Make sure you have completed the application prerequisites before applying for the Austrian Skilled Migration Program:
The Austrian government publishes an annual list of occupations for which there is a particular demand for labour. This so-called Shortage Occupations List indicates the sectors in which qualified skilled workers are needed and thereby creates important employment opportunities in Austria.
The Shortage Occupations List includes both nationwide shortage occupations and occupations for which a regional shortage of labour exists only in specific federal states.
The list includes numerous skilled trades and practice-oriented occupations, such as chefs, butchers, pastry chefs, automotive technicians, carpenters, painters, welders, electricians, roofers and plumbers.
In addition, there is also demand for occupations requiring higher qualifications, particularly in the fields of IT, medicine, nursing and healthcare, engineering, electrical engineering, construction, mechanical engineering and other technical professions.
The Shortage Occupations List therefore provides qualified workers from a wide range of sectors with a strong basis for pursuing professional opportunities in Austria.
Applications for a Red-White-Red Card are assessed according to a defined points-based system. Criteria such as vocational training, professional experience, language skills and age are taken into account.
For qualified skilled workers in occupations with a nationwide or regional labour shortage, a minimum score of 55 points is required. In addition, a binding job offer from an Austrian employer is necessary in order to submit the application.
The following overview shows the criteria for which points are awarded. This allows applicants to better assess their eligibility and identify the areas in which they perform particularly well or may still need to improve.
Based on the table below, applicants can identify their strengths and determine in which areas they may need to improve.
For many shortage occupations in Austria, completed vocational training must be proven. This should be comparable to a multi-year Austrian apprenticeship. Depending on the profession, higher education, a school-leaving qualification granting university entrance, or a completed university degree may also be required.
However, formal recognition or equivalence of the qualification is not necessary in all cases. It is mainly required for so-called regulated professions. These include, among others, healthcare professions, teaching professions at public schools and pedagogical activities in the kindergarten sector.
For most professions, no formal recognition and no equivalence with an Austrian apprenticeship final examination is required. When applying for the Red-White-Red Card, the qualification is assessed as part of the application review on the basis of the submitted educational and professional documents.
Note: Special regulations may apply to certain professions, for example in public transport, as profession-specific qualifications or examinations may sometimes have to be obtained or completed directly in Austria.
Internationally recognised language certificates based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) may also be submitted as proof of language skills, for example for French, Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian.
Application Documents
For the application, various documents are generally required to prove education, professional experience and personal eligibility requirements.
Proof of Education and Training
This includes certificates, diplomas, graduation documents or other evidence of completed vocational training.
Transcripts and Training Records
Where available, relevant school, vocational training or university transcripts should also be submitted.
Social Security Record / Confirmation of Employment Periods
An official social security record or confirmation of employment periods may be required as proof of previous employment history.
Employer’s Employment Confirmation
To prove professional experience, a signed and stamped confirmation from the respective employer is required. This document should clearly state the period of employment and the position in which the work was carried out.
Birth Certificate
A current birth certificate may be required as proof of personal data.
Passport Copy
A copy of the passport data page showing the applicant’s personal details is required.
Language Certificates
Existing foreign language certificates may be submitted as proof of language skills.
Biometric Photo
The photo should meet the official requirements: 35 mm wide and 45 mm high, recent and not older than six months. The face must be clearly visible and must comply with the requirements for biometric passport photos.
Curriculum Vitae
The CV should be concise, clear and complete. It should include personal details, contact information, professional field, education, vocational training, professional experience and language skills.
It is important that the information provided in the CV is consistent with the submitted proof of education and professional experience.
Anyone who wishes to live and work legally in Austria must go through an official procedure with clearly defined requirements and process steps. To ensure that the process is successful and runs as smoothly as possible, it is important that the correct steps are completed fully and in good time.
At Primo Personal, we guide our candidates through every stage of this procedure in a structured, transparent and reliable manner. From preparing the required documents and managing the visa procedure to the initial registration in Austria, we support you step by step.
Below, you will find an overview of the application process.
To start the application process, the candidate must meet certain requirements:
Passport and Ability to Travel
There must be no legal obstacles preventing the issuance of a passport or the candidate’s departure from their country of residence.
Clean Criminal Record
A current criminal record certificate without relevant entries is required.
Occupation Listed on the Shortage Occupations List
The candidate’s qualification must correspond to an occupation listed on the current Austrian Shortage Occupations List.
Proof of Professional Qualification
Professional education, training and work experience must be proven through official documents.
Minimum of 55 Points in the Points-Based System
The required minimum score for the application is 55 points.
Binding Job Offer
A binding job offer from an Austrian company must be available.
Once all requirements have been met, the next steps are prepared:
Conclusion of Contract
A contract is concluded between Primo Personal and the applicant.
Complete Documentation
The required documents of both the applicant and the employer must be available in full.
After these steps have been completed, the official application procedure is initiated.
The application is reviewed and assessed by the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). The average processing time is generally approximately 8 to 10 weeks.
During the review process, the AMS may request additional documents or evidence if necessary.
Following a positive decision, the approval is forwarded to the competent Austrian representation authority so that the next steps in the residence procedure can be initiated.
After arriving in Austria, the applicant must register their place of residence within three working days. This registration is completed using the so-called Meldezettel residence registration form.
At the scheduled appointment with the competent residence authority, the applicant’s fingerprints are recorded. The appointment for collecting the Red-White-Red Card is then usually communicated by e-mail.
After receiving the Red-White-Red Card, the applicant may officially begin working in Austria.
Within the first 3 working days after arriving in Austria, the applicant has to register for residence (Meldezettel).
On the appointed appointment date, the applicant is fingerprinted at the Immigration and Residence Office.
After the fingerprinting, the date of the card delivery is notified by e-mail.
On the appointed date, the applicant receives the Rot-Weiss-Rot-Karte and can officially start working.
For further information or individual consultation, please feel free to contact us.
