Austria Skilled Work Visa
that allows highly qualified third-country nationals
to enter Austria without a job offer.
Austria Very Highly Qualified
Job Seeker Visa (D Visa)
Red-White-Red Card
Austria, located in the heart of Europe, is one of the most prosperous and stable economies in the European Union. Known for its high living standards, strong research culture, and demand for international professionals, Austria has designed the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card system to attract global talent.
One of the most important entry routes is the “Very Highly Qualified” Job Seeker Visa (D Visa), which allows talented professionals from outside the EU, including Indian applicants, to enter Austria Upto six months and search for suitable employment. Once a job is secured, applicants can directly apply for the Red-White-Red Card, leading to long-term residence and work opportunities in Austria.
At SWICS Pvt. Ltd., under the leadership of Er. JP Singh (Certified Education Agent Counsellor) and Advocate Trimaandeep Singh, we specialize in preparing Indian applicants for Austria’s point-based system, ensuring that their qualifications and documents meet Austrian standards.
What is the Austria Very Highly Qualified Job Seeker Visa?
- During these six months, applicants can attend interviews, network, and search for jobs in line with their qualifications.
- Once a suitable job is offered, they can switch inside Austria to a Red-White-Red Card, which is a two-year residence and work permit.
This route is ideal for Indian professionals with postgraduate qualifications, research experience, or managerial backgrounds who wish to settle and work in Austria.
Eligibility for Indian Applicants
- Score at least 70 points out of 100 in Austria’s Very Highly Qualified Points System.
- Hold a recognized university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD).
- Demonstrate relevant work experience.
- Prove language ability in German or English.
- Be under 45 years of age (to maximize points).
Er. JP Singh personally evaluates every applicant’s profile against the Austrian points grid to ensure eligibility before filing.
Austria Points System (Very Highly Qualified – Minimum 70/100)
- University degree (at least 4 years): 20 points
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degree: 30 Points
- PhD or Habilitation: 40 points
- Senior management experience with high income: up to 30 points
- Research, innovation, or patents: 20 points
- Internationally recognized awards: 20 points
- Relevant work experience: 2 points per year
- Senior positions or Austrian work experience: extra points
- German (A1–A2): 5–10 points
- English proficiency: 5–10 points
- Certificates accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, Goethe, ÖSD, telc.
- Up to 35 years: 20 points
- Up to 40 years: 15 points
- Up to 45 years: 10 points
Completed Austrian program (Bachelor/Master/PhD): up to 10 points
Example: An Indian applicant with an M.Tech in Computer Science, 6 years’ experience, and English A2 can already cross 72 points.
Advocate Trimaandeep Singh verifies all supporting evidence (degrees, work letters, research proofs) to ensure they are accepted by Austrian authorities.
Visa Process (Step by Step)
- Points Assessment – SWICS calculates your score and ensures you meet the 70-point minimum.
- Application Filing – Submit at the Austrian Embassy/Consulate in India for a Category D Job Seeker Visa.
- Visa Decision – The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) verifies your points and eligibility.
- Entry to Austria – Receive a six-month D Visa to look for jobs.
- Job Search in Austria – Attend interviews and secure a qualifying job offer.
- Apply for RWR Card – Convert to a Red-White-Red Card inside Austria, valid for two years.
- Upgrade to RWR Plus – After 21 months of continuous employment, upgrade to RWR Plus (free access to Austrian labour market).
Eligible Occupations for
Indian Applicants
While the “Very Highly Qualified” category is not limited to shortage lists,
applicants with the following profiles succeed most often:
- IT & Software – Developers, Data Scientists, Cybersecurity Specialists, AI Experts.
- Engineering – Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Electronics, Robotics.
- Healthcare Research – Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals, Clinical Research.
- Finance & Management – Auditors, Analysts, Senior Managers with high income.
- Academia & Research – Postdoctoral Researchers, Scientists, Innovators with patents.
Education Requirements
- Degrees must be from a recognized university.
- STEM and PhD degrees earn the highest points.
- Indian Master’s/PhD degrees (M.Tech, M.Sc., MBA, MD, MDS, PhD) are highly valued.
- SWICS assists with degree verification and recognition where required.
Language Ability
- English or German accepted.
- Proof required via official certificates.
- For Indian applicants, English is usually sufficient for IT and research roles, while German is highly recommended for engineering, healthcare, and management.
- Er. JP Singh advises clients on whether to strengthen German language before application.
Fees
- Job Seeker Visa (D Visa): €195
- RWR Card after job offer: €156 application + €26 granting + €20 card personalization
Processing Time
- Job Seeker Visa: 6–12 weeks (depending on Embassy and AMS verification).
- RWR Card: Usually a few weeks after job offer submission.
Family Members
- Family cannot accompany on the Job Seeker Visa.
- Once you secure an RWR Card, your spouse and children can apply for the RWR Plus Card, which gives them full labour market access.
Why Choose Austria?
- Central EU location with access to Germany, Switzerland, Italy.
- High salaries, low unemployment, and excellent healthcare.
- Transparent points-based immigration system.
- Clear pathway from Job Seeker Visa → RWR Card → RWR Plus → Permanent Residence → Citizenship.
- High demand for STEM, IT, engineering, and research professionals.
Benefits of the Austria Very Highly Qualified Route
- No job offer required to apply initially.
- Six months to search for jobs inside Austria.
- Fast-track to RWR Card and long-term residence.
- Family reunion rights after job is secured.
- Strong pathway to Permanent Residence after 5 years.
- Access to one of Europe’s highest standards of living.
Why Apply Through SWICS Pvt. Ltd.?
