How to Move to Austria
Austria runs a clear points system called the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card. You earn points for qualifications, experience, age and language, and skilled workers with a job offer can qualify. Very highly qualified people can even get a job-seeker visa to come and search. The official migration.gv.at site explains each category.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Austria embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Apply at the Austrian embassy/consulate or its VFS centre in your country. Austria has missions in several African capitals. Use the locator to confirm yours.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
454A Fehrsen Street, Brooklyn, Pretoria 0181
+27 12 452 9155 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Austria has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Around 8 weeks for the combined decision.
Fees roughly €160–€200.
24 months, then a renewable card; pathway to long-term residence.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Enough points (qualifications, experience, age, language).
- A job offer matching your skills (often a shortage occupation).
- A salary meeting the minimum for the category.
What to do, step by step
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1
Check your points
Use the official points calculator for your category (e.g. shortage occupation, other key worker).
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2
Get a job offer
Secure a matching job offer in Austria.
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3
Apply for the RWR Card
You or your employer apply; the labour office (AMS) checks the job.
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4
Travel & collect the card
Enter Austria with the visa D and collect your RWR Card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Shortage occupations (many technical and health roles) score easy points.
- German skills add points and help daily life.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your No online account — apply in person at the Austrian mission first
Austria does not have a public online application portal. You (or your employer, for some categories) submit the Red-White-Red Card application in person at the Austrian embassy/consulate in your country, or at the relevant residence authority once already legally in Austria.
Create accountStart your Red-White-Red Card (skilled worker) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks to a couple of months.
Visa fee around €150.
Up to 6 months to find a job, then switch to the RWR Card.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You score highly as a "very highly qualified" worker (top qualifications, experience, research, etc.).
- Proof you can support yourself during the search.
What to do, step by step
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1
Check your points
Confirm you reach the threshold for very highly qualified workers.
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2
Apply for the job-seeker visa
Apply at the Austrian embassy in your country.
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3
Travel & search
Enter Austria and look for a qualifying job.
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4
Switch to the RWR Card
Once hired, apply for the Red-White-Red Card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- This route is for top talent — strong CVs and research records score best.
- A legal way to job-hunt on the ground.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your No online account — apply in person at the Austrian mission first
Austria does not have a public online application portal. You (or your employer, for some categories) submit the Red-White-Red Card application in person at the Austrian embassy/consulate in your country, or at the relevant residence authority once already legally in Austria.
Create accountStart your Job-Seeker visa (very highly qualified) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few weeks to a couple of months.
Fees around €160; public university tuition ~€726/semester for non-EU students.
Course length; can switch to work afterwards.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Admission to an Austrian institution.
- Proof of funds and accommodation.
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive admission from an Austrian university.
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2
Show funds & insurance
Prove you can support yourself and have cover.
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3
Apply for the permit
Apply at the Austrian embassy or in Austria.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Austria and register your residence.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Public university tuition is low.
- Graduates can get a permit to seek work afterwards.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your No online account — apply in person at the Austrian mission first
Austria does not have a public online application portal. You (or your employer, for some categories) submit the Red-White-Red Card application in person at the Austrian embassy/consulate in your country, or at the relevant residence authority once already legally in Austria.
Create accountStart your Student residence permit application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few months.
Fees roughly €160–€200.
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your relative holds a valid Austrian residence title.
- Adequate income, housing and insurance.
- Basic German (A1) is usually required.
What to do, step by step
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1
Learn basic German (A1)
Spouses usually need an A1 certificate first.
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2
Apply at the embassy
Apply for family reunification with your documents.
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3
Travel & register
Enter Austria and register your residence.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Families of RWR Card holders get smoother processing.
- Start German early to meet the A1 requirement.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your No online account — apply in person at the Austrian mission first
Austria does not have a public online application portal. You (or your employer, for some categories) submit the Red-White-Red Card application in person at the Austrian embassy/consulate in your country, or at the relevant residence authority once already legally in Austria.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Austria work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Austria — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Austria visas
How much does the Austria Red-White-Red Card (skilled worker) cost?
The Austria Red-White-Red Card (skilled worker) costs: Fees roughly €160–€200. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Austria Red-White-Red Card (skilled worker) take?
Processing for the Austria Red-White-Red Card (skilled worker) takes around 8 weeks for the combined decision. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Austria Red-White-Red Card (skilled worker) valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Austria Red-White-Red Card (skilled worker) is valid for 24 months, then a renewable card; pathway to long-term residence. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Austria Job-Seeker visa (very highly qualified) cost?
The Austria Job-Seeker visa (very highly qualified) costs: Visa fee around €150. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Austria Job-Seeker visa (very highly qualified) take?
Processing for the Austria Job-Seeker visa (very highly qualified) takes a few weeks to a couple of months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Austria Job-Seeker visa (very highly qualified) valid for?
The Austria Job-Seeker visa (very highly qualified) is valid for up to 6 months to find a job, then switch to the RWR Card. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Austria Student residence permit cost?
The Austria Student residence permit costs: Fees around €160; public university tuition ~€726/semester for non-EU students. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Austria Student residence permit take?
Processing for the Austria Student residence permit takes a few weeks to a couple of months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Austria Student residence permit valid for?
The Austria Student residence permit is valid for course length; can switch to work afterwards. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Austria Family reunification cost?
The Austria Family reunification costs: Fees roughly €160–€200. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Austria Family reunification take?
Processing for the Austria Family reunification takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Austria Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Austria Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.