The Austria Seasonal Worker Visa stands as a designated employment contract with a fixed term, catering to third-country nationals originating from non-European regions. The Federal Minister of Labour and Economy in Austria has stipulated a yearly quota for recruiting individuals in the tourism and agricultural sectors, specifically for harvesters, allowing a six-month engagement annually.
 |
| Austria Seasonal Worker Visa 2024 |
This quota is subject to annual adjustment. To engage in seasonal employment within Austria, one must secure a work permit and a Visa, if applicable, contingent upon one's nationality.
As per the European Migration Network Report, over 100,000 individuals from third countries enter Europe annually for seasonal work, with a substantial issuance of 49,467 work permits between 2016 and 2019, predominantly for seasonal and harvest workers.
The application process involves your employer applying for a work permit on your behalf, followed by your application for either a Visa C or D, depending on the duration of employment. Further details are expounded below.
Austria Seasonal Worker Visa 2024 Application Process
Who is eligible to apply for a seasonal work visa in Austria?
Eligibility for the Austria Seasonal Work Visa extends to citizens from non-EU countries, necessitating both a work permit and an Austria-specific Visa. Seasonal workers can expect to earn EUR 1,540 per month.
Also Check: Poland Work Visa Process 2024 (Work Permit Types)
Work Sector
In terms of job sectors, the European Migration Network Report reveals that the majority of the 49,467 work permits issued between 2016 and 2019 were allocated to seasonal and harvest workers in agriculture and forestry. This encompasses:
Tourism Sector
- Food services
- Hotels
- Leisure and sports facilities
- Travel agencies
- Cinemas
- Cultural and entertainment facilities
- Health-care facilities
Agricultural Sectors and Harvesters
- Activities linked to producing and obtaining plant products
- Viticulture and fruit growing
- Horticulture
- Maintaining livestock for breeding or fattening, or for obtaining animal products
- Hunting and fishing
The majority of seasonal permits are granted to the citizens of:
- Bosnia
- Herzegovina
- Ukraine
- Afghanistan
- Serbia
- Kosovo
Duration of Seasonal Work Permit
Seasonal employment allows for a flexible term of 6 to a maximum of 9 months, characterized as fixed-term employment.
Which Visa to Apply for?
Choose between Visa C, permitting a 90-day stay within 180 days, and Visa D, allowing stays exceeding 90 days with a maximum validity of five years.
Processing Time
The average processing time for a work permit is six weeks, while visa applications at the Austrian embassy take at least 8 weeks.
Requirements for a Seasonal Work Visa
To secure a Seasonal Work Visa, you need a valid job offer, a work permit, and the appropriate visa based on your stay duration - D Visa for over 90 days or a C Visa for up to 90 days. Visa costs are €60 for Category C and €100 for Category D.
Also Check: List of Countries Offering Job Seeker Visas 2024
How to Apply for the Austria Seasonal Worker Visa
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a Job in Austria
Secure a job offer from a valid Austrian employer.
Step 2: Get a Work Permit
Your employer must apply for a work permit from the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).
Step 3: Apply for the Austria D Visa
Once the work permit is approved, submit your visa application at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. Identify the representative authority using the provided link for your country.
For detailed guidance, refer to our article on the Austria Work Visa Process. It is advisable to cross-verify information with official sources for accuracy.
Explore the official links below
Austria Seasonal Worker Website
EMN Report on Seasonal Workers in Austria
EU Commission Website on Seasonal Workers
Best Wishes.
Explore numerous other job opportunities by visiting HERE.