Certified Counsellor with global certifications (PIER Australia, ICEF Canada, British Council UK) personally evaluates your points eligibility.
Ensures all documents (degrees, work experience, salary proofs, research awards) meet Austrian legal and compliance standards.
- Points calculation and eligibility audit.
- Professional CV and job search preparation for Austrian employers.
- Verified translations and legalisations of Indian documents.
- End-to-end visa file preparation, embassy filing, and AMS coordination.
- Guidance on switching from Job Seeker Visa → RWR Card → RWR Plus.
With SWICS, your file is professionally prepared, legally compliant, and strategically aligned for Austria’s Very Highly Qualified program.
Summary for Indian Applicants
- Minimum 70/100 points required.
- Master’s/PhD degree holders in STEM, IT, Engineering, Healthcare, and Research stand the best chance.
- English proficiency is acceptable, German adds strong advantage.
- Job Seeker Visa valid 6 months, convert to RWR Card after job offer.
- Clear PR pathway within 5 years.
FAQ
It is a six-month residence visa (D Visa) that allows highly qualified professionals from outside the EU to enter Austria and search for employment. Once a job is secured, you can apply inside Austria for the Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card), which is a two-year residence and work permit.
👉 At SWICS, Er. JP Singh explains the eligibility process clearly to Indian applicants and helps them calculate their points score.
No. You do not need a job offer at the time of application. This visa is specifically for job searching inside Austria.
👉 Advocate Trimaandeep Singh ensures your application documents are prepared properly so you get the six-month visa without any job contract.
You must score at least 70 points out of 100 under Austria’s Very Highly Qualified Points System, which considers your education, work experience, language skills, age, and research/awards.
- Education & Special Qualifications: up to 40 points (PhD, STEM, management experience, research, awards).
- Work Experience: up to 20 points.
- Language Skills (German/English): up to 10 points.
- Age: up to 20 points (younger applicants score higher).
- Studies in Austria: up to 10 points.
👉 Er. JP Singh calculates points for each client during the consultation.
- Master’s and PhD degrees from recognised Indian universities are valid.
- STEM degrees (M.Tech, M.Sc., MCA, M.Pharm.) and research-based PhDs score higher points.
👉 SWICS Team checks your degree equivalence with ENIC-NARIC Austria.
Generally ❌ no, unless combined with very strong work experience, senior management roles, or awards. Austria prefers postgraduate qualifications for this category.
Very important. Each year of relevant work adds points, and senior positions in management or international companies give additional points.
👉 Advocate Trimaandeep Singh helps prepare detailed work experience letters that Austrian authorities accept.
Yes . You must prove at least basic German or English (A1–A2) with certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, Goethe, ÖSD, telc).
👉 Er. JP Singh advises whether English alone is enough (IT, research) or whether German is needed (healthcare, engineering, management).
There is no fixed age limit, but points are awarded as follows:
- Up to 35 years: 20 points
- Up to 40 years: 15 points
- Up to 45 years: 10 points
👉 Younger Indian applicants naturally score higher, but seniors with strong qualifications can still qualify.
- Passport + photos
- Degree certificates + transcripts
- Proof of work experience (letters, contracts, payslips)
- Language certificates (German/English)
- Financial proof (funds for stay)
- Health insurance covering Austria
- Accommodation proof (lease, booking, or invitation)
👉 Advocate Trimaandeep Singh ensures all documents are translated, notarized, and legalized where necessary.
- Job Seeker Visa (D Visa): €195
- RWR Card after job offer: approx. €200 total (application + card fees).
No. Family cannot accompany you during the six-month job search.
✅ Once you receive your RWR Card, your spouse and children can apply for the RWR Plus Card, which allows them to work and study freely in Austria.
- IT & Software (developers, AI, cybersecurity, data science)
- Engineering (mechanical, civil, electronics, robotics)
- Healthcare & Research (pharma, biotechnology, clinical research)
- Finance & Business (auditors, analysts, controllers)
- Academia & Innovation (postdocs, scientists with patents/publications)
👉 SWICS Job Support Team helps clients prepare Austrian-style CVs and LinkedIn profiles.
No. This visa only allows you to search for a job. Work starts only after converting to the RWR Card.
Usually 6–12 weeks depending on the Austrian Embassy in India and AMS (Austrian Employment Service) verification.
👉 SWICS File Management Team speeds up processing by ensuring all papers are complete at submission.
Once you secure a job offer that matches your qualifications and salary standards, you apply inside Austria for the RWR Card. It is granted for up to 2 years tied to your employer.
- You can live and work in Austria legally.
- After 21 months of continuous employment in 24 months, you can upgrade to RWR Plus Card, giving full access to the Austrian labour market.
- After 5 years of residence, you may apply for Permanent Residence.
The salary must be appropriate for your qualification and occupation. AMS (Austrian Employment Service) checks this before approving the RWR Card.
You must leave Austria when your Job Seeker Visa expires. You can reapply later if your points improve (e.g., new qualifications, German language, or more work experience).
👉 Er. JP Singh guides clients on how to build points before reapplying.
Because your case is handled by a dual-expert system:
- Er. JP Singh – Certified Education Counsellor who ensures your profile, qualifications, and points system are optimized.
- Advocate Trimaandeep Singh – Legal expert who checks all documents, financial proofs, translations, and compliance with Austrian regulations.
- SWICS Expert Team – Provides job search assistance, CV preparation, visa filing, embassy follow-up, and family reunion support.
With SWICS, your file is professionally prepared, legally compliant, and strategically strong, giving you the highest chance of success.
