AUSTRIA: Immigration Updates

October 20, 2022


There have been a number of updates implemented into the Austrian immigration regulations in October 2022. We have provided a summary below.

New Permit for Locally Hired Short-Term Specialists

An Austrian company will be able to sponsor a work permit for a Specialist. Issued for a maximum period of 6 months, the purpose of the work permit will be for the execution of a project in Austria. To be eligible, the foreign national must have:

  • Indispensable specialized knowledge of the work, procedures or management of the Austrian company
  • Have relevant qualifications and professional experience for the role, including specific technical knowledge

Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers

To be eligible for the Red-White-Red Card, applicants are required to cumulate 55 points from different areas.

The changes to eligibility requirements include:

  • Minimum salary is EUR 2,835 to be paid 14 times per annum, however if there is a higher minimum salary recommended by the relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement, the higher minimum salary will apply. The minimum salary will apply to all ages, both over and under 30 years of age
  • Certificates confirming English or German language skills can be issued up to 5 years before the application is submitted, whereas previously the certificates had to be issued no more than 1 year before the application is submitted
  • Points can now be issued for experience in 6-month blocks, whereas an applicant cumulated points for every 12 months’ worth of relevant experience

Red-White-Red Card for Graduates

Foreign nationals who graduate from an Austrian university will only need to meet the minimum salary requirement stated by the relevant Collective Bargaining Agreement.

EU Blue Card 

The minimum salary will be EUR 3,171.08 to be paid 14 times per annum.

The below changes are applicable to holders of an EU Blue Card:

  • Applicants who hold an EU Blue Card issued by another EU Member State for at least 12 months will be required to obtain an Austrian EU Blue Card and can start working in Austria after 30 days from the date of filing. Work can start provided the application has no missing supporting documents
  • Applicants who are already hold an Austrian EU Blue Card for at least 12 months can change employer immediately upon filing the respective new EU Blue Card application
  • Applicants holding an Austrian EU Blue Card for less than 12 months can change employer 30 days after they have filed the application for the new Austrian EU Blue Card relating to the new employer

Newland Chase Insights

As travel starts to open up, the positive changes to the Austrian permit requirements will hopefully make Austria a more attractive destination for talented individuals.

 

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.