Austria Seasonal Worker Visa 2024 (Application Process)

The Austria Seasonal Worker Visa is a fixed-term Employment contract for third-country nationals such as workers from non-European countries. The Federal Minister of Labour and Economy, Austria has set the quota to employ workers in the tourism and agricultural sectors and for harvesters for six months within a year. The Quota is fixed annually. To carry out seasonal employment in Austria, you must obtain a work permit and a Visa (if required) depending on your nationality.

According to the European Migration Network Report, more than 100,000 nationals from third countries enter Europe each year for seasonal employment. A total of 49,467 work permits were issued between 2016 and 2019, most of them for seasonal workers. Your employer has to apply for a work permit on your behalf. After this, you will apply for a Visa C or D depending on the employment duration. More details are given below.

Who can Apply for the Austria Seasonal Work Visa?

All other citizens from non-EU countries will need to get a Work permit as well as a Visa for Austria. Seasonal workers can earn EUR 1,540/month.

Job Sector

A total of 49,467 work permits between 2016 and 2019, most of them for seasonal workers and harvest workers in agriculture and forestry according to the European Migration Network Report

• Tourism Sector:
  • Food services, hotels, leisure and sports facilities, travel agencies, cinemas, cultural and entertainment facilities, and health-care facilities.
• Agricultural Sectors and Harvesters:
  • Activities related to producing and obtaining plant products, viticulture and fruit growing, horticulture, maintaining livestock for breeding or fattening or for obtaining animal products, as well as hunting and fishing.

Most of the seasonal permits are issued to the citizens of:

• Bosnia
• Herzegovina
• Ukraine
• Afghanistan
• Serbia
• Kosovo

Also Check: Malta Seasonal Worker Permit 2024 (Application Process)

Duration of Seasonal Work Permit

Seasonal workers can be employed for 6 months or a maximum of 9 months. This is a Fixed-term employment.

Which Visa do You need to Apply for?

• Visa C: A visa permitting a stay of 90 days in total within 180 days.
• Visa D: A visa permitting a stay of more than 90 days and having an overall validity of five years maximum.

Processing Time

On average, it takes six weeks for the issuance of the work permit and at least 8 weeks to process your visa application at the Austrian embassy.

Requirements for a Seasonal Work Visa

• You must have a Valid Job offer.
• A Work Permit is required.
• D Visa: Long Stay Visa for more than 90 Days
• C Visa: Stay for up to 90 Days.

Visa Cost

• Category C visas: €60
• Category D visas: €100

Also Check: Belgium Seasonal Worker Permit 2024 (Visa Process)

How to Apply for the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa?

Once the work permit has been issued, you have to submit your visa application at the competent Austrian embassy or consulate abroad. The Step-by-step application process is given below:

Step 1: Find a Job in Austria

You must first apply and secure a Job offer. The Job offer must be from an Austrian employer with a valid contract offer.

Step 2: Get a Work Permit

Your employer has to apply for a work permit at the competent authority of the Austrian Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice – AMS).

Step 3: Apply for the Austria D Visa

Once the work permit has been issued, you have to submit your visa application at the competent Austrian embassy or consulate abroad.

From this link, you can select your country and it will tell you the “Representative” Authority for Austria in your Home country where you can file your application.

We have also published an article on the Austria Work Visa Process.

I hope this helps. I have also given the official website links below. It’s always best to double-check with the official authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.