The Austria Seasonal Worker Visa is a fixed-term employment contract for third-country nationals, including workers from non-European countries. The Federal Minister of Labour and Economy, Austria has established an annual Austria seasonal work permit quota to employ workers in the tourism, agricultural sectors, and for harvesters for six months within a year. This quota for Austria seasonal workers is set annually based on labor demands.

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To carry out seasonal employment in Austria, you must obtain an Austria seasonal work permit 2024 and a visa (if required), depending on your nationality. The application process can vary, so understanding the Austria seasonal worker visa requirements is crucial before applying.

According to the European Migration Network Report, more than 100,000 nationals from third countries enter Europe each year for seasonal employment. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 49,467 work permits were issued, most of which were for Austria visa for seasonal workers. To work in Austria, your employer will apply for an Austria work permit for non-EU citizens on your behalf. Once the permit is approved, you will apply for either a Visa C or Visa D, depending on the duration of your employment. For those looking for opportunities, Austria also offers visa sponsorship jobs for seasonal workers.

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More details about the Austria seasonal worker visa application process and the necessary documentation are provided 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.

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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

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

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.

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.