EU Blue Card
Austria
The Austrian EU Blue Card is for university graduates with a binding job offer matching their qualification and paying at least EUR 55,678 a year in 2026. There is no points system, but the Public Employment Service (AMS) checks that no equally qualified registered jobseeker is available. The card is issued for 24 months and can lead to a Red-White-Red Card plus after 21 months of qualifying employment.
Life in Austria
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
85
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–55%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20%
0% up to EUR 13,539; 50% from EUR 104,859; 55% on income above EUR 1 million (temporary through 2029).
Living
1
Happiness
#18 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU graduates (or ICT professionals with experience) with a well-paid job offer in Austria.
Eligibility
Qualification
You need completed studies of at least three years at a university or other tertiary institution.
- ICT professionals and service managers can instead show experience
- Experience must be at least three years, relevant, and within the last seven years
Official wording
Completed studies of at least three years at a university or other tertiary institution. ICT professionals and service managers may instead show at least three years of relevant experience within the last seven years.
Binding job offer
A binding job offer in Austria corresponding to the applicant's education.
Salary
You need a gross annual salary of at least the 2026 amount, plus special payments.
In 2026EUR 55,678
Minimum gross annual salary
- Amount is the average gross annual income of full-time employees
Official wording
In 2026 at least EUR 55,678 gross annual salary plus special payments (the average gross annual income of full-time employees).
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementLabour market test
- Document checklistValid passport and photo
- FeesApplication fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 2 more requirements
- 5 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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