Austria Red-White-Red Card

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 14, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Austria's Red-White-Red Card allows third-country nationals to work in the country. This combined residence and work permit is designed for skilled professionals from non-EU countries who have secured a job offer in Austria.

With its pathway to permanent residency and the possibility of family reunification, the Red-White-Red Card is a secure option for those seeking long-term opportunities in Austria.

 

What is a Red-White-Red Card?

A Red-White-Red card is a type of Austria visa that combines a residency permit with an employment permit, allowing the holder to live and work in Austria.

It holds a validity of two years but is restricted to you living in a particular settlement (such as a house or an apartment) and working with a specific, pre-defined employer that's noted during the application process.

It's important to note that if you change your employer during the two years you're in Austria, you'll need to apply for a new Red-White-Red card.

Types of Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is not a one-size-fits-all permit - it has seven subcategories, each covering skilled workers with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

The categories are:

1. Very Highly Qualified Workers: For individuals with exceptional qualifications, such as advanced degrees, extensive experience, or specialised knowledge in high-demand fields.
2. Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: Austria regularly updates a list of occupations in shortage. If an individual's skills and experience align with one of the in-demand professions, they may qualify for this category.
3. Other Key Workers: Skilled workers with qualifications and experience in specific key sectors vital to the Austrian economy, such as healthcare professionals or skilled tradespeople.
4. Graduates of Austrian Universities and Colleges: People who have completed a degree at an Austrian educational institution.
5. Regular Seasonal Workers in Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry: Workers seeking seasonal employment in specific sectors, specifically to support Austria's tourism and agricultural industries.
6. Self-Employed Key Workers: Self-employed individuals with expertise in key sectors and the ability to contribute significantly to the Austrian economy.
7. Start-up Founders: If you have an innovative business idea and the ambition to establish a startup in Austria, this category may suit you.

Each subcategory has specific eligibility criteria and requirements. Before you apply, make sure to carefully assess your qualifications and professional background to determine which category best suits your situation.

Please note that although the Red-White-Red card supports family migration, each family member will need to apply for their own Red-White-Red-Plus card.

This page refers to the Red-White-Red Card and does not necessarily reflect the terms of the Plus card.

General requirements for all Red-White-Red Card categories

Regardless of the subcategory you're applying for, there are some general criteria you'll first need to meet to be eligible for the Red-White-Red Card. This is founded on a points-based system.

Depending on the visa type you're after, you'll need to achieve the defined number of points, which are awarded on various aspects of your career, character, income, job, language skills, and more.

The complete list of each point systems are linked below:

• Very Highly Qualified Workers (Required minimum points: 70)

• Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations (Required minimum points: 55)

  ◦ Austria-wide shortage occupations

  ◦ Regional shortage occupations

Note: The Austria-wide and regional shortage occupations contain a list of all professions currently accepted as Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations. If you find your occupation on the list, only then can you work through the Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations point system.

• Other Key Workers (Required minimum points: 55)
• Start-up Founders (Required minimum points: 50)

For two of the variations, you won't need to meet the points system but rather a set of predetermined criteria. These visa variations are:

• Regular Seasonal Workers
• Self-Employed Key Workers

You will need a job offer from an Austrian employer under these categories to apply for a Red-White-Red card visa successfully. Otherwise, you'll need to opt for a Job Seeker visa (this is only available to Very Highly Qualified Workers).

There are some other general requirements that must be as well:

Adequate means of living & income

To qualify for residency, you need to show that you can support yourself financially. This means having a regular income that covers your basic living costs without needing help from the government.

When you apply, your monthly income must be at least equal to the 'equalisation supplement reference rate'.

This rate is set by the government and changes from time to time. As of January 1, 2024, these rates are:

• Single person: €1,217.46
• Couple: €1,921.96
• Each child (extra): €187.93

Important: Any benefits you might be eligible for after getting your residency permit (like welfare or supplements) don't count towards this income requirement. You need to show you can support yourself independently from the start.

Health insurance

You'll need to have the that's accepted in Austria and covers all risks if you're to apply for a visa. If you're covered by a public social insurance system, such as if you're employed in Austria or are covered under the UK's GHIC or EHIC systems, you'll be covered.

Requirements for housing

You should be able to provide evidence of suitable accommodation in Austria.

Your family size will be considered here, so make sure that you've made proper housing arrangements before you apply. You can prove this with a lease agreement or other relevant housing documents.

