examines qualification and salary criteria.

4. 4

   Enter and collect

   Visa-required nationals obtain a Visa D, enter Austria, collect the card and register residence (Meldezettel) within 3 days of moving in.

Official Sources

• Official EU Blue Card - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority (migration.gv.at)
• Official EU Blue Card Austria - European Commission · European Commission

Requirements

• University admission/Zulassung confirmation
• School-leaving certificate plus last-year transcript
• Proof of subsistence (ASVG-linked: roughly EUR 739/month under 24, EUR 1,334/month if 24+, verify current rate)
• Student health insurance
• Proof of tuition payment where applicable

Required Documents

• Valid passport required
• University admission/Zulassung confirmation required
• School-leaving certificate plus last-year transcript required
• Photo (second photo) required
• Proof of subsistence (ASVG-linked monthly rate) required
• Student health insurance required
• Proof of tuition payment if applicable

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Get admission

   Obtain university admission/Zulassung.

2. 2

   Lodge permit abroad

   File the Student permit at the Austrian consulate abroad.

3. 3

   Enter and register

   Enter Austria and register residence.

4. 4

   Renew yearly

   Renew annually with proof of study progress.

Official Sources

• Official Temporary Residence - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority
• Official Study in Austria - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Proof of enrolment at a recognised school
• Guardianship/consent where the applicant is a minor
• Subsistence and health insurance

Required Documents

• Proof of enrolment at a recognised school required
• Guardianship/consent (for minors)
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Enrol

   Obtain enrolment at a recognised school.

2. 2

   File permit

   File the permit at the consulate abroad.

3. 3

   Enter and register

   Enter Austria and register residence.

Official Sources

• Official Temporary Residence (Pupils) - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Business plan
• Investment-capital transfer to Austria of at least EUR 100,000, or job creation / know-how transfer
• Relevant qualifications and company/trade authorisations
• Criminal-record extract

Required Documents

• Business plan required
• Evidence of investment-capital transfer of at least EUR 100,000 / job creation / know-how transfer required
• Qualifications and company/trade authorisations required
• Criminal-record extract
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Lodge application

   Lodge at the embassy with business plan and investment evidence.

2. 2

   AMS expertise

   AMS issues its macroeconomic-benefit expertise within 3 weeks.

3. 3

   Card and entry

   Card issued (24 months); obtain Visa D to collect.

4. 4

   Convert

   After 2 years convert to a 3-year settlement permit.

Official Sources

• Official Self-employed Key Workers - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• At least 50 of 85 points (bonus for +EUR 50,000 investment, incubator admission, age under 35)
• Innovative business plan
• Proof of capital at least EUR 30,000 with at least 50% equity
• Qualifications/experience and company articles
• Criminal-record extract

Required Documents

• Innovative business plan required
• Proof of capital at least EUR 30,000 with at least 50% equity required
• Qualifications/experience and company articles required
• Language certificate not older than 5 years
• Criminal-record extract

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Lodge abroad

   Lodge the application abroad with business plan and capital proof.

2. 2

   AMS assessment

   AMS assesses points (at least 50/85).

3. 3

   Card issued

   Card issued for 24 months.

4. 4

   Convert

   Convert to RWR Card plus after 2 years.

Official Sources

• Official Start-up Founders - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Proof of substantial fixed income (pension/passive income, well above ASVG rates)
• No-work declaration
• Accommodation and all-risk health insurance
• Subject to annual quota (often lodged in early January when the quota opens)

Required Documents

• Proof of substantial fixed income well above ASVG rates required
• No-work declaration required
• Accommodation and health insurance proof required
• Valid passport and photo required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm quota availability

   Confirm with the consulate; applications often lodged in the first weeks of January.

2. 2

   Lodge application

   Lodge with income and accommodation evidence.

3. 3

   Decision

   Decision within the 6-month ceiling, subject to quota.

