Work in Austria from Pakistan: Your 2025 Guide to Jobs, Visas, and Settlement

Why Austria?

Austria is actively welcoming skilled professionals from around the world to support its growing industries and address labor shortages. For Pakistani workers, Austria offers a legal and clear pathway to secure long-term employment through work permits such as the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card, Job Seeker Visa, and EU Blue Card. With competitive salaries, worker-friendly rights, and a safe, multicultural environment, Austria presents one of the most attractive options in Europe for individuals looking to work and eventually settle.

Work Visa Options for Pakistani Nationals

1. Job Seeker Visa (Category D)

This 6-month visa allows highly qualified individuals to enter Austria and search for a job. You can’t work on this visa, but if you secure employment, you can convert it to a Red-White-Red Card.

2. Red-White-Red Card

Austria’s main skilled migration permit. It’s valid for 24 months and is employer-tied. Categories include: * Very Highly Qualified Workers * Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations * Other Key Workers * Graduates of Austrian universities

3. EU Blue Card

This is for highly qualified professionals with a degree and a high-paying job offer. It provides faster access to permanent residence and EU mobility.

4. Seasonal Work Permits

Temporary jobs in tourism, agriculture, and hospitality. Valid for up to 6–9 months and do not directly lead to permanent settlement.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for most work permits, you must: * Hold a recognized qualification (check via Anabin or get a ZAB comparability certificate) * Demonstrate relevant work experience * Meet age, salary, and language criteria depending on the visa type * Score enough points in Austria’s system (55–70 depending on visa) For IT specialists without degrees, 3 years of experience can qualify you under exceptions.

Language Requirements

German language proficiency is strongly recommended: * A1/A2 for points under Job Seeker Visa and Red-White-Red Card * B1/B2 for better job access and faster settlement In some fields like IT, English may suffice. For healthcare, German is often mandatory.

Document Attestation & Legalization

Pakistani applicants must: * Attest education documents through IBCC/HEC * Legalize them via MoFA and Austrian Embassy in Islamabad * Translate non-English/German documents A police clearance certificate (attested) is also required.

Financial Proof & Fees

For the Job Seeker Visa, you’ll need to show savings of €5,000–€6,000. Visa and permit fees: * Job Seeker Visa: €150 * RWR Card: €160 total * Seasonal Visa: \~€150 Translation, attestation, and health insurance costs are additional.

How to Apply

Job Seeker Visa:

1. Calculate your points 2. Gather documents and get them attested 3. Apply at Austrian Embassy with forms and proof of funds 4. Await AMS evaluation 5. If approved, receive a 6-month visa to search for work in Austria

RWR Card:

1. Secure a job offer in Austria 2. Apply at Embassy or through your employer 3. Submit verified documents, job contract, and employer declaration 4. Get approval from AMS and pick up residence card

Seasonal Work Permits

These are arranged by employers in Austria. Once approved by AMS, you apply for a visa at the Embassy. Duration is up to 6 months (or 9 months over two seasons). No education or language is required by law, but basic German/English is a plus.

Life After Arrival in Austria

Once you arrive: * Register your address (Meldezettel) within 3 days * Pick up your residence permit * Enroll in Austrian health insurance (e-card) * Open a bank account * Take integration or language courses if needed Spouses and children can join you after settlement via family reunification.

Permanent Residence & Citizenship

* After 21 months on RWR Card, apply for RWR Plus (open work market) * After 5 years, apply for permanent residency * After 10 years, apply for citizenship (with integration and language) Blue Card holders may get permanent residence in as little as 21–33 months if they meet salary and language conditions.

Austria’s In-Demand Sectors

Jobs are available in: * Tourism and Hospitality * Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) * IT and Software Development * Healthcare and Nursing * Skilled Trades (Welding, Carpentry, Construction) * Manufacturing and Logistics Austria has one of the highest skilled labor shortages in Europe. If your background matches their shortage lists, your chances are excellent.

Final Tips

* Learn basic German early * Ensure all documents are genuine and legalized * Save ahead for blocked account and travel * Apply early, as processing takes time * Use official job portals and avoid fraudulent agents

Get Support from Pak Euro Links

Our team can guide you through every step: * Eligibility check & point calculation * Degree attestation support * Language preparation * Visa application and document filing * Job search strategy (if applying with Job Seeker Visa) 📍 4th Floor, Faisal Heights, Opp. Chase Value, Faisalabad 📧 [info@pakeurolinks.com](mailto:info@pakeurolinks.com) 📞 041-5238091 | WhatsApp: +43 681 84824933 🌐 [www.pakeurolinks.com](http://www.pakeurolinks.com) Ready to work in Austria? Contact us today and let’s build your future in Europe.

Work in Austria from Pakistan: Your 2025 Guide to Jobs, Visas, and Settlement