Austria•EuropeRed-White-Red Card - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
At a Glance
Processing Time
14-28 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 skilled workers in occupations experiencing labour shortages in Austria. No labour market check required. Issued for 24 months with renewal pathway.
Austria's Red-White-Red Card for shortage occupations streamlines hiring of skilled workers in fields where Austria faces labour shortages, including healthcare, engineering, IT, and specialized trades. The pre-established shortage reduces application complexity.
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Requirements
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Professional
Required Skills
Language
German
Basic
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
Educational credentials
Bachelor's degree or vocational qualification
Employment contract
Signed offer from Austrian employer
Job description
Position requirements and duties
Work experience proof
References and employment history
Criminal record certificate
Health insurance
Proof of accommodation
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Advantages
- No labour market check required
- Pre-identified shortage occupations
- Faster processing than other work permits
- Clear salary expectations
- Family reunification allowed
Considerations
- Limited to shortage occupations only
- Initially employer-specific
- Must maintain employment for duration
- Strict criminal record policy
Application Process
Identify shortage occupation
Verify your occupation is on Austria's shortage list
Secure job offer
Obtain employment contract from Austrian employer
Prepare documents
Gather qualifications and employment documentation
Apply at consulate
Submit application at Austrian embassy/consulate
Processing
Application processed (typically 2-4 weeks)
Receive card
Red-White-Red Card issued for 24 months
Application Forms
Red-White-Red Card Application
Form ID: RWR
Ready to Apply?
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