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"Austria Red-White-Red Card Work Visa: Eligibility, Points System, and How to Apply"

Updated: Feb 20


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The Red-White-Red Card

"Austria, one of Europe's most stunning countries, boasts breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, with a population of 9.1 million (2022 census). However, its workforce faces an acute labor shortage. To bridge this gap, Austria is inviting skilled professionals from non-European countries to live and work there. This presents a unique opportunity for international talent to thrive in industries like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing. With streamlined visa processes and job seeker programs, Austria is rolling out the welcome mat. If you're looking for a new adventure, Austria's labor shortage could be your ticket to a new life in this breathtaking European country."

The Red-White-Red Card: Austria Work Visa

"The Red-White-Red Card (Austria Work Visa) is granted to individuals applying for residence or employment purposes in Austria. It operates on a point-based system for each category of employment visa. Applicants must meet the minimum points required for their specific category to be eligible for a visa.

The Red-White-Red Card is initially granted for 24 months, allowing non-EU citizens, particularly those from third-world countries, to live and work in Austria. "The different types of visa categories and their requirements are listed below:"

Category 1:Skilled Workers in Shortage occupations

"1. Applying for a Red-White-Red Card as an Austrian Skilled Worker under Austria's Shortage Occupation List:

Check the link to see if your profession is on the list.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Provide evidence of training in a shortage occupation

- Secure a job offer with a minimum salary as per Austrian government regulations - Score a minimum of 55 points"

"Point System:

1. Education (Maximum 30 points)   

- Vocational training or training under shortage occupation

2. Work Experience (Maximum 20 points)   

- 1 point per 6 months of experience under specified shortage occupation   

- 2 points per 6 months of work experience in Austria

3. Language Skills  

  - German: A1 (5 points), A2 (10 points), B1 (15 points)  

  - English: A2 (5 points), B1 (10 points)   

- French: B1 (5 points)   

- Spanish: B1 (5 points)  

  - Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian: B2 (5 points)4.

Age (Maximum 15 points)   

- Up to 30 years: 15 points   

- Up to 40 years: 10 points 

   - Up to 50 years: 5 points

Additional Points:- 5 extra points if English is predominantly used in the company

Total possible points: 90

Minimum required points for application: 55"

Category 2: Other Essential workers

Applying for a Red-White-Red Card as an other key worker

Eligibility Requirements for Other Essential Workers

To qualify, applicants must meet the minimum salary requirement of €3,225 per month.

Point System

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Education (Max 30 points)

    1. Vocational training or shortage occupation training: 20 points

    2. General eligibility for university admission: 25 points 

   3. Minimum 3 years of university education: 30 points

2. Work Experience (Max 20 points) 

   1. 1 point per 6 months of experience in a shortage occupation  

  2. 2 points per 6 months of work experience in Austria

3. Language Skills  

  1. German: A1 (5 points), A2 (10 points), B1 (15 points)   

2. English: A2 (5 points), B1 (10 points)  

  3. French, Spanish: B1 (5 points)   

4. Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian: B2 (5 points)

4. Age (Max 15 points) 

   1. Up to 30 years: 15 points  

  2. Up to 40 years: 10 points 

   3. Up to 50 years: 5 points

Additional Points- 5 extra points if English is predominantly used in the company- Bonus points for professional athletes and professional coaches: 20 points

Evaluation- Total Possible Points: 90

- Minimum Required Points for Application 55 point.

Where to Submit Your Application

The application for the Red-White-Red Card must be submitted to the Austrian representation (embassy or consulate) in your home country or in the country where you hold a residence permit for long-term stay.

Documents Needed

To apply for the Red-White-Red Card, the following documents are required:

1. Valid travel documents2. Recent photo (43mm x 35mm)3. Evidence of health insurance4. Police clearance certificate

Certificates to be Submitted for Examination1. Educational certificates2. Training certificates3. Work experience certificates4. Language skills certificates5. Professional athletes or sports coaches certificates

Language and Verification Requirements- All certificates must be in German or English.- If not, certificates must be translated into German or English.- Documents must be legalized for verification purposes.

Issuance of the Red-White-Red Card

Application Process

Once the Austrian representation receives your documents, they will forward them to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).

Eligibility Assessment

The AMS will assess your application to ensure that:

1. Your points meet the minimum threshold of 55.

2. Your salary complies with Austrian government regulations.

3. There are no suitable candidates registered for the same job in Austria.

Residence Authority Review If your application meets all requirements, the AMS will forward your documents to the residence authority for further processing.

Visa Approval Notification

The residence authority will notify you about the approval of your visa.


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