Austria Red White Red Card: How to Apply, Cost and Processing Time

The Red-White-Red card in Austria serves as both a residence and employment permit. Obtaining this card is the next step after securing an Austria job seeker visa, which is the initial step in searching for a job in Austria. Interested in learning more about who can apply for the Red-White-Red card, the document requirements, and the minimum points needed? Let's dive in.

What is the Austria Red-White-Red Card?

The Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card) is a type of residence permit granted to individuals who are third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) to work and settle in Austria for more than 6months. It must be obtained before starting work and is valid for up to 24 months if all requirements are met.

The following are the advantages of Austria Red-white-Red card also known as the EU blue card

• Free movement within the EU
• Access to social services and healthcare
• Option to settle permanently in Austria

Who Can Apply for Austria Red White Red Card?

There are a total of 7 different subcategories of Austria RWR Cards, each with specific requirements. Additionally, RWR Cards for working with an Austrian company differ from those for independent work.

1. Red-White-Red-Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

Skilled workers from these occupational groups can immigrate to Austria more quickly than any other category. This is because there is a demand for these workers, thus eliminating the need for a labor market check.

To obtain the Red-White-Red Card for the skilled worker category, you must achieve a minimum score of 55 points.

2. Red-White-Red-Card for Other Key Workers

The Red-White-Red Card for Other Key Workers is for non-EU nationals who have received a job offer in Austria for a position not listed as a shortage occupation or who have relevant work experience but lack the specific education required for a shortage occupation.

This category comes with a gross minimum salary of €3,030 per month in 2024.

Also Read: Explore the Work Opportunities in Austria

3. Red-White-Red-Card for Graduates

This card is for non-EU nationals who have completed their studies at an Austrian university and have a job offer matching their academic level.

• No point system or minimum salary requirement.
• No labor market check by the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS)

You have to fulfill the following eligibility to obtain this category

• Completion of studies at a recognized Austrian university or university of applied sciences.
• Job offer in Austria that matches the academic level, with salary according to the collective bargaining agreement and customary overpayment

Explore: Education System in Austria: High Quality at Low Cost

4. Red-White-Red-Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers

The Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers is designed for non-EU nationals with exceptional qualifications. Generally, these highly skilled workers can immigrate to Austria more quickly than other skilled workers. This expedited process is mainly because no labor market check is required.

To be eligible for this category of the Red-White-Red Card, you must achieve a score of up to 70 points.

5. Red-White-Red-Card for Regular Seasonal Workers

The Red-White-Red Card for Regular Seasonal Workers is designed for non-EU nationals who have been employed as registered seasonal workers for at least 2 years and possess a certain level of German proficiency.

As of October 1, 2022, a new special Red-White-Red Card for Regular Seasonal Workers was introduced. Under specific conditions, this card allows for the transition from a visa and work permit as a seasonal worker to a long-term residence permit in Austria.

6. Red-White-Red-Card for Self-Employed Key Workers

The Red-White-Red Card for Self-Employed Key Workers is intended for non-EU nationals who wish to establish a company that will benefit the Austrian economy.

This could involve offering high-added value, providing added impetus, or having a positive impact on Austria’s economic development. Applicants must demonstrate an investment transfer of at least €100,000.

7. Red-White-Red-Card for Start-Up Founders

The Red-White-Red Card for Start-Up Founders is aimed at non-EU nationals planning to establish an innovative company that will enhance the Austrian economy.

Requirements include proving an investment transfer of at least €30,000. To qualify as a start-up founder, applicants must score a minimum of 50 points.

Requirements for the Red-White-Red Card in Austria

Candidates from third countries need to possess skills and knowledge that are scarce or unavailable in the Austrian market to qualify for the Red-White-Red (RWR) card system.

Austria uses an evaluation system to assess foreign talent by awarding points based on various criteria.

Different types of RWR cards emphasize different skills and characteristics. Generally, candidates need:

• Relevant education (especially university degrees) or work experience
• A certain minimum salary
• Language proficiency in German and/or English (through appropriate certificates)
• Age may also be a factor
• Candidates must meet the minimum score requirements for their application to be successful.

Suggested Read: How to Settle in Austria from India: 10 Tips for the Transition

Document Checklist for Applying for an RWR card

The checklist for applying to red white red card Austria includes the following

• Application form
• Passport (with validity as per the stream eligibility)
• Passport size photographs (as per EU criteria) – must not be older than 6 months
• Language Proficiency Test score (if required)
• Education qualification certificates
• Work-related documents (as per the stream criteria requirements)
• Employer documentation
• Personal Documentation (police, medical clearance, etc)

*This list is as per in common basic checklist, and the applicant might be requested to attach other documents as per the requirements of the stream under which you would be grouped like key workers, startup founders, or very highly skilled workers, etc.

Cost and Processing Time of Red White Red Card in Austria

Upon successful submission of the required documents to the AMS – public employment service processing time generally takes between 3 – 5 months. The cost of the application for an RWR card to Austria is 160 EUR.

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