To be compliant and profitable if your business is expanding to Austria with a team of international employees, you must understand how to get work visas in Austria for each individual.
Austrian work visa categories
Not all visitors from outside Austria require visas. For instance, nationals of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) do not require a visa. However, all applicants from outside of these regions must submit their applications in person at the nearest Austrian embassy or consulate general. Since Austria is a member of the Schengen region of Europe, all visitors must apply for a Schengen visa, which is divided into different categories based on the circumstances of the applicant.
In Austria, there are various kinds of work visas, such as:
- Red-White-Red Card: Those who have this 24-month visa can reside in Austria.
- Six-month residency permit: A choice for people looking to relocate to Austria temporarily to find employment.
- Job Seeker Visa: Only extremely well-qualified workers are eligible for this visa.
- EU Blue Card: The EU Blue Card offers candidates the same employment opportunities as Austrian residents as an alternative to the Red-White-Red Card.
- Visa for business: Those traveling to Austria for less than six months on business may apply for a visa for business.
Requirements for obtaining work visas
Austria employs a points-based system to assist in classifying candidates such as extremely highly qualified workers, skilled workers who can fill shortages, start-up founders, graduates of nearby higher education institutions, self-employed important workers, and other key workers. The applicant’s eligibility for a particular visa category is then determined in part by these categories.
A Red-White-Red Card, which is what most foreigners apply for when working in Austria, is acceptable for all of these categories. Remember that requirements differ depending on the category your employees fit into and the type of visa they apply for. For instance, one must possess the following qualities to be regarded as a very highly qualified worker:
- The passport.
- A birth certificate or other similar record.
- The last six months have seen the taking of a picture.
- Evidence of accommodation.
- Evidence of health coverage.
Remember that citizens of the EU and EEA do not need a visa and can stay for more than three months as long as they have a registration certificate and sufficient funds to support themselves while living in the country or going to school. Anyone may apply for a long-term resident certificate after five years of residence in Austria.
Application method
Depending on the applicant’s abilities, credentials, and preferred career path, there are various ways to apply for a Red-White-Red Card. Applicants must pay a fee after presenting the aforementioned documentation to the Austrian consulate in their area. The Red-White-Red Card costs 120 EUR for someone who needs a jobseeker visa to stay in Austria while waiting to apply for a complete work permit, for instance.
Depending on the category of your employee and the type of visa you want, the immigration authorities’ website outlines all the methods you can obtain a work visa in Austria. It is advisable to speak with a local immigration specialist or agency if you are unsure which is appropriate given your situation.
Take away
All employees must get a separate resident permit option since an Austrian work permit does not cover residency. They must present their work permit, a statement of earnings or income, and a letter from the employer to obtain a temporary residence permit. After five years of lawful residence, they are eligible to seek permanent residency.