Austria Seasonal Worker Visa 2024 (Application Process)
Are you considering seasonal employment in Austria? The Austria Seasonal Worker Visa might be your gateway to exciting opportunities in the tourism and agricultural sectors. In this guide, we'll walk you through the application process, eligibility criteria, and essential details to help you navigate your way to a successful visa application.
Overview
The Austria Seasonal Worker Visa is designed for third-country nationals seeking employment in Austria's tourism and agricultural sectors. The annual quota set by the Federal Minister of Labour and Economy allows for the employment of workers, especially in roles such as harvesters, for a fixed period of six months within a year.
Who can Apply for the Austria Seasonal Work Visa?
All citizens from non-EU countries, including Bosnia, Herzegovina, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Serbia, Kosovo, and others, are eligible to apply for the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa. Seasonal workers can earn a minimum of EUR 1,540 per month.
Job Sectors:
The visa is primarily issued for workers in the following sectors:
1. Tourism Sector: Includes food services, hotels, leisure and sports facilities, travel agencies, cinemas, cultural and entertainment facilities, and health-care facilities.
2. Agricultural Sectors and Harvesters: Encompasses activities related to plant products, viticulture, fruit growing, horticulture, livestock maintenance, hunting, and fishing.
Duration of Seasonal Work Permit:
Seasonal workers can be employed for a fixed term of 6 to 9 months.
Types of Visas:
1. Visa C: Allows a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days.
2. Visa D: Permits a stay of more than 90 days, with an overall validity of up to five years.
Processing Time:
On average, it takes six weeks to obtain a work permit and at least 8 weeks to process the visa application at the Austrian embassy.
Requirements for a Seasonal Work Visa:
1. Valid job offer from an Austrian employer.
2. Work permit issued by the competent Austrian authority.
3. Depending on the duration, either Visa C or D is required.
Visa Cost:
💥 Category C visas: €60
💥 Category D visas: €100
How to Apply:
👉1. Find a Job in Austria: Secure a job offer from an Austrian employer with a valid contract offer.
👉2. Get a Work Permit: Your employer must apply for a work permit at the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).
👉3. Apply for the Austria D Visa: Once the work permit is issued, submit your visa application at the competent Austrian embassy or consulate abroad.
(FAQs) - Austria Seasonal Worker Visa 2024
Q: Who is eligible to apply for the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa?
A: Citizens from non-European Union (EU) countries, including but not limited to Bosnia, Herzegovina, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Serbia, Kosovo, are eligible to apply for the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa.
Q: What sectors are covered under the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa?
A: The visa is primarily intended for employment in the tourism and agricultural sectors. This includes jobs in food services, hotels, leisure, sports facilities, travel agencies, cinemas, cultural and entertainment facilities, as well as health-care facilities. Agricultural sectors involve activities related to plant products, viticulture, fruit growing, horticulture, livestock maintenance, hunting, and fishing.
Q: How long can a seasonal worker be employed in Austria?
A: Seasonal workers can be employed for a fixed term of 6 to 9 months.
Q: What are the types of visas available under the Austria Seasonal Worker program?
A: There are two types of visas:
🔻 Visa C: Allows a stay of up to 90 days within 180 days.
🔻 Visa D: Permits a stay of more than 90 days and has an overall validity of up to five years.
Q: What is the processing time for the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa?
A: On average, it takes six weeks for the issuance of the work permit, and at least 8 weeks to process the visa application at the Austrian embassy.
Q: What are the requirements for a Seasonal Work Visa in Austria?
A: The key requirements include a valid job offer from an Austrian employer, a work permit issued by the competent Austrian authority, and, depending on the duration, either Visa C or D.
Q: How much does the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa cost?
A: The visa costs are as follows:
🔻 Category C visas: €60
🔻 Category D visas: €100
Q: What is the step-by-step application process for the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa?
A: The process involves finding a job in Austria, obtaining a work permit from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), and then applying for the Austria D Visa at the competent Austrian embassy or consulate abroad.
Q: Can I apply for the visa before securing a job offer?
A: No, the first step is to secure a job offer from an Austrian employer before proceeding with the visa application.
Q: Where can I find more information and updates about the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa?
A: Refer to the official Austria Seasonal Worker Website and EMN Report on Seasonal Workers in Austria. Additionally, always check the EU Commission Website on Seasonal Workers for the latest updates.
*Note: The information provided here is based on the latest available data and regulations as of February 4, 2024.*
