Apply for a Red-White-Red Card in Austria

The Red-White-Red Card is a central element of Austrian immigration policy. It enables qualified persons from Third countries legal immigration to Austria - for work or for targeted integration into the labor market. But how exactly does the procedure work? Who gets the card, what requirements must be met and what do employers need to know? This comprehensive article sheds light on all the details.

What is the Red-White-Red Card and why does it exist at all?

The Red-White-Red Card was introduced to specifically open up the Austrian labor market to international skilled workers. In contrast to traditional residence permits, it is based on a performance-oriented points system. Anyone who meets certain minimum requirements in terms of education, professional experience and language skills is granted access to the Austrian labor market. The aim is to Tackling the shortage of skilled workers in the long term and at the same time enable controlled, qualitative immigration.

The card is No asylum or refugee programbut is aimed at people who wish to move to Austria for professional reasons - as a rule with a concrete job offer.

Who is the Red-White-Red Card suitable for? - Target groups & categories at a glance

The RWR card is only available to certain Groups of third-country nationals open. The following categories are anchored in the law:

• Particularly highly qualified (e.g. scientists, IT experts)
• Skilled workers in shortage occupations
• Other key personnel
• Graduates of Austrian universities
• Self-employed key personnel
• Start-up founders
• Training graduates with a job offer

Each target group has its own criteria and evaluation points. The basic prerequisite is always a sufficient qualification and - depending on the category - a Workplace in Austria with a industry-specific minimum salary.

The different variants of the Red-White-Red Card - a system with prospects

There are several versions of the card, depending on how long someone has lived in Austria and what qualifications they have:

The different variants of the Red-White-Red Card - a system with prospects

The Plus card is particularly interesting because it is not tied to one employer.

The most important further development is the Red-White-Red Card Pluswhich can be applied for after 21 months of legal employment. It allows free access to the labor marketregardless of the employer. This is particularly attractive for people who want to gain a long-term foothold in Austria.

How does the points system for the Red-White-Red Card work?

The points system evaluates applicants according to:

• Education
• Professional experience
• Language skills (German/English)
• Age
• Additional criteria such as degree in Austria

How does the points system for the Red-White-Red Card work?

Points are awarded according to a standardized system:

Depending on the category, between 55 and 70 points required. It's not just the qualification that counts - also age and language skills have a strong influence on the result.

Requirements and documents in detail - that's what matters

1. qualification & certificates

A Recognized professional qualification or degree must be proven. Recognitions from abroad must be partially nostrified or translated.

2. language skills

At least German A1 or English A2 are mandatory. The higher the language level, the more points. Certificates must be officially recognized.

3. professional experience

The more relevant experience in the last ten years, the better. 6 years of professional experience result in up to 20 points.

4. employment contract

A concrete job offer is required for almost all categories. This must meet certain Minimum salary limits fulfill.

5. financial security

It must be demonstrated that sufficient means of subsistence are available - without entitlement to social benefits.

Where do I apply for the Red-White-Red Card and what is the procedure?

1. application

Takes place either at the Austrian embassy in the country of origin or directly at the competent state authority in Austriaprovided that legal residence exists.

2. labor market test

The AMS checkswhether the workplace meets the requirements - both in terms of Salary as well as Qualification level concerns.

3. processing time

If the documents are complete, processing usually takes 6 to 8 weeks. Delays are often caused by Missing documents or non-recognized evidence.

The role of the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) - quality assurance & auditing

The AMS plays a central role: it checks whether the applicant is suitable for the desired position and whether the employer statutory minimum wage pays. No application will be forwarded without a positive assessment by the AMS.

In addition, it is assessed whether a Nationals or EU citizens is available for this position. If this is not the case, a Employment permit be issued.

Challenges and pitfalls when applying - what you should avoid

1. incomplete documents

Pay attention to certified translations and complete evidence. Missing documents lead to rejection or considerable delay.

2. salary limits undercut

The employment contract must fulfill the collective agreement - otherwise the application will be automatically rejected.

3. language certificates not recognized

Only certificates from recognized inspection bodies (e.g. ÖSD, Goethe-Institut) are assessed.

4. lack of support from the employer

Especially for the first application an active role of the company enormously helpful - especially when communicating with authorities.

