Imagine waking up in Vienna, Innsbruck, or Salzburg — cities where history, innovation, and nature exist side by side.
For many skilled professionals outside the EU, Austria isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to build a stable, prosperous future.
If you’re looking for a realistic and structured way to migrate to Europe, the Austria Red-White-Red Card might be your golden ticket.
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In this post, we’ll dive into how it works, who qualifies, and how you can make your Austrian dream a reality.
What is the Austria Red-White-Red Card?
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria’s way of attracting qualified non-EU workers.
It’s a points-based residency and work permit designed to make migration transparent, predictable, and fair.
With it, you can:
- Live and work in Austria for an initial period of 24 months.
- Bring your spouse and children with you.
- Later transition to long-term residence or even Austrian citizenship.
It’s called “Red-White-Red” after the colors of the Austrian flag — a symbol of the welcoming spirit Austria offers to skilled migrants.
Why Choose Austria?
Austria isn’t just beautiful — it’s practical:
- High salaries and excellent work conditions.
- World-class healthcare and education systems.
- Safe cities, clean air, and stunning landscapes.
- Centrally located in Europe — weekend trips to Italy, Germany, Switzerland are easy.
- Growing demand for skilled professionals in sectors like IT, healthcare, engineering, and tourism.
If you’re looking for stability, opportunity, and a balanced life, Austria checks every box.
Who Can Apply for the Red-White-Red Card?
The Red-White-Red Card targets specific groups, including:
- Very Highly Qualified Workers
- Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
- Other Key Workers
- Graduates of Austrian universities
- Self-employed key workers
- Start-up founders
Each group has its own criteria, but the general idea is:
✅ Have the right qualifications
✅ Have a valid job offer in Austria
✅ Meet a minimum points threshold
Understanding the Points System
Applicants are assessed based on:
- Education (degrees, diplomas)
- Work experience (relevant to the job offer)
- Language skills (German and/or English proficiency)
- Age (younger applicants earn more points)
- Study in Austria (if applicable)
For example:
- A Master’s degree = more points.
- German or English proficiency = bonus points.
- Being under 35 years = extra points.
👉 To qualify as a Very Highly Qualified Worker, you must score at least 70 points out of 100.
👉 For Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations, you typically need at least 55 points.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Austria Red-White-Red Card
Here’s how you can go from dream to reality:
1. Check Your Eligibility
First, figure out under which category you fit.
Use Austria’s official Points Calculator.
2. Secure a Job Offer
You must have a concrete job offer from an Austrian employer that matches your skills.
The employer must also commit to paying the legal minimum salary based on your profession.
Explore opportunities at:
3. Gather Required Documents
Prepare:
- Valid passport
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, diplomas)
- Employment contract
- CV/resume
- Proof of language skills (German and/or English)
- Proof of previous work experience
- Health insurance covering your stay
- Police clearance certificate
All non-German documents must be translated and sometimes apostilled.
4. Submit Your Application
You can apply:
- From your home country through the Austrian embassy.
- Or directly from Austria if you are legally staying there (e.g., on a tourist visa).
Processing times are usually 8 to 12 weeks — but can vary.
5. Move to Austria and Register
Once approved:
- Travel to Austria.
- Complete your residence registration (Meldezettel).
- Receive your official Red-White-Red Card.
Time to start your Austrian journey!
Life in Austria on a Red-White-Red Card
Austria is often ranked among the top 10 countries worldwide for quality of life.
Once you settle, you’ll enjoy:
- Access to high-quality universal healthcare.
- Free or affordable education for your children.
- The ability to travel visa-free across the Schengen Zone.
- A safe, clean, and welcoming environment.
And after 5 continuous years of residence, you can apply for permanent settlement — putting you on the path to an Austrian passport if you wish.
FAQs About the Austria Red-White-Red Card
Q: Do I need to speak German to apply?
👉 Basic German helps but is not mandatory for all categories. Higher points if you speak it, though.
Q: Can my family join me?
👉 Yes! Spouses and children under 18 can apply for family reunification visas.
Q: Can I change employers once in Austria?
👉 Yes, but after two years you can switch jobs without needing a new card.
Q: How long does it take to get the card?
👉 Typically between 8 and 12 weeks, depending on your embassy and your employer’s paperwork.
Key Takeaways
- The Austria Red-White-Red Card is one of the best legal routes for non-EU skilled workers to live and work in Europe.
- It offers clear requirements, a fair points system, and real opportunities.
- Austria is a country of stability, high living standards, and incredible beauty.
- Whether you work in tech, healthcare, engineering, or hospitality, Austria could be your future home.
Ready to Start Your Austrian Dream?
With the right skills and preparation, you could be living in one of the world’s happiest, healthiest, and safest countries sooner than you think.
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Now’s your chance to turn ambition into reality — Austria is waiting! 🇦🇹✨
Disclaimer
This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information on policies, please refer to our Privacy Policy, Disclaimer, and Terms of Use.
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