Greater Freedom to Live & Work in Austria
The Red-White-Red Card Plus is an Austrian residence title for third-country nationals that provides temporary settlement together with unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
Unlike the standard Red-White-Red Card, which is generally linked to a specific employer or activity, the Red-White-Red Card Plus allows eligible holders to work for different employers throughout Austria and, subject to applicable rules, also pursue self-employment.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists applicants and families in assessing their eligibility and coordinates the application process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
This distinguishes it from the standard Red-White-Red Card, which initially provides more restricted labour-market access.
The Red-White-Red Card Plus can be issued in several different situations. Eligibility depends on the applicant's current residence status and individual circumstances.
At Least 21 Months During the Previous 24 Months
Eligible holders of a standard Red-White-Red Card may transition to a Red-White-Red Card Plus after satisfying the applicable employment requirements. This transition provides significantly greater flexibility in the Austrian labour market.
Eligible EU Blue Card holders can also transition to a Red-White-Red Card Plus. Where the applicable employment requirements have been met, the holder can obtain unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
Eligible family members of certain residence-title holders may qualify directly for a Red-White-Red Card Plus. This can include qualifying family members of:
Unlimited Labour Market Access
A holder of a valid Red-White-Red Card Plus does not generally need to obtain a new employment-specific residence permit simply because they change employer.
This creates significantly greater employment flexibility compared with the initial standard Red-White-Red Card.
For qualifying family members, the Red-White-Red Card Plus is particularly attractive because it can combine:
This allows eligible spouses and other qualifying family members to build their own professional lives in Austria.
The exact documentation depends on the legal basis of the application.
Foreign documents may require certified translations, apostille or legalization.
We review your current Austrian residence title and immigration history.
We determine which Red-White-Red Card Plus pathway may apply to your circumstances.
Where applicable, employment history or family relationship requirements are reviewed.
The required residence and supporting documents are prepared and coordinated.
The application is submitted to the competent Austrian residence authority.
If the applicable requirements are satisfied, the Red-White-Red Card Plus can be issued.
The validity period depends on the applicant's residence history and individual circumstances. It provides temporary settlement rather than permanent residence.
Eligible long-term residents may later have access to Long-Term Residence – EU.
Yes. The Red-White-Red Card Plus generally provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
Yes. Unlike the standard Red-White-Red Card, the RWR Card Plus is not generally tied to one specific employer.
Yes. Certain eligible family members of qualifying Austrian residence-title holders can receive the Red-White-Red Card Plus.
Not always. Some applicants qualify through family reunification or another qualifying residence status.
The Red-White-Red Card Plus allows both employed and self-employed activity, subject to the applicable Austrian legal requirements.
No. It is a temporary settlement title. Eligible residents may later qualify for Long-Term Residence – EU.
Take the Next Step in Your Austrian Residence Journey
If you already hold an Austrian residence permit or want to relocate as a family member of an eligible resident, the Red-White-Red Card Plus may provide greater flexibility and unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
CETO can help you assess the appropriate pathway and coordinate your application.
