Job Seeker Visa (Visa D)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- 4 to 8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 150 (Visa D)
- Validity
- 6 months, non-renewable
- Entry
- Single entry
The Job Seeker Visa allows very highly qualified third-country nationals to enter Austria for up to 6 months to search for employment. Applicants must score at least 70 points on the RWR Card criteria for Very Highly Qualified Workers. Holders may not work during the job search period. Upon finding employment, they can apply for the Red-White-Red Card from within Austria. Must show approximately EUR 7,200-8,000 in savings for the 6-month period.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who are very highly qualified.
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Employment
Must achieve at least 70 points on the RWR Card assessment for Very Highly Qualified Workers. Points awarded for: special qualifications/skills, work experience, language proficiency (German/English), age (under 35 preferred), and prior study/work in Austria.
Required status: 70+ points on RWR Card criteria
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Financial
Must demonstrate EUR 7,200-8,000 in personal savings for the 6-month job search period.
Minimum funds: EUR 7,200-8,000
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Age
Younger applicants receive more points. Age under 26 earns maximum points; points decrease with age.
Min age: 18
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Criminal record
Must have no criminal record.
Documents you need
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Bank statement
Months required: 3
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, debit/credit card; Amount: EUR 150
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, university diploma, work experience evidence, language certificates, financial proof, health insurance, and accommodation proof. Ensure documents collectively demonstrate at least 70 points.
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Online application
Complete the Visa D application form indicating job seeker purpose.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
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Fee payment
Pay the Visa D application fee of approximately EUR 150.
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Document submission
Submit all documents at the embassy or consulate in person.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data at the embassy or consulate.
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Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 4-8 weeks.
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Visa collection
Collect Visa D from the embassy. Travel to Austria and begin job search. Upon receiving a job offer, apply for Red-White-Red Card from within Austria.