Austria•EuropeRed-White-Red Card - Very Highly Qualified Workers
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
Points-based residence permit for very highly qualified third-country national workers. No labour market check required. Issued for 24 months, can lead to permanent residency.
The Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers is Austria's primary pathway for skilled migrant workers with exceptional qualifications. This category prioritizes individuals with master's degrees or higher and specialized expertise. No labour market test is required, streamlining the application process.
Check Your Eligibility
Take our quick assessment to see how well you match this visa and get personalized tips
Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
3 months
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
bachelors or higher
Professional
Experience
Points are awarded for relevant work experience; no absolute minimum but 70 points total must be reached.+ years
Required Skills
Language
N/A
N/A
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
Valid for entire intended stay
Passport photos
2 recent photographs
Educational credentials
Master's degree or equivalent with verification
Employment contract
Signed contract with Austrian employer
Job description
Detailed position description
Criminal record certificate
From country of residence
Health insurance
Valid in Austria covering all risks
Proof of accommodation
Housing arrangement in Austria
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Advantages
- No labour market check required
- Fast processing (2-4 weeks)
- Clear path to permanent residency
- Can bring family members
- Work flexibility after 21 months employment
Considerations
- Requires master's degree or equivalent
- Initially tied to specific employer
- Must meet minimum salary requirements
- Criminal record restrictions
Application Process
Secure job offer
Obtain binding job offer from Austrian employer
Points qualification
Verify you meet minimum points for very highly qualified category
Prepare documents
Gather all required documentation and credentials
Employer application
Employer may apply with residence authority or you apply at consulate
Submit application
Apply at Austrian consulate/embassy in home country
Processing
Application reviewed and approved (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?
Check your eligibility first to see how well you match this visa