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

Austria’s Red-White-Red Card

Austria invites skilled professionals from non-EU countries to address labor shortages in healthcare, tech, and manufacturing. The Red-White-Red Card allows non-EU nationals to live/work in Austria for 24 months.

Visa Categories

Category 1: Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

Eligibility:

• Profession must be on Austria’s Shortage Occupation Lists:

  • Nationwide Shortages

  • Regional Shortages

• Requirements:

  • Proof of training in a shortage occupation.

  • Job offer with minimum salary (Austrian regulations).

  • Minimum 55 points (see points system below).

Points System:

• Education (Max 30 pts):

  • Vocational/shortage occupation training: 20 pts.

• Work Experience (Max 20 pts):

  • 1 pt per 6 months in shortage occupation.

  • 2 pts per 6 months in Austria.

• Language Skills:

  • German: A1 (5), A2 (10), B1 (15).

  • English: A2 (5), B1 (10).

  • French/Spanish: B1 (5).

  • Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian: B2 (5).

• Age (Max 15 pts):

  • ≤30 years: 15 | ≤40 years: 10 | ≤50 years: 5.

• Bonus:

  • 5 pts if English is the company’s main language.

• Total Points: 90 (min. 55 required).

Category 2: Other Essential Workers

Eligibility:

• Minimum salary: €3,225/month.

• Minimum 55 points (see points system below).

Points System:

• Education (Max 30 pts):

  • Vocational training: 20 | University eligibility: 25 | 3+ years university: 30.

• Work Experience: Same as Category 1.

• Language Skills: Same as Category 1.

• Age: Same as Category 1.

• Bonus:

  • 5 pts for English-speaking workplaces.

  • 20 pts for athletes/coaches.

• Total Points: 90 (min. 55 required).

Application Steps

1. Submit Documents at an Austrian embassy/consulate in your home country or residence permit country.

2. Required Documents:

   • Valid passport.

   • Recent photo (43mm x 35mm).

   • Health insurance proof.

   • Police clearance certificate.

   • Certificates (education, training, work experience, languages, sports).

3. Language/Verification Rules:

   • Certificates must be in German/English (translated if needed).

   • Legalize documents for verification.

Process After Submission

1. Embassy forwards application to Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).

2. AMS Checks:

   • Points ≥55.

   • Salary meets standards.

   • No Austrian/EU candidates available for the job.

3. Residence Authority Review: Approved applications move to final processing.

4. Visa Approval: You’ll receive a notification.

Key Notes

• Validity: 24 months initially.

• Open to non-EU nationals.

• Athletes/coaches gain 20 bonus points (Category 2).

Start your Austrian journey today!.

The Red-White-Red Card