How much does a Austria work visa cost?

For a Austria work visa, the consular fee is €160. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Red-White-Red Card / EU Blue Card — €160; Job Seeker Visa (6 months, points-based) — €150; Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss worker — free. Statutory processing plus card-issuance fees for the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card; the Job Seeker Visa carries a Visa D-type fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.

How long does a Austria work visa take to process?

A decision on a Austria work visa typically takes around 56 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.

Where do I apply for a Austria work visa?

Austrian Embassy London directly - Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card and Job Seeker Visa applications are lodged with the Embassy, not VFS. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.

What documents are required for a Austria work visa?

The Austria consular network lists: Valid passport; Red-White-Red Card or Job Seeker Visa application form; Diplomas and professional certificates, with recognition where required; Employment contract or binding job offer meeting the salary threshold; CV and evidence of relevant work experience; German or English language certificates for the points assessment; Health insurance cover; Proof of accommodation in Austria; Criminal record certificate; Printout of your points calculator result. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.

Can I apply for a Austria work visa from the United Kingdom?

Yes. We list 2 submission points in the UK for Austria, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

Austria work visa: requirements, fee and processing time

This page covers the Austria work visa — used for taking up employment with a local employer. Every field below is taken from our editor-verified country record and reflects what the Austria consular network publishes for applicants of any nationality. You apply in the country where you legally reside, so exact centres and service fees can differ locally.

Consular fee

€160

Typical decision

56 days

Appointments

Email request

Where to apply for a Austria work visa

Austrian Embassy London directly - Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card and Job Seeker Visa applications are lodged with the Embassy, not VFS.

Required documents

Valid passport
Red-White-Red Card or Job Seeker Visa application form
Diplomas and professional certificates, with recognition where required
Employment contract or binding job offer meeting the salary threshold
CV and evidence of relevant work experience
German or English language certificates for the points assessment
Health insurance cover
Proof of accommodation in Austria
Criminal record certificate
Printout of your points calculator result

Turn this list into a tick-off checklist on the checklist page, which also flags which items are mandatory and which are only advisable.

Fees, reductions and exemptions

Red-White-Red Card / EU Blue Card€160— Combined application and issuance fee; confirm the split on migration.gv.at
Job Seeker Visa (6 months, points-based)€150— Confirm the current amount with the Embassy
Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss workerFree— Directive 2004/38/EC waiver

Statutory processing plus card-issuance fees for the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card; the Job Seeker Visa carries a Visa D-type fee.

Booking an appointment

Check eligibility first with the official points calculator on migration.gv.at, then book directly with the Embassy to lodge the application in person.

Practical tips

Run the free points calculator before you book anything - it tells you which Red-White-Red category you fit (very highly qualified, shortage occupation, or other key worker) and therefore which evidence matters most.

What is unusual about the Austria process

The Job Seeker Visa is itself points-scored and only buys six months to find a qualifying job; it does not permit work, so you must still convert to a Red-White-Red Card once hired.

Official sources

If you are applying from the United Kingdom

London — VFS Global — Austria Visa Application Centre
66 Wilson Street, London EC2A 2BT
Short-stay Schengen applications.
London — Austrian Embassy London
18 Belgrave Mews West, London SW1X 8HU
Residence permits, Red-White-Red Card and national visas.

Applying from somewhere else? Use the consulate that covers your country of legal residence — the requirements above still apply.

Updated today against official Austria consular sources. Requirements can change without notice — always confirm before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Austria work visa cost?: For a Austria work visa, the consular fee is €160. Reduced or waived amounts apply to: Red-White-Red Card / EU Blue Card — €160; Job Seeker Visa (6 months, points-based) — €150; Family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss worker — free. Statutory processing plus card-issuance fees for the Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card; the Job Seeker Visa carries a Visa D-type fee. Visa application centres such as VFS Global, BLS, TLScontact or Capago charge their own service fee on top.
How long does a Austria work visa take to process?: A decision on a Austria work visa typically takes around 56 days from the appointment date, though peak season, additional document requests and consulate workload can extend this. Apply as early as the rules allow.
Where do I apply for a Austria work visa?: Austrian Embassy London directly - Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card and Job Seeker Visa applications are lodged with the Embassy, not VFS. You always apply through the mission or application centre that covers your country of legal residence.
What documents are required for a Austria work visa?: The Austria consular network lists: Valid passport; Red-White-Red Card or Job Seeker Visa application form; Diplomas and professional certificates, with recognition where required; Employment contract or binding job offer meeting the salary threshold; CV and evidence of relevant work experience; German or English language certificates for the points assessment; Health insurance cover; Proof of accommodation in Austria; Criminal record certificate; Printout of your points calculator result. Some items are mandatory and others only advisable — the EU Visa Compass checklist tool flags which is which.
How do appointments work for a Austria work visa?: Appointment model: Email request. Check eligibility first with the official points calculator on migration.gv.at, then book directly with the Embassy to lodge the application in person.
Can I apply for a Austria work visa from the United Kingdom?: Yes. We list 2 submission points in the UK for Austria, with addresses and notes, on this page. If you live elsewhere, use the consulate covering your country of residence — the requirements themselves stay the same.

🇦🇹 Austria work visa: requirements, fee and processing time