Austria•EuropeRed-White-Red Card - Start-up Founders
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 innovative start-up founders. Requires business plan for novel products/services and €50,000 capital with 50%+ equity. Issued for 24 months.
The Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders specifically targets entrepreneurs developing innovative products, services, processing methods, or technologies. Applicants must maintain controlling influence over the company and demonstrate sufficient capital investment.
Check Your Eligibility
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Requirements
Financial
Minimum Savings
50,000 EUR
Investment Required
50,000 EUR
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, SE, SI, SK
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Passport photos
2 recent photographs
Business plan
Detailed innovative business concept
Product/service description
Novel product or service details
Capital proof
Bank statements showing €50,000 available capital
Ownership documentation
Evidence of 50%+ equity stake
Professional qualifications
Relevant education and experience
Business registration
Or registration plan if establishing in Austria
OptionalCriminal record certificate
Health insurance
Proof of accommodation
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Advantages
- Innovation-focused pathway
- Supports entrepreneurship
- Clear capital requirement (€50,000)
- Path to permanent residency
- Family reunification allowed
Considerations
- Must demonstrate innovation
- 50%+ equity requirement
- Requires maintaining control
- Competitive selection process
Application Process
Develop innovative business plan
Create plan for novel products/services/technologies
Secure startup capital
Demonstrate €50,000 minimum with 50%+ equity stake
Establish business entity
Register company in Austria or plan to do so
Prepare documentation
Gather all business and personal documents
Apply at consulate
Submit application at Austrian embassy/consulate
Innovation assessment
Plan evaluated for innovation and feasibility
Receive card
Red-White-Red Card issued for 24 months
Application Forms
Red-White-Red Card Start-up Application
Form ID: RWR-Startup
Ready to Apply?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa