Austria offers a Job Seeker Visa (Category D) for very highly qualified workers from outside the European Union, European Economic Area and Switzerland. Eligible applicants can travel to Austria to look for suitable employment even if they do not yet have a job offer.
This is a specific points-based route, not a general job-search visa for all applicants. The applicant must meet the qualifying score and provide satisfactory supporting evidence.
70/100
Minimum Points
6 Months
Job Search Period
Not Required
Initial Job Offer
Important: The Job Seeker Visa does not authorize employment in Austria. If you secure a suitable offer, you must obtain the appropriate work and residence authorization before starting work.
Who Is Eligible for the Austria Job Seeker Visa?
The pathway is intended for very highly qualified third-country nationals who can document at least 70 points under Austria’s assessment grid. Points may be awarded for qualifications, relevant work experience, language skills, age and studies in Austria.
Reach the minimum 70-point threshold with supporting documents.
Hold a valid passport and meet the applicable visa requirements.
Show adequate funds, suitable accommodation and health insurance for the proposed stay.
Provide evidence for claimed qualifications, experience, language proficiency and other points.
Apply in person through the competent Austrian embassy or consulate in the country of residence.
Meeting the points threshold does not guarantee issuance. The Austrian authorities assess the application and supporting documents.
Austria Job Seeker Visa Points Calculator: 2026 Criteria
Applicants must obtain at least 70 of the maximum 100 points. Each category has a maximum score, so points within the same category cannot simply be added without regard to its cap.
Special qualifications and skills — Maximum 40 Points
Assessment criterion
Points
Four-year university or tertiary degree
20
Four-year degree in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology (MINT)
30
Habilitation or PhD/equivalent qualification
40
Previous-year gross salary in qualifying senior management role: €50,000–€60,000
20
Qualifying senior management salary: €60,000–€70,000
25
Qualifying senior management salary: over €70,000
30
Research or innovation activities, such as patents or publications
20
Recognised professional awards
20
Relevant work experience — Maximum 20 Points
Assessment criterion
Points
Each completed six months of relevant work experience
1
Six months of work experience in Austria
10
Language skills — Maximum 10 Points
Assessment criterion
Points
German or English at A1 level
5
German or English at A2 level
10
French, Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian at B1 level
5
Age — Maximum 20 Points
Assessment criterion
Points
Under 35 years
20
Under 40 years
15
Under 45 years
10
Studies in Austria — Maximum 10 Points
Assessment criterion
Points
Second part of a diploma programme or half the required ECTS credits
5
Completed diploma programme or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in Austria
10
The table is a guide to the points categories. Individual eligibility and acceptable evidence are assessed by the competent authorities. Some categories have specific conditions, including the qualifying employer criteria for senior-management salary points.
Documents Required for an Austria Job Seeker Visa
The precise checklist depends on your circumstances. Common documents include:
Valid passport and completed, signed visa application.
Recent passport photograph meeting the prescribed specifications.
Proof of suitable accommodation in Austria.
Proof of adequate financial resources for the stay.
Evidence of health insurance covering the required risks.
Degree certificates, transcripts and proof of the educational institution’s status, where applicable.
Employment reference letters, experience certificates and evidence of qualifying managerial experience.
Language certificates, research publications, patents or recognised awards, where points are claimed.
Any translations, originals, copies or legalized documents requested for the application.
Documents not issued in German or English may require translation. Additional evidence can be requested during assessment.
How to Apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa from India
Assess your eligibility: Calculate the points you can substantiate under the Very Highly Qualified Workers criteria.
Prepare your documents: Collect educational, employment, language and other evidence together with the general visa documents.
Arrange your application: Follow the appointment and submission procedure of the competent Austrian representation.
Submit in person: Provide the application, supporting documents and any required biometrics or additional information.
Wait for assessment: The relevant Austrian bodies review the documents and confirm the qualifying points before the visa decision.
Search for suitable employment: If approved, travel during the visa validity and look for work aligned with your qualifications.
Apply for the appropriate permit: If you receive a qualifying job offer, pursue the Red-White-Red Card process. Do not begin employment until authorized.
What Happens After You Find a Job in Austria?
A qualifying employment contract may allow you to apply for a Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers. The offered position must match your qualifications and satisfy the applicable requirements. The residence and employment authorization is a separate decision from the Job Seeker Visa.
For certain regulated professions, recognition of professional qualifications may be necessary before practising the profession.
Austria Job Seeker Visa Assistance
Peerless Immigration Services assists with initial eligibility review, points documentation planning and application preparation. Our guidance does not constitute a visa or job guarantee, and final decisions rest with the relevant authorities.
Austria Job Seeker Visa FAQs (India – 2026)
Yes. Eligible very highly qualified applicants may apply for a six-month Job Seeker Visa without an employment offer. A suitable job offer is required for the subsequent Red-White-Red Card application.
You need at least 70 points out of 100 under the Very Highly Qualified Workers points grid. The authorities make the final assessment of the documents and points.
No. This Job Seeker Visa allows you to look for work, but it does not permit employment. You must obtain the appropriate authorization before starting work.
The Job Seeker Visa is issued for up to six months for the purpose of finding qualifying employment.
If you obtain an appropriate employment offer matching your qualifications, you may apply for a Red-White-Red Card, subject to the applicable requirements and approval.
Not necessarily. The points grid also recognises certain English and other language qualifications. However, German proficiency may improve job prospects, depending on the role.
No. The points calculation is only one part of eligibility. The authorities review supporting documents, visa requirements and other applicable conditions.
Peerless Immigration Services can help review your profile, prepare a document checklist and guide you through the application process. Decisions remain with the relevant authorities.
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