Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte)
Austria's points-based work permit for qualified third-country nationals -- with a direct path to permanent residence.
Overview
The Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte, or RWR Card) is Austria's primary work and residence permit for skilled third-country nationals. Introduced to attract talent to Austria's growing economy, it uses a transparent points-based system to assess applicants across criteria such as qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age. There are four distinct categories, each targeting a different profile: Very Highly Qualified Workers (minimum 70 points out of 100), Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations (minimum 55 points out of 90), Other Key Workers (minimum 55 points out of 90), and Graduates of Austrian Universities (no points required). The card is initially valid for two years and is tied to a specific employer. After two years, holders can apply for the RWR Card Plus, which grants unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market. This makes the RWR Card one of the most attractive work permits in the EU, as it provides a clear, predictable path from initial employment to permanent settlement. Applications are processed jointly by the immigration authority (such as MA 35 in Vienna) and the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS), which conducts a labour market test on the job offer.
Points System: Very Highly Qualified Workers
| Criteria | Max Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | 30 | Doctoral degree: 30 pts; Master's/Diploma: 25 pts; Bachelor's: 20 pts. Austrian or recognised EU qualification preferred. |
| Work experience | 20 | Per year of relevant experience (up to 10 years): 2 pts/year. Senior management or specialist roles may score higher. |
| Language skills | 15 | German B2 or higher: 15 pts; German B1: 10 pts; German A2: 5 pts. English B1+ also scores points. |
| Age | 15 | Under 30: 15 pts; 30--34: 10 pts; 35--39: 5 pts; 40+: 0 pts. |
| Research & innovation (bonus) | 10 | Patents, publications, research awards, or prior work at an Austrian R&D institution. |
| Austrian degree (bonus) | 10 | Completed at least 1 year of study at an Austrian university or FH. |
Total possible: 100 points. Minimum required: 70 points. No job offer is required for initial application in this category, but a binding offer must be presented before the card is issued.
Points System: Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
| Criteria | Max Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications / training | 30 | Completed vocational training or apprenticeship in the shortage occupation: 20--30 pts depending on level. |
| Work experience | 20 | Per year of relevant experience in the shortage field: 2 pts/year (max 10 years). |
| Language skills | 15 | German B2+: 15 pts; German B1: 10 pts; German A2: 5 pts; English B1+: additional points. |
| Age | 15 | Under 30: 15 pts; 30--34: 10 pts; 35--39: 5 pts; 40+: 0 pts. |
| Austrian degree (bonus) | 10 | At least 1 year of study or training at an Austrian institution. |
Total possible: 90 points. Minimum required: 55 points. A binding job offer in one of the listed shortage occupations is mandatory.
Four Categories Compared
| Feature | Very Highly Qualified | Shortage Occupations | Other Key Workers | Austrian Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. points | 70 / 100 | 55 / 90 | 55 / 90 | Not applicable |
| Min. salary (2026) | €3,654/month gross | €3,006/month gross | 50% of median income | €2,664/month gross |
| Job offer required? | Yes (before issuance) | Yes (shortage list) | Yes (binding offer) | Yes (field-related) |
| Labour market test (AMS) | Simplified | Simplified (shortage list) | Full AMS test | Simplified |
| Typical profile | PhD holders, researchers, senior executives | Engineers, nurses, IT specialists, tradespeople | Vocational professionals with training | Non-EU graduates of Austrian universities |
| Path to RWR Card Plus | After 2 years | After 2 years | After 2 years | After 2 years |
Application Process
Determine your category and calculate points
Use the official migration.gv.at points calculator to determine which of the four RWR Card categories fits your profile. Gather all documents that prove your qualifications, work experience, language level, and other scoring criteria.
Secure a job offer in Austria
Obtain a binding employment contract or job offer from an Austrian employer. For Shortage Occupations, the position must be in a field listed on the current Mangelberufsliste. The employer will need to provide details about the role, salary, and working conditions.
Compile and authenticate your documents
Prepare your passport, qualification certificates (with apostille or superlegalization), employment contract, proof of accommodation in Austria, health insurance confirmation, and recent passport-style photographs. All non-German documents must be officially translated.
Submit your application
Apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If you are already legally residing in Austria (e.g., on a student visa), you may apply directly at the provincial immigration authority (MA 35 in Vienna, or the equivalent Bezirkshauptmannschaft in other provinces).
AMS labour market check and authority review
The immigration authority forwards your application to the AMS for a labour market test. The AMS verifies the job offer, salary, and working conditions. Processing typically takes 4--8 weeks. You may be asked for additional documents during this period.
Receive your RWR Card and begin work
Once approved, you will receive your RWR Card -- a combined work and residence permit valid for 2 years, tied to your employer. After 2 years, you can apply for the RWR Card Plus for unrestricted labour market access, or for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous legal stay.
Costs Breakdown (2026)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (main applicant) | €160 |
| RWR Card issuance fee | €20 |
| Document translation (per document, approx.) | €30--€80 |
| Apostille / superlegalization (per document) | €20--€50 |
| RWR Card Plus application (after 2 years) | €160 |
| Family member application (per person) | €160 |
| Residence registration (Meldezettel) | Free |
Fees are set by the Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz (NAG). Employers do not pay a separate fee. Additional costs for health insurance, travel, and accommodation are the applicant's responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change employers with the Red-White-Red Card?
During the initial 2-year validity period, the RWR Card is tied to the specific employer listed on the card. To change employers, you must apply for a new RWR Card with the new employer's job offer. However, once you receive the RWR Card Plus after 2 years, you have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and can work for any employer or become self-employed.
How long does it take to get the Red-White-Red Card?
The official processing time is up to 8 weeks from the date of a complete application. In practice, processing times vary: applications in Vienna (MA 35) can take 8--12 weeks during peak periods, while applications at embassies abroad may take 4--6 weeks. The AMS labour market check typically takes 2--4 weeks within that timeframe.
Can my family join me in Austria with the RWR Card?
Yes. Your spouse or registered partner and unmarried children under 18 can apply for a residence permit (Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte Plus for family members). Family members have unrestricted labour market access from day one. They must apply at the Austrian embassy in their home country or, if already in Austria, at the immigration authority.
Do I need to speak German to qualify?
German is not strictly mandatory for all categories, but it significantly boosts your points. For the Very Highly Qualified track, you can score up to 15 points for language skills (German or English). For Shortage Occupations, German A2 or higher is strongly recommended. Many employers, especially in healthcare and trades, require at least B1 German for the workplace.
What happens after 2 years with the RWR Card?
After 2 years of continuous legal employment, you can apply for the RWR Card Plus, which grants unrestricted access to the entire Austrian labour market -- you can change employers freely, work in any profession, or become self-employed. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you may be eligible for permanent residence (Daueraufenthalt-EU), and after 6--10 years for Austrian citizenship, provided you meet integration and language requirements.