Extension and change to the Red-White-Red Card Plus

After two years, the RWR card can be modified or extended be - for example in a Red-White-Red Card Plusif:

• You at least 21 months were employed by the same employer
• none negative violations of aliens law available
• the employment was continuous and was managed correctly in terms of registration law

The Plus Card allows Free change of employer and change of sector - a clear advantage over the regular card.

Good preparation for a successful red-white-red card

The Red-White-Red Card offers well-trained skilled workers a fair, transparent and legally sound opportunity to work in Austria to live and work. Those who know the requirements, are well prepared and submits all supporting documents in fullhas a good chance of being approved.

Companies benefit They also gain motivated, internationally experienced employees - an important competitive factor in times of skills shortages.

Digital HR management for international specialists

If you international specialists with a Red-White-Red Card or want to recruit more staff in the future, structured, digital HR processes are a key success factor. The Personnel cloud offers you a modern platform to manage all HR processes relating to immigration, onboarding, Time management and personnel administration in a legally compliant and efficient manner.

From the digital personnel file about Automated onboarding workflows up to the Legally compliant time recording for third-country nationals Personalwolke supports you in integrating new employees - whether in the building yard, in a tech company or in public administration.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the Red-White-Red Card in Austria

What is the Red-White-Red Card?

The Red-White-Red Card is a Residence permit based on points for qualified workers from Third countries (non-EU/non-EEA countries) who are resident in Austria want to be employed.

Who gets the red-white-red card?

Persons from third countries who have a Professional qualificationrelevant Professional experience, Language skills and a concrete job offer in Austria and are able to prove the Required number of points (at least 55-70 points depending on the category).

How does the points system work?

Points are awarded for:

• Education (up to 30 points)
• Professional experience (up to 20 points)
• German or English language skills (up to 15 points)
• Age (up to 15 points)
• Special additional criteria (e.g. studies in Austria, up to 10 points)

The minimum points vary depending on the target group (e.g. skilled workers in shortage occupations or highly qualified people).

How can I apply for the Red-White-Red Card?

You can submit the application in the country of origin at the Austrian representation (embassy or consulate) or within Austria (in case of legal residence) at the competent residence authority place.

What documents are required?

• Passport
• Proof of qualification (certificates, diplomas)
• Proof of professional experience (job references, references)
• Language certificates
• Binding job offer or employment contract
• Proof of gross salary
• Photograph (passport photo)
• Registration form (for applications in Austria)

How long does the processing take?

As a rule 6-8 weeks after the application has been submitted in full. Delays are often caused by incomplete documents or clarifications by the AMS.

How much does the Red-White-Red Card cost?

The fees amount to approx. € 120-160depending on the federal state, authority and cost (one-off fee for application and issue).

How long is the Red-White-Red Card valid for?

By default 24 months. It can then be extended or converted into a Red-White-Red Card Plus be converted.

What is the Red-White-Red Card Plus?

A residence permit issued after at least 21 months of legal employment can be applied for with the RWR card. It enables unrestricted access to the labor marketi.e. free choice of profession and change of employer without a new examination.

Which professions are among the shortage occupations?

The list is published annually by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Economic Affairs (BMAW) published. Examples are

• Nursing professions
• Metal technicians
• Welders
• Software developers
• Civil engineers

The respective current list can be found on the website of the AMS.

Which language certificates are accepted?

For German z.B.:

• ÖSD
• Goethe Institute
• telc

For English z.B.:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• Cambridge Certificate

Make sure that the certificate not older than 5 years is.

Can I change employer with the RWR card?

Nonot with the regular card. Only with the RWR Card Plus is a Free change of employer possible without submitting a new application.

Can I also work independently with the RWR card?

NoSelf-employment is not permitted with the classic RWR card. There are separate categories with special requirements for self-employed key workers or start-up founders.

What happens if my application is rejected?

You will receive a Decision with reasons. Within 4 weeks on the other hand, you can Complaint to the regional administrative court insert.

Can I take my family with me?

Yes, with Family reunification. Spouses and underage children can apply for a residence permit. The prerequisite is

• Sufficient Living space
• Proof of the financial means
• Valid Health insurance cover

Note on the legally binding nature

This blog post has been prepared with the greatest care and in accordance with the latest information available. However, it does not replace No individual legal advice. All information is provided exclusively general information purposes and take place without guarantee of completeness or correctness. Changes to the legal situation or official practice are possible at any time.

For binding information, we recommend that you contact the responsible Austrian Representative authoritythat AMS or a qualified Legal advice to turn.