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RWR-Karte — Red-White-Red Card
VisasAustriaRWR-Karte — Red-White-Red Card
AustriaAustria•Europe
Open

RWR-Karte — Red-White-Red Card

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 months

Estimated Cost

€218 EUR

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Employer-sponsored points-based work permit for skilled professionals earning 55+ points, with 24-month initial grant and spouse work rights.

The Red-White-Red (RWR) Card is Austria's points-based residence and work permit for skilled professionals from outside the EU. It requires a minimum of 55 points and a binding job offer with adequate salary. The card is issued for two years, granting skilled workers legal residency and unrestricted work authorization in their nominated role.

The permit is valid for 24 months and renewable if qualification persists; holders may upgrade to Red-White-Red Card Plus after 21 months of qualifying employment. The application fee is EUR 218. Spouses have unrestricted work rights, and dependents may reside. Processing takes approximately 8 weeks.

This visa is ideal for university-educated professionals and experienced specialists seeking to establish a career in Austria with employer sponsorship and stable, multi-year residence.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Austria flagAustria

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity5 years
Processing4 weeks – 6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Valid job offer from an Austrian employer

Minimum points threshold (70 for Very Highly Qualified, 55 for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations/Other Key Workers)

Proof of qualifications/education relevant to the job

Proof of adequate means of subsistence (regular income)

Proof of health insurance covering all risks in Austria

Proof of adequate accommodation (e.g., lease contract)

No threat to public order or security

Criminal record certificate (not older than 3 months)

KEY CRITERIA

Education

vocational or higher

Experience

1+ years

Min. Income

48,510 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Points calculation sheet

Employment contract

Educational credentials

Work experience documentation

Employer declaration

Criminal record certificate

Health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Two-year initial permit (24 months) enables career continuity and family planning in Austria
  • Clear pathway to Red-White-Red Card Plus after 21 months of qualifying employment
  • Spouse can work without labor market restrictions or additional permits
  • Renewable permit allows multi-year residence without constant reapplication
  • Points-based system rewards education, language skills, and professional experience
  • Dependents qualifying for family reunification and can access Austrian education
  • Full unrestricted work authorization in your qualified occupation

Worth Knowing

  • Application fee of EUR 218 covers processing costs; separate health insurance required
  • Minimum 55 points required; factors include age, education, language proficiency
  • Job offer from Austrian employer is mandatory; job loss may trigger status review
  • Salary threshold of approximately EUR 48,510 annually must typically be met
  • Processing takes 8 weeks; plan applications well in advance of employment start
  • Requires binding job offer from registered Austrian employer; cannot immigrate and then job-search

Application Process

1

Calculate points: Verify you achieve minimum 55 points

2

Secure job offer: Obtain employment contract meeting salary requirements

3

Prepare documentation: Gather all required documents

4

Apply at consulate: Submit application at Austrian embassy/consulate

5

Processing: Application reviewed and processed

6

Receive card: Red-White-Red Card issued for 24 months

Application Forms

Red-White-Red Card Application—

Verified Claims (4)

Last verified Jun 26, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Application fee: 218 EUR
bmi.gv.at
Fees
EUR 218
migration.gv.at
Max Stay Estimate
type: days, initialDays: 730, notes: 24 months per grant; upgrade to Red-White-Red Card plus availab…
migration.gv.at
Spouse Can Work
yes
migration.gv.at
Official Information

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