Official Sources

• Official Other Forms of Settlement (Gainful Employment Excepted) - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Family relationship to a qualifying sponsor
• Income evidence (EUR 1,308.39 single / EUR 2,064.12 couple + EUR 201.88/child, 2026)
• Accommodation and all-risk health insurance
• Sponsor's residence-title proof
• German A1 certificate not older than 1 year (with exemptions)

Required Documents

• Valid passport required
• Children's birth certificate required
• Marriage/partnership/divorce certificate required
• Accommodation proof required
• All-risk health insurance required
• Income evidence per 2026 rates required
• Sponsor's residence-title proof required
• German A1 certificate not older than 1 year (with exemptions) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   File abroad

   File at the Austrian consulate abroad.

2. 2

   Completeness check

   Consulate checks completeness.

3. 3

   Forward to authority

   Forwarded to the Provincial Governor / District Authority.

4. 4

   Decision

   Decision issued; appeal to the Provincial Administrative Court if refused.

Official Sources

• Official Family Reunification - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority
• Official Residence (Family) - oesterreich.gv.at · oesterreich.gv.at (Federal Government portal)

Requirements

• Hosting/admission agreement with a certified research facility
• Valid passport, health insurance, subsistence
• Accommodation (exempt for Researcher-Mobility)

Required Documents

• Hosting/admission agreement with a certified research facility required
• Valid passport and photo required
• Health insurance and subsistence proof required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Obtain hosting agreement

   The research facility issues a hosting agreement.

2. 2

   Lodge application

   Lodge the application.

3. 3

   Permit issued

   Permit issued for 2 years, renewable once for 1 year.

4. 4

   Convert

   Convert to RWR Card plus after 2 years.

Official Sources

• Official Other Forms of Settlement (Researcher) - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• Age 18–30 at time of application
• Nationality of one of the 12 partner countries (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, USA)
• Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the planned return date
• Adequate health, accident and travel insurance covering the entire stay (minimum €30,000 cover)
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the initial period of stay
• Return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one
• Clean criminal record (documentation requirements vary by country)
• Must not have previously participated in an Austrian WHP (Japan allows a second stay)

Required Documents

• Completed national visa (Type D) application form required
• Biometric passport photo (ICAO standard) required
• Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond return date) required
• Travel and health insurance certificate (minimum €30,000 coverage for full duration) required
• Proof of sufficient funds for initial period required
• Return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one required
• Criminal record certificate (country-specific format) required
• Proof of tertiary qualifications (required for Australia)

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Check eligibility

   Confirm you are aged 18–30 and hold the nationality of one of the 12 partner countries. Verify you have not previously used an Austrian WHP visa (or are applying for a second Japan stay).

2. 2

   Prepare documents

   Gather the visa application form, biometric photo, valid passport, travel and health insurance (min. €30,000), proof of funds, return ticket or equivalent funds, and a criminal record certificate in the required format for your country.

3. 3

   Apply at the Austrian representation

   Submit your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your country no earlier than 6 months before, and ideally no later than 3 weeks before, the intended visa start date. Pay the €195 visa fee (free for Japan applicants).

4. 4

   Receive WHP visa

   If approved, your passport will be annotated with 'WHP'. The validity period is fixed and cannot be modified after issuance.

5. 5

   Enter Austria and register

   Enter Austria within the validity window. Register your address at the local municipal office (Meldeamt) within 3 days of taking up residence.

Official Sources

• Official Working Holiday Visa – BMEIA (Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs) · BMEIA – Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs
• Official Working Holiday Programmes overview – BMEIA · BMEIA – Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs
• Official Working Holiday Application – BMEIA · BMEIA – Austrian Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs

Requirements

• Descent from an Austrian citizen parent under the rules in force at birth
• Documentary chain linking applicant to the Austrian parent

Required Documents

• Applicant's birth certificate required
• Austrian parent's birth/citizenship certificate required
• Parents' marriage certificate

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Gather documents

   Assemble the birth/marriage/citizenship documentary chain.

2. 2

   Apply

   Apply at the provincial citizenship office or, from abroad, via the Austrian embassy/consulate (BMEIA).

