Austrian Red-White-Red Card

If you are interested in relocating to Austria for more promising career opportunities, then the Austrian Red-White-Red Card would be an ideal pathway for you. Specifically designed for skilled workers from non-EU countries, this program allows you to live and work in Austria while contributing to its economy.

From application processes and requirements to benefits and a personal insight into life in Austria, this detailed guide contains all information relevant to the Austrian Red-White-Red Card.

What is the Austrian Red-White-Red Card?

The Austrian Red-White-Red Card is a residence and work permit to allow highly skilled professionals, graduates, and workers from non-EU countries to migrate to Austria. It uses a point-based approach to evaluate the applicants according to their qualification, work experience, and language skills and age.

The primary objective of this program is to attract talent to Austria in line with labor market needs, such as:

• Highly qualified workers
• Skilled workers in shortage occupations
• Graduates of Austrian universities
• Self-employed key personnel
• Start-up founders

The Red-White-Red Card is part of Austria’s strategy to attract global talent in order to maintain economic stability and growth, providing opportunities for workers across various sectors.

Benefits of the Red-White-Red Card

• Live and Work Legally in Austria: The Red-White-Red Card enables you to live and work for a specific employer in Austria, opening doors to promising career growth.

• Path to Long-term Residency: After holding the card for 24 months, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Plus Card, which gives you free access to the Austrian labor market.

• Family Reunification: Your immediate family members can also join you in Austria and enjoy residence rights.

• Austria’s High Living Standards: Austria offers world-class healthcare, excellent education systems, and a robust economy, ensuring a high quality of life.

• Access to the European Market: Working in Austria also connects you to the broader European Union market, offering professional exposure and further opportunities.

Who Can Apply for the Red-White-Red Card?

The Austrian Red-White-Red Card is designed for different groups of applicants. Below are specific groups and their requirements for eligibility:

1. Highly Qualified Workers

This category allows people with exceptional qualifications in areas like technology, engineering, or science. In order to be considered for this category, you should score at least 70 points on the following factors:

• Educational Qualifications (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D.)
• Work Experience in Your Field
• Language Skills (German or English)
• Age-younger candidates get more points
• Special Achievements Such as Patents, Research Contributions, or Awards

2. Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

Austria annually publishes a list of shortage occupations. To qualify if you have qualification and experience within any one of the published fields, you will score 55.

Examples of shortage occupations;

• Mechanical engineers
• Developers
• Nurses
• Electricians
• Welders

Shortage professions refer to occupations whose demand is more than their supply resulting from the continued growth of industrial and service sectors.

3. Graduates from Austrian Universities

International students that successfully graduate from an Austrian University or higher education establishment will be eligible for the Red-White-Red Card.

• Must have a job that’s connected to their education
• Remuneration requirements will apply
• The duration of a work contract must align with residence requirements

4. Key Personnel Self-Employed

Entrepreneurs capable of making a major investment in Austria and in fact capable of creating employment will also be eligible. 

• Required Minimum investment of € 100,000
• Economic benefits to Austria through innovation, infrastructure, or creation of jobs in the area
• Comprehensive business concept and plan of operations

5. Entrepreneurs with a startup

Those start-up founders who come with a solid business plan and sufficient financing can apply too. There are also certain requirements set for these applicants such as:

• Submission of an elaborate business plan
• Proof of a minimum amount of funding €50,000
• Evidence of innovative business ideas or technology
• A minimum of 50 points according to the criteria in Austria for startups

Red-White-Red Card Application Procedure

These streamlined steps can be used to successfully apply for the Austrian Red-White-Red Card.

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Points

You need to check which category you belong to and also ensure you have the minimum points requirement. Austria has a point-based evaluation system, so that everyone gets a fair chance to get selected for the position.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

You will require the following documents:

• Valid passport
• Qualification proof (degrees, certificates, etc.)
• Work experience letters
• Language proficiency certificates in German or English
• Job offer or employment contract (if applicable)
• Financial proof (for self-employed or start-up founders)
• Passport-size photographs
• Business plans (for entrepreneurs and start-up founders)

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Applications can be submitted at any Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Your employer in Austria can file the application on your behalf.

Step 4: Await Approval

The processing time for the Red-White-Red Card usually takes 8 to 12 weeks. The immigration authorities will check your application, supporting documents, and employer verification (if necessary).

Step 5: Move to Austria

Once your application is approved, you will receive your Red-White-Red Card, and you can move to Austria. Once you arrive, you must register with the local residence authority.

Red-White-Red Card Plus

After holding the initial Red-White-Red Card for 2 years, you may apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus. This higher permit will allow you full access to the Austrian labor market, allowing you the freedom to work for any employer.

The Red-White-Red Card Plus also presents an opportunity to integrate into Austrian society and build long-term career pathways.

Why Choose Oasis Visas?

At Oasis Visas, we specialize in assisting and enabling skilled professionals, graduates, and entrepreneurs to successfully apply for an Austrian Red-White-Red Card. Here is why you should trust us:

• Expert Guidance: Our immigration experts will be there for you, every step of the way, beginning with eligibility assessment, document preparation and submission.

• Personalized Solution: Every applicant is unique, therefore we tailor our solutions in response to your professional ambitions and personal situation.

• Proven Success Record: We have successfully assisted hundreds of professionals to date in their Austrian immigration goals.

• Full Support: We are there to assist you, from document verification to final approval, for a smooth process.

• Transparent Process: Oasis Visas believes in complete transparency. You will always know the status of your application.

Start Your Austrian Journey with Oasis Visas

If you are ready to live and work in Austria, let Oasis Visas make the process easy and smooth for you. Austria waits for you with its burgeoning economy and an excellent life. Don’t miss a chance to make your life secure with the Austrian Red-White-Red Card. Inquire with us today for a consultation free of cost, and let us guide you to your Austria dream!