Austria•Europe

Open

Seasonal Worker Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 weeks

Estimated Cost

€90–€195 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Employer-sponsored temporary work permit for seasonal employment in agriculture and tourism, with durations and fees tiered by contract length.

The Seasonal Worker Visa is a temporary work permit for non-EU nationals in Austria's seasonal sectors—agriculture, forestry, tourism. The visa allows stays of up to nine months within a twelve-month period under an annual quota system managed by the Austrian government to balance labor market needs with controlled migration.

Applicants must secure a seasonal job offer from an Austrian employer who obtains an employment permit from the Public Employment Service (AMS). Visa fees range from €60 to €100 with processing in 2-4 weeks. Critical: seasonal workers have no right to family reunification; dependents cannot be brought to Austria under this visa category.

This visa is ideal for individuals seeking temporary seasonal work in agriculture, hospitality, or food processing who can return home upon visa expiration.

Cost Breakdown

Visa fee (Category C, up to 90 days)€90 EUR

Visa fee (Category D, over 90 days)€195 EUR

Total€90–€195 EUR

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Austria

RWR-Karte — Red-White-Red Card

Validity2 years

Processing2 months

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a concrete job offer or employment contract from an Austrian employer in a sector with seasonal demand (e.g., agriculture, tourism).

The employer must obtain a seasonal employment permit (Saisonbeschäftigungsbewilligung) from the Public Employment Service (AMS).

The employment must fall within the annual quotas set by the Austrian government.

Must have proof of adequate accommodation for the duration of the stay.

Must have valid health insurance covering the stay.

Must intend to leave Austria upon the expiration of the permit.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Work history

Employment contracts

Current job offer

German A1 certificate

Criminal record certificate

Health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Up to 9 months total work authorization within any 12-month period (270 days)
Renewable permit allows return for multiple seasonal employment periods in same role
No language requirements until renewal — German A1 required for first application only
Fast processing time of 2-4 weeks enables quick employment start
Employer-sponsored model eliminates need for individual visa application preparation
No minimum income or savings requirements — covers underemployed workers
Covers agriculture, tourism, and other seasonal industries with government quota protection

Worth Knowing

Tiered fees range €60-€100 depending on permit type (Category C vs. D)
Quota-based allocation means availability not guaranteed each year
Requires proven seasonal work history (7 months over 2 consecutive years)
No dependent visa rights — family members cannot accompany or obtain work status
No pathway to permanent residence — strictly temporary seasonal work with mandatory exit on expiration

Application Process

Seasonal work history: Document 7 months seasonal work for 2 consecutive years

Same industry: All work must be in same industry (tourism, agriculture, etc.)

Job offer: Secure employment offer for seasonal position

Permanent employment prospect: Employer offers prospect of permanent position

German A1: Provide proof of A1 level German

Prepare documents: Gather work history and credentials

Apply at consulate: Submit application at Austrian embassy/consulate

Processing: Application reviewed (2-4 weeks)

Receive card: Red-White-Red Card issued for 24 months

Application Forms

Red-White-Red Card Seasonal Worker Application

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Verified Claims (10)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Dependent Visa

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migration.gv.at

English Min Score

null

migration.gv.at

English Test Name

null

migration.gv.at

Fee Breakdown

Visa fee (Category C, up to 90 days): 90 EUR; Visa fee (Category D, over 90 days): 195 EUR

migration.gv.at

Fees

Category C visa: €90; Category D visa: €195

migration.gv.at

Forms · 0 · name

Antrag auf Saisonbewilligung (Employment permit for seasonal workers)

migration.gv.at

Language Req

None

migration.gv.at

Official Info

https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/fixed-term-employment/seasonal-workers/

migration.gv.at

Official Information

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Overview

Employer-sponsored temporary work permit for seasonal employment in agriculture and tourism, with durations and fees tiered by contract length.

This visa is ideal for individuals seeking temporary seasonal work in agriculture, hospitality, or food processing who can return home upon visa expiration.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a concrete job offer or employment contract from an Austrian employer in a sector with seasonal demand (e.g., agriculture, tourism).

The employer must obtain a seasonal employment permit (Saisonbeschäftigungsbewilligung) from the Public Employment Service (AMS).

The employment must fall within the annual quotas set by the Austrian government.

Must have proof of adequate accommodation for the duration of the stay.

Must have valid health insurance covering the stay.

Must intend to leave Austria upon the expiration of the permit.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Work history

Employment contracts

Current job offer

German A1 certificate

Criminal record certificate

Health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Up to 9 months total work authorization within any 12-month period (270 days)
Renewable permit allows return for multiple seasonal employment periods in same role
No language requirements until renewal — German A1 required for first application only
Fast processing time of 2-4 weeks enables quick employment start
Employer-sponsored model eliminates need for individual visa application preparation
No minimum income or savings requirements — covers underemployed workers
Covers agriculture, tourism, and other seasonal industries with government quota protection

Worth Knowing

Tiered fees range €60-€100 depending on permit type (Category C vs. D)
Quota-based allocation means availability not guaranteed each year
Requires proven seasonal work history (7 months over 2 consecutive years)
No dependent visa rights — family members cannot accompany or obtain work status
No pathway to permanent residence — strictly temporary seasonal work with mandatory exit on expiration