Austria•EuropeRed-White-Red Card - Self-Employed Key Workers
At a Glance
Processing Time
14-56 days
Application Fee
Free
Stay Duration
24 months
Renewable
Varies
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Residence permit for self-employed entrepreneurs and key workers. Requires business plan demonstrating job creation or innovation. Issued for 24 months, renewable.
The Red-White-Red Card for Self-Employed Key Workers targets entrepreneurs who will contribute significantly to Austria's economy through job creation, technology transfer, or innovation. The business must be of regional or national importance.
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick assessment to see how well you match this visa and get personalized tips
Requirements
Financial
Investment Required
100,000 EUR
Personal
Passport Validity
3 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
none or higher
Professional
Experience
Must demonstrate qualifications and experience necessary to carry out the intended business activity.+ years
Required Skills
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IT, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK, IS, LI, NO, CH
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Passport photos
2 recent photographs
Business plan
Detailed business concept showing regional significance
Financial proof
Evidence of startup capital or funding
Professional qualifications
Education and experience relevant to business
Criminal record certificate
Health insurance
Valid Austrian coverage
Proof of accommodation
Tax identification documents
OptionalTrack your documents or upload them for AI-powered review
Advantages
- Entrepreneurship pathway
- Job creation focus benefits approval
- Renewable on business success
- Family members can join
- Path to permanent residency
Considerations
- Detailed business plan required
- Regional importance assessment needed
- Requires demonstrable capital
- Competitive evaluation process
Application Process
Develop business plan
Create detailed plan showing job creation or innovation
Secure funding
Demonstrate capital or investment capacity
Gather documentation
Prepare all business and personal documents
Apply at consulate
Submit application at Austrian embassy/consulate
Business evaluation
Plan assessed for feasibility and impact
Processing
Application reviewed (2-8 weeks typical)
Receive card
Red-White-Red Card issued for 24 months
Application Forms
Red-White-Red Card Self-Employed Application
Form ID: RWR-SE
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa