Austria Job Seeker Visa 2026: Requirements, Points and Application
Written by
Azra Mehanic
Founder, Move to Austria
Reviewed by
Azra Mehanic
Editorial and source review · July 22, 2026
Who can use Austria’s six-month Job Seeker Visa, how the 70-point test works, what documents matter and what happens after a qualifying job offer.
Who the Job Seeker Visa Is For
Austria’s Job Seeker Visa is a six-month Visa D for third-country nationals who qualify as Very Highly Qualified Workers and do not yet have a suitable Austrian job offer. It is not a general visa for everyone who wants to look for work. Applicants must reach at least 70 of 100 points under the official system. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens do not use this route because they have different free-movement rights.
How the 70-Point Test Works
Points may come from higher education, MINT studies, a doctorate or habilitation, senior-management earnings, research, patents, recognised awards, relevant experience, language ability, age and studies completed in Austria. The maximum within each category matters, so points cannot simply be added without applying the official caps. A calculator is only an estimate: the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) assesses the evidence and decides how many points are recognised.
Application and Evidence
The application is filed in person with the competent Austrian embassy or consulate in the applicant’s home country or country of lawful residence. The official list includes a passport, recent photograph and proof of locally customary accommodation, plus evidence for every claimed point. Documents not in German or English require translations, and legalised versions may be requested. The official page currently lists a €195 Job Seeker Visa fee; verify the fee and local checklist before applying.
What the Visa Does—and Does Not Do
The visa permits a six-month job search in Austria, but it does not itself grant unrestricted employment. If you receive a binding offer that matches your qualifications while the visa remains valid, you may apply for a Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers. If no qualifying job is found, you must leave Austria when the visa expires. The federal FAQ states that another Job Seeker Visa can be requested only after a 12-month waiting period.
A Safer Strategy Before You Apply
Map every claimed point to a document before paying for translations or travel. Check whether your target profession is regulated, because immigration eligibility does not replace professional recognition. Build a list of realistic Austrian employers and confirm that the roles match your qualification. No adviser can guarantee the AMS score, the visa or a later residence permit; the competent authorities make those decisions.
Helpful resources
Official sources
Requirements and fees can change. Verify your individual case with the responsible authority before applying.
