EU Blue Card Austria
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 8 to 16 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 150 (Visa D) + EUR 120 (Blue Card application)
- Validity
- 24 months, renewable
- Entry
- Single entry
The EU Blue Card is the European work permit for highly qualified workers with a university degree. For Austria, the minimum gross monthly salary threshold is EUR 3,678.57 (2026). The Blue Card allows intra-EU mobility after 12 months. After 24 months, holders can apply for the RWR Card Plus for unrestricted labor market access.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with a university degree.
-
Employment
Must hold a university degree (at least 3 years of study) and have a job offer meeting the salary threshold of EUR 3,678.57/month gross (2026). The degree must be relevant to the position.
Required status: University degree + job offer EUR 3,678.57/month
-
Financial
Job salary must meet the minimum threshold of EUR 3,678.57/month gross (2026).
Minimum funds: EUR 3,678.57/month gross (2026)
-
Criminal record
Must have no criminal record.
Documents you need
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, debit/credit card, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 150 (Visa D) + EUR 120 (Blue Card)
-
Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
-
Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, university degree, job offer/contract, CV, police clearance, health insurance, and accommodation proof.
-
Online application
Complete Blue Card application form.
-
Appointment booking
Book appointment at the Austrian embassy or consulate for Visa D.
-
Fee payment
Pay Visa D fee and Blue Card application fee.
-
Document submission
Submit application to Austrian immigration authority.
-
Biometrics
Provide biometric data at embassy or consulate.
-
Processing wait
Processing by immigration authority, including AMS review. Total: 8-16 weeks.
-
Visa collection
Receive Visa D, travel to Austria, collect Blue Card from immigration authority.