Austria  
Job Seeker Visa

Enter Austria without a job offer. Spend up to 6 months exploring one of Europe’s strongest job markets — in IT, engineering, healthcare and beyond.

6 Mo

Maximum Stay

English

B2 level

100 E

Application Fee

3–5 Mo

Processing Time

Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the Austria Job Seeker Visa, applicants must meet the requirements.

Advanced Qualification

You must hold a bachelor's or PhD, or an advanced vocational or professional qualification recognised in your home country.

Clear Intent to Seek Employment

You must clearly demonstrate your intention to stay in Austria for the purpose of seeking employment.

English B2 Level IELTS

You must prove you can Speak English or German B2 level. IELTS Minimum 5.5 Required.

Valid Passport

A valid passport is required. Applicants must be residing outside Sweden at the time of application submission.

Solo Applicants Only

This permit does not allow dependants or family members to accompany you. It is strictly for single individuals seeking jobs or business opportunities.

Health Insurance

Valid health insurance covering the full duration of your stay in Austria is a mandatory requirement at the time of application.

Once you secure employment and convert to a work permit, your family members may be eligible to join you in Austria.

Required Documents
What You'll Need to Apply

Prepare and submit the following documents as part of your Sweden Job Seeker Visa application. Incomplete documentation is one of the most common causes of delays.

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in Sweden

Passport-Sized Photographs

Recent photos meeting the official Swedish embassy specifications

Cover Letter

Explaining your purpose of visit, job search plan, and intention to return if employment is not secured

Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Highlighting your education, skills, and professional experience clearly

Educational Certificates

Copies of degrees, diplomas, and transcripts from all relevant institutions

Proof of Work Experience

Employment letters, contracts, or reference letters from previous employers

English Proof

IELTS Showing minimum 5.5 Bands.

Health Insurance

Valid coverage for the complete duration of your stay in Sweden

Accommodation Details

Details of your accommodation arrangements in Austria for the duration of your stay

Pro Tip from FutureMigrate

Apply at least 3 to 4 months before your planned travel date. Incomplete applications are the single biggest cause of delays — our team reviews every document before submission.

Processing Time
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate and current application volumes.

Submit Your Application

File your complete application at the Austria embassy or consulate in your home country

Processing Period

Average processing time is 3 to 5 months — apply well in advance of your intended travel date

Visa Decision

Receive your Job Seeker Visa decision and prepare for your move to Sweden

Travel & Job Search

Arrive in Sweden and begin your 9-month job search period

Visa Extension & Pathway
After Your Visa

Understand what happens at the end of your 6-month period and how to progress your status.

Pro Tip from FutureMigrate

Apply at least 3 to 4 months before your planned travel date. Incomplete applications are the single biggest cause of delays — our team reviews every document before submission.

Found a Job? Stay in Austria

If you secure employment during your stay, you can apply for a work permit from within Austria— no need to return to your home country. This can then open the pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

Total Cost Breakdown
What Does It Cost?

Plan your finances carefully. Here’s a full overview of the costs involved in applying for and living on the Austria Job Seeker Visa.

Application Costs

Visa Application Fee

SEK 2,000

Health Insurance (per month)

SEK 500–1,000

Document Translation / Notarisation

Varies

Upfront Visa Cost

~SEK 2,000+Varies

Living Expenses in Austria

Min. Required Funds (monthly)

SEK 13,000

Accommodation (estimated)

SEK 6,000–10,000

Food & Transport

SEK 3,000–5,000

Min. Monthly Budget

SEK 13,000

Airfare to Austria should also be budgeted separately. Costs may vary depending on your origin country and travel timing.

Make Austria your next career destination!

Unlock global job opportunities in one of Europe’s most innovative economies—apply for the Austria Job Seeker Visa and start building your future today.

Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Austria Job Seeker Visa?
The Austria Job Seeker Visa was specifically designed to allow skilled professionals to enter Austria without a job offer. You can attend interviews, meet employers, and search for a position that matches your skills once you are in the country.
What qualifications are accepted?
You must hold an educational qualification such as a 4 years bachelor’s, master’s degree, postgraduate qualification, PhD, or an advanced vocational or professional certification. Bachelor’s degrees alone are generally not sufficient for this visa category.
Can my family join me during the job search period?
No. The Job Seeker Visa is strictly for single applicants — dependants and family members are not permitted to accompany you during this period. However, once you secure employment and convert to a work permit, your family may be eligible to join you in Austria.
What happens if I don't find a job within 9 months?
The visa cannot be extended or renewed. If you have not secured employment by the end of your permitted 6-month stay, you will be required to leave Austria. For this reason, it’s important to begin your job search actively from the moment you arrive.
If I find a job, do I need to go home to get a work permit?
No. If you find employment during your stay, you can apply for a work permit directly from within Sweden. There is no requirement to return to your home country to do this, which makes the transition smooth and straightforward.