Austria•EuropeSeasonal Worker Visa
At a Glance
2–4 weeks
EUR €90–€195
Varies by filing options
6 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Not specified
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
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
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 6 months |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
AustriaRequirements
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 | — |
Related visas
More visas in Austria
Work visas in other countries
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