🇦🇹 Red-White-Red Card Austria (2025 Guide)
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria’s main immigration and work permit program for qualified non-EU nationals. It allows you to live and work in Austria based on your skills, education, and job offer from an Austrian employer. Designed to attract skilled workers to fill labor shortages, this card combines residence and work authorization in a single permit — typically valid for up to 24 months.
🧾 Red-White-Red Card Austria Requirements 2025
To qualify for a Red-White-Red Card in 2025, you must meet the following general requirements:
- Valid job offer or employment contract from an Austrian employer.
- Completed education or vocational training relevant to the job.
- Sufficient work experience in your profession.
- Health insurance coverage for your stay in Austria.
- Adequate accommodation in Austria.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself.
- German or English language skills (depending on your category).
- Minimum points according to the specific RWR Card category (see below).
Different categories include:
- Highly Qualified Workers
- Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
- Other Key Workers
- Graduates of Austrian Universities
- Self-Employed Key Workers
- Startup Founders
🪪 How to Apply Red-White-Red Card Austria Step by Step
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Determine under which category you qualify (for example, Skilled Worker in Shortage Occupation or Highly Qualified Worker).
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all necessary documents, including:
- Passport, photo, qualification proofs, job offer, and health insurance.
- Translations and legalization (apostille) if documents are not in German or English.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
You can apply:
- From abroad: at an Austrian embassy or consulate.
- From within Austria: if you already legally reside there.
Step 4: Pay the Fees and Provide Biometrics
Submit biometric data and pay the required fee at the time of application.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Authorities review your file, verify the employer and job offer, and check your points score.
Step 6: Receive Your Card
Once approved, you’ll receive the Red-White-Red Card, allowing you to live and work in Austria for up to 24 months.
📊 Red-White-Red Card Austria Points System Explained
The points system evaluates applicants based on qualifications, experience, language, and age.
Each category has its own scale:
For Highly Qualified Workers (Minimum 70/100 Points)
- Education: up to 40 points
- Work Experience: up to 20 points
- Language Skills (German/English): up to 10 points
- Age: up to 20 points
- Special Achievements: up to 20 points
For Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations (Minimum 55/90 Points)
- Qualification: up to 30 points
- Work Experience: up to 20 points
- Language Skills: up to 15 points
- Age: up to 15 points
- Job Offer in Austria: up to 20 points
⏱ Red-White-Red Card Austria Processing Time
Officially, Austrian authorities must process complete RWR applications within 8 weeks.
However, real-world processing times vary:
| Type of Application | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Straightforward case (all documents correct) | 4–8 weeks |
| Complex case / from abroad | 3–4 months |
| Incomplete documents or embassy delay | Up to 6 months |
Tip: Always submit certified translations and legalised copies to avoid delays.
👷 Red-White-Red Card Austria for Skilled Workers
This category is ideal for applicants with vocational training in professions listed as shortage occupations.
To qualify, you need:
- Completed training in a shortage occupation listed by the Austrian government.
- A binding job offer from an Austrian employer in that field.
- A salary meeting or exceeding the collective agreement standard.
- A minimum score of 55 points on the official RWR points system.
The card is valid for 24 months and tied to your employer. After that, you can upgrade to the Red-White-Red Card Plus.
💶 Red-White-Red Card Austria Salary Threshold (2025)
Salary requirements vary by category and age group.
In general, your gross annual salary must at least match the collective agreement or sectoral minimum wage.
Approximate 2025 thresholds (subject to updates):
| Category | Minimum Gross Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Highly Qualified Workers | Around €48,000+ |
| Other Key Workers (over 30 years old) | Around €3,900/month |
| Other Key Workers (under 30 years old) | Around €3,250/month |
| Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations | As per industry minimum wage agreement |
Always verify the exact salary requirement for your job and age before applying.
🧾 Red-White-Red Card Austria Documents Checklist
Mandatory Documents:
- Valid passport & recent photo
- Job offer or employment contract
- Proof of professional qualifications and diplomas
- Proof of relevant work experience
- German/English language certificate
- Proof of accommodation in Austria
- Proof of health insurance coverage
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Translated and legalized documents (if applicable)
🔁 Renew Red-White-Red Card Austria — How To
To renew or extend your RWR Card:
- Apply before your current card expires (usually within 3 months).
- Submit your renewal at the local residence authority in Austria.
- Provide updated documents such as:
- Current employment confirmation
- Valid health insurance
- Proof of continuous residence and income
- If you’ve been employed for at least 21 months in the last 24, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus for greater work flexibility.
🏢 Employer Sponsorship Red-White-Red Card Austria
Austrian employers play an important role in your RWR Card application.
They must:
- Provide a valid job offer or employment contract.
- Meet the salary threshold for your category.
- Cooperate with the Public Employment Service (AMS) for job market verification.
Employers can also file the application on your behalf directly in Austria, speeding up the process.
🔄 Difference Between Red-White-Red Card Plus and Normal
| Feature | Red-White-Red Card | Red-White-Red Card Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Up to 24 months | Up to 3 years |
| Work Rights | For specific employer/job | Free access to Austria’s labour market |
| Requirements | Job offer, points, and AMS approval | 21 months of legal employment in 24 months |
| Renewal | Converts to RWR Plus | Renewable with broader flexibility |
The RWR Card Plus is essentially a permanent-style permit that offers greater mobility within the Austrian job market.
🇦🇹 Conclusion
The Red-White-Red Card Austria is a valuable pathway for skilled professionals seeking to work and live in Austria.
By understanding the eligibility criteria, points system, and application process, you can prepare a successful application and begin your journey toward long-term residence in one of Europe’s most stable and prosperous countries.