Free accommodation, such as staying at a friend's house, is not eligible since there's no legal deed or notice period.

No threat to public order or security

You need to prove that you don't pose any risk to the safety and security of Austria or its people. This means you shouldn't have any criminal convictions or be involved in activities like terrorism or serious violence.

You can apply for a criminal record certificate, called a Strafregisterbescheinigung, here.

It's important to note that these are the primary eligibility criteria. As mentioned above, the Red-White-Red card has several subcategories that may require you to meet further criteria, depending on your circumstances.

How to apply for a Red-White-Red Card

The application process for the Red-White-Red card involves several steps, which can vary slightly depending on the visa variation you're applying for.

As mentioned above, before you begin, it's important to assess each subcategory and which is relevant to your situation.

Reference the list above or explore the in-depth guides related to your subcategory on the Austrian government website that can be found here.

Obtaining and completing an application form

You are responsible for applying and tracking the status of your application.

You can begin the process by downloading an application form from the Government website here or obtaining one from your nearest Austrian representative (embassy or consulate).

Additionally, your employer must fill out a declaration form, which confirms your position in a role, your job description, and your salary. You can direct them to the form via this link.

In certain situations, your prospective employer may also be able to submit the main application on your behalf to the competent residence authority in Austria. This is usually done after you've legally entered Austria and your current visa or residence permit is still valid.

Required documents

Once you've completed the application form, you must compile all your supporting documents. They must be translated into German or English if they aren't already.

Here's a list of the documents you'll need:

• A completed application form
• Valid travel document (e.g. passport)
• A photograph (dimensions: 45x35mm) taken in the last six months
• Proof of full coverage health insurance or equivalent
• A criminal record certificate, obtained in the last three months. You can apply for this here.
• A declaration from your employer, along with a detailed job description

This list doesn't include any additional documents relevant to your subcategory. Those can be found here.

Points system

At this stage, some applicants will be evaluated against further criteria. They'll be scored against a points system relevant to their skills and expertise to confirm their eligibility.

This points system is only relevant to those applying under the following categories:

1. Very Highly Qualified Workers
2. Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
3. Other Key Workers
4. Start-up Founders

If you fall under one of these categories, you'll need to accumulate a sufficient amount of points across education, professional experience, age, and language skills. You can find an estimate of your accumulated points using the government calculator here.

Application submission

Once you're ready, you have two main options to apply for a Red-White-Red Card:

1. Apply at an Austrian embassy/consulate: If you are in your home country or another country where you legally reside, you can submit your application directly to the Austrian embassy or consulate there.
2. Apply in Austria: If you have already legally entered Austria and your visa or residence permit is still valid, you or your employer can send your application directly to the relevant authority in Austria.

Processing time

The application process takes around eight weeks, on average, from beginning to end. It could take longer, depending on the authority's workload and whether they have all the correct documents within the timeframe.

The authorities might not inform you of delays, so you should contact them if eight weeks have passed without a decision.

Decision on Red-White-Red Card eligibility

You'll receive a letter containing the decision made on your application, regardless of the outcome. Of course, the best case is that your application is accepted, and you receive your Red-White-Red card.

If your application is rejected, you'll receive a written decision explaining the reasons why. You can appeal the decision. We'd recommend seeking professional advice if your application is rejected to help you understand your options and potential next steps.

Application fees

As of September 2024, the application fee for the Red-White-Red Card is €160 - you or your employer can choose to pay this.

Additional fees apply if you need to submit additional documents or require a Visa D. There may also be fees related to obtaining extra certificates, such as your criminal record certificate.

By meeting the specific requirements and accumulating the necessary points, you can significantly increase your chances of obtaining the Red-White-Red Card and securing a fulfilling career in Austria.

Talk to a visa consultant

Sure, applying for a Red-White-Red can feel pretty daunting. If you want to avoid potential delays or rejection due to missed deadlines or incomplete paperwork, it's best to chat with a visa consultation service.

A visa consultation service can help you to:

• Simplify the process: Get expert guidance every step of the way
• Maximise your chances: Ensure your application is complete and accurate
• Save time and stress: This is what we do best! Let the professionals handle the complexities.

Important note:

Always refer to the official Austria migration website for the most up-to-date and accurate information on visa options and requirements. Immigration regulations are ever-changing, so it's important to stay informed throughout the application process and beyond.

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