Austria is one of Europe’s strongest economies, offering high living standards, a stable job market, and countless opportunities for professionals worldwide. In 2025, the Austria Skilled Worker Visa remains a popular pathway for non-EU/EEA applicants who want to live and work in Austria legally.
This guide explains in detail the eligibility requirements, salary thresholds, necessary documents, and the step-by-step application process for the Austria Skilled Worker Visa in August 2025.
What is the Austria Skilled Worker Visa?
The Austria Skilled Worker Visa is officially known as the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card, a combined residence and work permit. It allows foreign nationals to work for a specific employer in Austria, usually for 24 months initially.
Key points:
Validity: Normally issued for 24 months.
Renewal: Can be extended and later lead to permanent residence.
Employer-specific: You cannot freely change employers unless applying for a new permit.
What’s New in 2025?
Austria updates its immigration rules every year. For August 2025, here are the important changes you should know:
- Minimum Salary Threshold:
- The 2025 minimum gross monthly salary for many “key worker” applications is €3,225.
- This amount may vary depending on collective agreements in certain industries.
- Shortage Occupation List:
- Every year, Austria publishes an updated shortage occupation list.
- For 2025, professions such as chefs, IT specialists, engineers, and healthcare workers are included.
- If your job is on this list, labour market tests are simplified.
- Processing Improvements:
- Some Austrian embassies and AMS (Public Employment Service Austria) offices are digitizing parts of the process, making applications faster.
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Eligibility for Austria Skilled Worker Visa 2025
Your eligibility depends on the category you apply under. Austria divides skilled worker visas into several routes:
Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
If your profession is listed in the official shortage occupations list (e.g., restaurant chefs, technical workers, health professionals), you can apply under this category.
Advantage: Labour-market checks are easier or waived, meaning faster processing.
Other Key Workers (Points-Based)
For jobs not on the shortage list, you must qualify through a points system.
Factors include:
- Education & professional training
- Work experience
- German or English language skills
- Age (younger applicants score more points)
- You also need to meet the minimum salary requirement of €3,225/month in 2025.
Very Highly Qualified Workers / EU Blue Card
This route is designed for professionals with advanced degrees or high salaries.
The EU Blue Card requires even higher salary thresholds but provides more flexibility in the EU job market.
Job-Seeker Visa (Category D)
If you are a very highly qualified candidate, you can apply for a six-month Job-Seeker Visa.
This allows you to enter Austria to look for work.
You must first pass the points system assessment by AMS.
Austria Skilled Worker Visa 2025 Requirements
Applicants must prepare and submit a full set of documents. Keep in mind that many need to be officially translated into German or English.
Core Documents
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity).
- Signed job contract (clearly stating job title, duties, hours, and gross salary).
- Proof of qualifications (diplomas, degrees, vocational certificates, licenses).
- Work experience certificates or reference letters from past employers.
- Police clearance certificate (to prove no criminal record).
- Health insurance covering your stay.
- Passport-sized photos (meeting ICAO requirements).
- Completed visa application forms.
Employer Obligations
The Austrian employer must either support your RWR application or apply on your behalf.
Employers must prove:
- The offered job meets labour market needs.
- The salary meets or exceeds the legal minimum (€3,225/month for many roles in 2025).
- In shortage occupations, the process is simplified as AMS checks are reduced.
Step-by-Step Application Process (Austria Skilled Worker Visa Process August 2025)
To make it easy, here’s the complete step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Identify Your Category
Check if your job is on Austria’s shortage occupation list.
If not, see if you qualify as an “Other Key Worker” under the points system or through the EU Blue Card route.
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer
You must have a confirmed employment offer from an Austrian employer.
The job contract must meet the salary threshold and labour law requirements.
Step 3: Employer Submits Application to AMS
Your employer usually submits the required documents to AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service).
AMS reviews the job position, salary, and whether Austrian/EU candidates are available.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Collect all the necessary documents: passport, job contract, qualifications, police certificate, insurance, etc.
Ensure translations are certified if required.
Step 5: Apply at Austrian Embassy / Consulate
Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Visa D or submit a residence application directly.
Attend your appointment and provide biometric data (fingerprints, photos).
Step 6: Pay the Application Fee
The exact fee depends on the category but expect around €120–€160 for most residence applications.
Keep the payment receipt as proof.
Step 7: Wait for Processing
Average processing time: 8–12 weeks.
If your job is a shortage occupation, it may be faster.
Step 8: Receive Decision
If approved, you’ll receive the Red-White-Red Card (valid for 24 months).
This card allows you to live and work in Austria legally.
Step 9: Arrival & Registration in Austria
After arrival, you must register your address at the local Meldeamt (registration office) within 3 days.
You’ll also need to apply for a national insurance number and may enrol in language/integration courses.
Step 10: Renewal & Settlement
After 24 months, you can renew your RWR card.
After several years (usually 5), you may be eligible for permanent residence.
Salary & Validity of Austria Skilled Worker Visa
Minimum Salary 2025: €3,225 gross/month (for many categories; some professions may require more).
Validity: Typically 24 months for first-time RWR cards.
Renewal: Renewable if you remain employed under the same or new eligible conditions.
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
- Incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Employer failing to meet AMS requirements.
- Salary below the legal threshold.
- Lack of sufficient qualifications.
- Previous immigration or criminal issues.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
- Ensure translations are certified and up to date.
- Double-check your job offer meets salary rules.
- Keep both hard copies and digital copies of documents.
- Stay in close contact with your employer to track AMS updates.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ’s?
Q: Is the Red-White-Red Card valid for 24 months?
Yes, most RWR cards are issued for 24 months initially.
Q: What is the minimum salary in 2025?
€3,225 gross/month for many “other key worker” RWR categories.
Q: Are chefs on the shortage list in 2025?
Yes, chefs are listed as shortage occupations for 2025.
Q: Can I apply without a job offer?
Only if you qualify for the Job-Seeker Visa (Category D), valid for 6 months.
Q: Can my family join me?
Yes, after approval you can apply for family reunification (spouse & children).
Conclusion
The Austria Skilled Worker Visa 2025 is one of the most reliable routes for non-EU professionals looking to build their careers in Europe. With attractive salaries, strong worker protections, and simplified rules for shortage occupations, Austria continues to welcome skilled migrants in various industries.