Austria Red-White-Red Card 2026: Points, Jobs & How to Apply

Overview

The Red-White-Red Card lets a non-EU national live and work in Austria for a specific employer, usually for up to 24 months. After that, holders who meet the conditions can move to the Red-White-Red Card plus, which gives free access to the Austrian labour market. There are several categories: very highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, other key workers, graduates of Austrian universities, self-employed key workers and start-up founders. Each category has its own points table and minimum score. Austria also publishes a nationwide and regional shortage occupation list every year, and roles on that list, from electricians and welders to nurses and software developers, are where your chances are strongest. For related routes, see our guides to Germany's Opportunity Card and the Netherlands Highly Skilled Migrant visa.

Eligibility Requirements

• A concrete job offer from an Austrian employer (except the job-seeker visa for very highly qualified workers)
• Enough points in your category: for example, 70 out of 100 for very highly qualified workers and 55 out of 90 for shortage occupations and other key workers
• Points come from qualifications, relevant work experience, language skills (German or English), and age
• A salary that meets the minimum required for your category, which Austria updates each year
• Recognised qualification in the occupation, especially for shortage-list roles
• Valid passport, health insurance and accommodation in Austria

Benefits

• Live and work legally in Austria for your sponsoring employer, usually for up to 24 months
• Path to the Red-White-Red Card plus, which allows you to work for any employer
• Family members can apply for a Red-White-Red Card plus to join you
• Very highly qualified workers can first apply for a six-month job-seeker visa to look for work inside Austria
• Points table is published, so you can check your score before you spend money on applying

Application Process

1. 1Use the points calculator on migration.gv.at to check which category fits you and whether you reach the minimum score
2. 2Check the current shortage occupation list if you are applying as a skilled worker in a shortage occupation
3. 3Secure a written job offer with the salary and conditions clearly stated
4. 4Fill in the Red-White-Red Card application form and the employer's declaration (Arbeitgebererklärung)
5. 5Submit your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for your country, or have your employer file it with the residence authority in Austria where permitted
6. 6The Public Employment Service (AMS) checks the points and labour-market conditions; the residence authority then decides
7. 7If approved, collect your entry visa (where needed) and pick up the card in Austria

Required Documents

• Valid passport and passport photo
• Signed employer's declaration and job offer or employment contract
• Degree certificates and, where needed, proof of recognition
• Proof of work experience (reference letters, contracts)
• Language certificates (German or English) if you are claiming points
• Proof of accommodation and health insurance
• Birth certificate and police clearance where requested

Deadline

There is no fixed deadline. Applications are accepted all year. Processing usually takes about eight weeks once the file is complete, but embassy appointment waits vary by country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Red-White-Red Card rewards preparation. Run the points calculator honestly, target employers in shortage occupations, and gather certified documents before you book an embassy appointment. Salary thresholds and the shortage list change every year, so always confirm the current figures on migration.gv.at before you submit.