3. 3

   Receive certificate

   Receive the Certificate of Citizenship.

Official Sources

• Official Citizenship by descent - oesterreich.gv.at · oesterreich.gv.at (Federal Government portal)

Requirements

• Evidence of the persecuted ancestor's status (Austrian/Austro-Hungarian successor nationality, or statelessness with Austrian main residence before 15 May 1955) and flight from NSDAP/Reich persecution
• Documents linking the applicant as a direct descendant
• No residence in Austria required; no renunciation of existing citizenship

Required Documents

• Evidence of the persecuted ancestor's status and flight from persecution required
• Birth/marriage chain proving direct descent required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Complete questionnaire

   Complete the online questionnaire (German/English/Spanish/Hebrew).

2. 2

   Contact representation

   Contact the Austrian embassy/consulate (BMEIA) for an appointment.

3. 3

   Submit declaration

   Submit the declaration plus evidence.

4. 4

   Consular processing

   Consular processing completes acquisition.

Official Sources

• Official Citizenship for persecuted persons and their direct descendants - BMEIA London · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA)
• Official Declaration pursuant to section 58c StbG - BMEIA Washington · Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs (BMEIA)

Requirements

• 5 years continuous lawful residence
• Integration Agreement Module 2 (German B1) certificate
• Stable income, health insurance, accommodation

Required Documents

• Proof of 5 years continuous lawful residence required
• Integration Agreement Module 2 (German B1) certificate required
• Stable income evidence required
• Health insurance and accommodation proof required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Complete Integration Module 2

   Complete the German B1 Integration Agreement Module 2.

2. 2

   File with authority

   File with the residence authority (MA 35 / Provincial Governor).

3. 3

   Decision

   Decision issued; status grants unrestricted labour-market access.

Official Sources

• Official Other Forms of Settlement (Long-term Resident-EU) - migration.gv.at · Austrian Migration Authority

Requirements

• 10 years lawful residence (or 6 with B2/sustained integration)
• 36 months of stable own income within the last 6 years (including last 6 months)
• German certificate (B1, or B2 for reduced route)
• Pass the citizenship test (democratic system + Austrian + provincial history)
• Criminal-record extracts (Austria and abroad)
• Renunciation of prior nationality (with exceptions)

Required Documents

• Passport plus all residence titles required
• Birth certificate required
• Marriage/divorce certificates
• Proof of 36 months stable own income within last 6 years (incl. last 6 months) required
• German certificate (B1, or B2 for reduced route) required
• Citizenship-test pass required
• Criminal-record extracts (Austria and abroad) required
• Evidence supporting renunciation of prior nationality required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm eligibility

   Confirm 10 years (or 6 with B2/sustained integration).

2. 2

   Book appointment

   Book an appointment at the provincial citizenship office (Amt der Landesregierung).

3. 3

   Submit

   Submit application, documents and test results.

4. 4

   Assurance and conferral

   Await Zusicherung (assurance), renounce prior citizenship, then final conferral.

Official Sources

• Official Citizenship - oesterreich.gv.at · oesterreich.gv.at (Federal Government portal)
• Official Citizenship Act (StbG) full text - RIS · Federal Legal Information System (RIS)

Requirements

• At least 5 years marriage/partnership in a joint household
• At least 6 years continuous lawful residence
• Stable income, German, citizenship test, clean record (as section 10)
• Renunciation of prior nationality (with exceptions)

Required Documents

• Marriage certificate required
• Proof of at least 5 years marriage in a joint household required
• Documents as for residence-based naturalisation (passport, income, German, test, records) required

Official fees

Process Steps

1. 1

   Confirm eligibility

   Confirm marriage and residence periods.

2. 2

   Apply

   Apply at the provincial citizenship office with marriage and standard documents.

3. 3

   Assurance and conferral

   Await assurance, renounce prior citizenship, then conferral.

Official Sources

• Official Citizenship Act (StbG) section 11a - RIS · Federal Legal Information System (RIS)