Red-White-Red Card for In-Demand Professionals
Austria offers a dedicated immigration pathway for qualified third-country nationals whose profession is officially classified as a shortage occupation.
The Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations allows qualifying professionals with appropriate training and a binding Austrian job offer to live and work in Austria.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists applicants in assessing their eligibility and coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal and immigration professionals.
Applicants generally need to meet three key requirements:
55 Points
Applicants must achieve at least 55 points under Austria's official points system for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations.
Maximum: 30 Points
Maximum: 20 Points
Maximum: 25 Points
Maximum: 15 Points
Meeting the minimum points threshold alone does not guarantee approval. The applicant must also satisfy the qualification, employment and other applicable immigration requirements.
Minimum required: 55 of 90 points
Austria publishes an official shortage occupation list each year. There are two different categories.
These professions are officially recognised as shortage occupations throughout Austria. For 2026, Austria lists 64 nationwide shortage occupation groups. Examples include:
The complete official list should always be checked for the year in which the application is submitted.
Austria also maintains a separate list of professions considered shortage occupations only in particular federal provinces. This means that eligibility can depend on where in Austria the employer is located. Examples of regional shortage occupations for 2026 include certain:
The applicable federal province must always be checked before an application is prepared.
Austria's shortage occupation list is not permanent. The Austrian government determines the relevant shortage occupations annually based on labour-market conditions.
A profession included in the 2026 list may therefore not necessarily remain a shortage occupation in a future year. Eligibility should always be assessed according to the official list applicable at the time of application.
Successful applicants can generally receive a Red-White-Red Card for up to 24 months. The initial card authorizes residence and employment with the employer specified in the application.
Up to 24 Months
Greater Employment Freedom
Eligible holders may subsequently qualify for the Red-White-Red Card Plus after satisfying the applicable employment requirements. The Red-White-Red Card Plus provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
Eligible family members may have access to Austrian family reunification pathways. Depending on the applicable requirements, qualifying family members may also obtain residence and access to the Austrian labour market.
We check whether your profession appears on the current nationwide or regional Austrian shortage occupation list.
Your education, professional training and experience are reviewed against the applicable requirements.
We assess your profile according to Austria's official points system.
Your Austrian employment offer, employer and proposed remuneration are reviewed against the applicable requirements.
Together with the relevant professional partners, the required documentation and application process are coordinated.
Following successful approval, we assist with the next stages of your relocation where required.
Applicants need at least 55 points.
Yes. A binding qualifying employment offer from an Austrian employer is required.
Yes. The profession must fall within the applicable nationwide or regional shortage occupation list for the relevant year.
No. Austria has both nationwide and regional shortage occupations. For regional shortage occupations, the location of the prospective employer is important.
Yes. The shortage occupation lists are determined annually.
The employer must generally provide at least the remuneration required under Austrian law, regulation or the applicable collective agreement. The exact amount therefore depends on the employment and applicable rules.
It can generally be issued for up to 24 months.
Is Your Profession in Demand?
If you are a qualified professional and your occupation is currently in demand in Austria, the Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations may provide a pathway to living and working in Austria.
CETO can help assess your profession, qualifications, points and employment situation.
