Work permits and visas in Austria: An employer’s guide

Companies hiring globally have the responsibility to make sure that the company stays in compliance with all local laws. To hire or relocate an employee to Austria , the employer has to make sure that they operate in legal compliance with the country's immigration laws, tax practices, and employment regulations.

This article will explain the visa and employment permits required for working in Austria. You'll also learn why using a global HR platform like Remote can make it easy to hire or relocate employees to Austria quickly and compliantly.

Which workers need a right-to-work check in Austria?

The right to work in Austria depends on nationality and residence status.

Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland can live and work in Austria without a visa or work permit. If their stay exceeds 90 days, they must apply for a certificate of registration (Anmeldebescheinigung).

Third-country nationals — those from outside the EU, EEA, and Switzerland — require the appropriate visa or residence/working permit to take up employment in Austria. Employers are required to conduct right-to-work checks for these citizens to ensure valid documentation, while Austrian and other EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are generally exempt.

Who needs a work permit to work in Austria?

Third-country nationals generally require a residence and work permit to take up employment. Depending on their situation, they may qualify for Austria’s Red-White-Red-Card or the EU Blue Card, both of which grant the right to live and work in Austria.”

How is the European Union Blue Card applicable?

The European Blue Card, also known as the EU Blue Card, is a work and residence permit for workers who are not from the EU or EEA. The EU Blue Card is supported by 25 European countries, including Austria.

It allows highly qualified individuals from outside the EU to enter the EU to work. Applicants must have higher qualifications, such as a university degree, a high salary, travel documents, and an employment contract already in place.

How is the Schengen Visa applicable?

A Schengen visa is only for short visits. You cannot work in Austria with it. To work legally, you need a proper work permit or residence card.

What are the eligibility requirements for an Austrian work visa?

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can usually apply for one of Austria’s residence permits that include work rights. The two most common routes are the Red-White-Red Card (RWR card) and the EU Blue Card. Each has specific eligibility requirements.

What is the Red-White-Red card?

The Red-White-Red Card is Austria’s main work and residence permit for non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. It allows qualified professionals to live and work in Austria for up to 2 years with a specific employer.

Key points:

• Combines work and residence rights in one permit.
• Based on a points system (education, experience, language skills, etc.).
• Available for several categories:
• • Very highly qualified workers
  • Skilled workers in shortage occupations
  • Other key workers
  • Graduates of Austrian universities
  • Start-up founders and self-employed key workers
• After 2 years, holders can usually switch to a Red-White-Red Plus Card, which allows free access to the Austrian labor market (no employer tie).
  
  

To be eligible for the RWR card , the applicant needs to go through a qualification check by the Austrian Ministry of Labor and Economy which looks into the employee's prior experience, professional qualifications, language experience, and other criteria.

General requirements (for both RWR Card and EU Blue Card)

• Valid passport.
• No criminal record.
• Health insurance coverage.
• Adequate accommodation in Austria.
• Sufficient financial means (proof that you can support yourself if needed).

How do you get a work visa for Austria?

The list of documents needed to apply for a visa includes:

• Visa application form
• Visa fees
• A passport
• Identity photo
• Cover letter, including the purpose of the visit
• Travel insurance covering medical care and other emergencies
• Itinerary
• Proof of lodging
• Proof of employment
• Proof of financial means, including bank statements and/or a sponsorship letter
• Civil status documents such as a birth certificate or marriage license
•  

To apply for a Red-White-Red Card, a third-country national must have a job offer in Austria. The RWR Card is both a residence and working permit, allowing the employee to live and work in Austria for up to two years. Applications can be submitted by the employee at an Austrian embassy/consulate abroad, or by the employer directly to the residence authority in Austria.

If the RWR Card is approved while the employee is still abroad, the embassy will issue a Visa D for entry, which is exchanged for the RWR Card after arrival. Once in Austria, the employee must register their residence within three days at the local registration office.

Processing times vary: RWR Card applications typically take 6 to 8 weeks, while a Visa D may take 15 to 60 days. After two years, employees may switch to a Red-White-Red Plus Card, and eventually apply for permanent residence.

Once an employee secures the necessary work permit and residence authorization, they can relocate to Austria and begin working.

How Remote makes compliance in Austria so much easier

Remote helps employers simplify the hiring and immigration process. Hiring international employees in Austria requires compliance with immigration rules, including securing the right work permit, as well as establishing a legal entity, managing payroll, and handling benefits — tasks that can quickly become costly and complex.

By partnering with Remote, employers can bypass these challenges. We manage compliance, international payroll, benefits, and the work permit process, making it easier for you to relocate talent to Austria.

To learn more about successful employee relocation, check out our Relocation Guide. For tailored support with moving your team member to Austria, contact our Mobility team for expert, case-specific advice.