1. Establish a New Company in Austria
New Business in Austria
The Start-up Founder pathway is intended for the creation of a new company rather than simply acquiring residence through a passive investment.
🇦🇹 Austria
Start-up Founders
Red-White-Red Card for Innovative Entrepreneurs
← Back to Austria
Austria offers a dedicated immigration pathway for third-country nationals who want to establish and actively manage an innovative start-up in Austria.
The Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders combines residence with the right to pursue the approved self-employed business activity.
CETO Global Immigration Consulting & Partners assists international founders in assessing their eligibility and coordinates the immigration process together with qualified legal, immigration and business professionals.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet several specific requirements.
2. Innovative Business Concept
The innovation must form a central part of the proposed business model.
- Innovative Products
- Innovative Services
- Innovative Processes
- Innovative Technologies
3. Coherent Business Plan
Detailed & Coherent Business Plan
Supporting documents should demonstrate that the proposed project is credible and viable.
- Business Concept
- Product or Service
- Innovation
- Target Market
- Business Model
- Financing
- Investment
- Company Structure
- Growth Strategy
- Commercial Development
4. Active Management Role
Substantial Influence Over the Management of the Company
The founder must actively participate in operating and managing the business. The pathway is therefore not intended purely for passive investors.
5. Minimum Capital
€30,000 — at least 50% equity capital
The required capital must be documented as part of the application.
6. Minimum Points Requirement
50 Points
Reaching the required points threshold does not by itself guarantee approval. All other immigration, business and residence requirements must also be satisfied.
Points System
Points can be awarded for areas including:
Qualifications
Relevant vocational training or higher education can contribute points toward eligibility. Qualifications obtained in Austria may receive additional recognition under the applicable points criteria.
Professional Experience
Relevant professional experience can contribute to the applicant's total score. Experience connected to the proposed business or professional qualifications can be particularly relevant.
Language Skills
German and English language skills can contribute points under the official assessment system. Applicants should provide recognized evidence of their language proficiency where points are being claimed.
Age
Up to 35 years: 10 Points
Additional Investment Capital
€50,000: 10 Additional Points
This is separate from the basic minimum capital requirement for the company.
Incubator or Funding
10 Points
Available where the applicant has been admitted to an Austrian business incubator or receives funding from a qualifying Austrian start-up funding agency. Evidence of the relevant agreement or funding must be provided.
Key Requirements at a Glance
- A New Company in Austria
- An Innovative Business Concept
- A Coherent Business Plan
- Personal & Active Management
- Minimum €30,000 Company Capital
- At Least 50% Equity Capital
- Minimum 50 Points
- Compliance with Austria's General Residence Requirements
Who May Benefit From This Program?
- Technology Entrepreneurs
- Software Founders
- FinTech Founders
- HealthTech Entrepreneurs
- Sustainable Businesses
- Innovative Service Companies
- Digital Businesses
- Product Developers
- International Start-up Founders
- Innovation-Focused Entrepreneurs
Business Plan & Required Evidence
- Business Plan
- Market Analysis
- Financial Plan
- Capital Evidence
- Proof of Available Equity
- Company Formation Documents
- Shareholder Documentation
- Evidence of Innovation
- Professional Qualifications
- Work Experience Certificates
- Language Certificates
- Incubator or Funding Agreements where applicable
The authorities may request additional evidence depending on the individual project.
AMS Assessment
The Austrian residence authority forwards Start-up Founder applications to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), which assesses whether the applicant meets the special Start-up Founder requirements.
If the AMS issues a positive assessment and the general residence requirements are satisfied, the competent residence authority may grant the Red-White-Red Card.
3 Weeks for the AMS Expert Opinion
Application Process
- 01
Initial Consultation
We discuss your proposed start-up, professional background and immigration objectives.
- 02
Eligibility & Points Assessment
Your business concept, qualifications, experience, language skills, capital and other relevant criteria are assessed.
- 03
Business Plan Review
The proposed business model and supporting evidence are reviewed and coordinated.
- 04
Documentation
The required business, financial and immigration documentation is prepared.
- 05
Application Submission
The application is submitted to the competent Austrian authority.
- 06
AMS Assessment
The AMS assesses whether the Start-up Founder requirements are fulfilled.
- 07
Residence Authority Decision
If the special and general requirements are satisfied, the Red-White-Red Card can be issued.
Where Can You Apply?
The competent authority in Austria depends on the applicant's intended residence. For Vienna, the competent authority is generally MA 35.
A lawful in-country application submitted under the applicable rules can allow the applicant to remain in Austria while the procedure is pending, even if the original visa-free period or visa expires.
- At the competent Austrian embassy or consulate abroad
- Personally in Austria following lawful entry and during lawful residence, where permitted
Required Documents
- Valid Passport
- Recent Passport Photograph
- Evidence of Qualifications
- Evidence of Professional Experience
- German or English Language Certificates
- Evidence of Investment Capital
- Evidence of Available Equity Capital
- Business Plan
- Evidence of Innovation
- Company Agreement / Articles of Association
- Evidence of Personal Management Influence
- Incubator or Start-up Funding Agreement where applicable
- Additional Documents Requested by the Authorities
Foreign documents may require certified translation, apostille or legalization depending on the applicable rules.
Processing, Fees & Validity
Processing Time
8 Weeks
Applicants are advised to apply sufficiently before beginning the proposed business activity. The actual duration can depend on the completeness and complexity of the application.
Government Application Fee
€218
Additional expenses may arise for certified translations, apostilles or legalization, professional services, company formation, business plan preparation and supporting documentation.
Validity
Up to 24 Months
It allows temporary settlement and the pursuit of the approved self-employed start-up activity.
After Two Years: Red-White-Red Card Plus
Start-up Founders may subsequently qualify for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, provided all applicable legal requirements are fulfilled.
- Temporary Settlement
- Unlimited Labour Market Access
- Self-Employment
- Employment Not Restricted to One Employer
Family Relocation
Eligible family members of Start-up Founder Red-White-Red Card holders may qualify for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, subject to the applicable family reunification requirements.
Related Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
How much capital do I need?
You must demonstrate at least €30,000 in capital for the newly established business. At least half must be equity capital.
Does investing €30,000 automatically qualify me?
No. The €30,000 capital requirement is only one part of the eligibility criteria. The company must also be innovative, you must actively manage it, provide a coherent business plan and reach at least 50 points.
Do I need 50% ownership of the company?
The official requirement is that at least half of the required €30,000 capital must be equity capital. This should not be confused automatically with a requirement that the applicant personally own exactly 50% of the company's shares.
How many points do I need?
Applicants need at least 50 points.
Do I need an innovative company?
Yes. The new company must develop and introduce innovative products, services, processes or technologies.
Do I need to actively run the company?
Yes. The applicant must personally exercise substantial influence over the management of the planned company.
How long is the Red-White-Red Card valid?
It is generally issued for up to 24 months.
Can my family accompany me?
Eligible family members may qualify for Austrian family reunification and potentially a Red-White-Red Card Plus.
Start Your Business in Austria
Turn Your Innovative Idea Into an Austrian Business & Residency Strategy
If you are planning to establish an innovative company in Austria, CETO can help you assess your eligibility, business concept and immigration options.
Our team coordinates the process together with experienced legal and business professionals.