Red-White-Red Card

1. Very Highly Qualified Workers

For Top International Professionals

This pathway is designed for highly qualified third-country nationals with exceptional professional or academic profiles.

Eligibility is determined through a points-based system covering qualifications, professional experience, language skills, age and other criteria. Applicants must generally achieve at least 70 points out of 100.

A special advantage of this category is that qualifying applicants who do not yet have an Austrian job offer may apply for a six-month Job Seeker Visa to search for suitable employment in Austria.

• Highly Qualified Professionals
• Senior Specialists
• Researchers
• Scientists
• Senior Managers
• Professionals with Advanced Academic Qualifications

2. Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

For Professionals in High-Demand Occupations

Austria publishes lists of occupations where qualified workers are particularly needed.

Third-country nationals with appropriate vocational training in an eligible shortage occupation and a qualifying Austrian employment offer may apply under this category.

Applicants generally need to achieve at least 55 points under the applicable points system.

• Skilled Tradespeople
• Technical Professionals
• Qualified Specialists
• Professionals in Official Shortage Occupations

3. Other Key Workers

For Qualified Professionals with an Austrian Job Offer

This pathway is intended for qualified third-country nationals who have received an eligible employment offer from an Austrian company.

For 2026, the government specifies a minimum gross monthly remuneration of €3,465 plus special payments, together with a minimum requirement of 55 points. An Austrian labour-market assessment also applies.

• Qualified Employees
• Specialists
• Managers
• Professionals
• International Talent

4. Graduates of Austrian Universities

From Studying in Austria to Building a Career

Eligible third-country nationals who graduate from Austrian universities or qualifying higher-education institutions may have the opportunity to remain in Austria and transition into employment.

• International Graduates
• University Graduates
• Young Professionals
• Austrian Higher-Education Graduates

5. Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture & Forestry

Long-Term Opportunities for Experienced Seasonal Workers

This pathway is designed for eligible third-country nationals who have previously worked in Austria as registered seasonal workers in tourism, agriculture or forestry.

Applicants generally need qualifying previous seasonal employment, German language skills at A1 level and a binding offer of permanent employment.

• Tourism Workers
• Hospitality Professionals
• Agricultural Workers
• Forestry Workers
• Experienced Seasonal Workers

6. Self-employed Key Workers

Business Immigration for Entrepreneurs & Self-Employed Professionals

This pathway is designed for entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals whose intended activity is expected to create broader economic benefit for Austria.

Potential economic benefits may include investment, job creation, transfer of know-how or other positive economic effects.

• Entrepreneurs
• Business Owners
• Self-Employed Professionals
• International Investors
• Business Expansion Projects

7. Start-up Founders

Launch Your Innovative Business in Austria

The Start-up Founder pathway is designed for third-country nationals who want to establish and actively manage an innovative company in Austria.

The Red-White-Red Card for qualifying Start-up Founders may be issued for up to 24 months.

• Innovative Business Concept
• Coherent Business Plan
• Active Management Role
• Minimum €30,000 Company Capital
• At least 50% Equity Share
• Minimum 50 Points