Red-White-Red Card
Austria
Last updated: December 19, 2025
2 years (renewable)
$215
3-5 months
Medium
About this Visa
The Red-White-Red Card is a work permit for skilled workers from outside the EU. It combines your residence permit and work permit into one card. You need a job offer in Austria to apply for this card. This visa ties you to one employer for the first two years. After that, you can switch to the "Red-White-Red Card Plus," which lets you work for any company. It is the main way for qualified people to move to Austria for work. You qualify through a points system. You earn points for your education, work experience, age, and language skills. If you have enough points and a job offer, you can apply.
Key Benefits
- Live and work in Austria for two years
- Travel freely within the Schengen Area
- Bring your spouse and children
- Family members get full access to the Austrian labor market immediately
- Get full health insurance coverage through your job
- Switch to a flexible Red-White-Red Card Plus after 21 months
- Apply for permanent residence after five years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country
- Must have a binding job offer from an Austrian company
- Must score enough points (e.g., 55 out of 90) on the calculator
- Must have completed university or specialized vocational training
- Must prove relevant work experience
- Must earn the minimum required monthly salary
- Must have no criminal record
- Must have health insurance
Financial Requirement
You must earn a specific gross monthly salary depending on your category. Graduates and Key Workers under 30 need approx. €3,030 per month. Key Workers over 30 need approx. €3,700 per month. Shortage Occupations must meet the minimum legal wage for that job.
Documents
- PassportMust be valid
- Birth CertificateLegalized or apostilled
- PhotoRecent passport-style photo (EU standard)
- Health InsuranceProof of coverage for your stay
- Accommodation ProofRental contract or ownership deed
- Police ClearanceFrom your home country
- Employer DeclarationSpecial form filled out by your new company
- University DiplomaProof of your degree
- Proof of ExperienceLetters from past employers confirming your work
- Language CertificateGerman (A1-B2) or English level (if claiming points)
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.