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Schengen member · Vienna · EUR

Austria

Austria's Red-White-Red Card is one of Europe's most predictable points-based skilled worker systems.

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Official sources:Austrian Migration Portal Federal Ministry of Interior

Immigration overview

Austria's Red-White-Red Card (RWR) is a points-based, employer-sponsored permit for skilled workers, shortage occupations, graduates of Austrian universities, self-employed key workers and founders.

Economy

€480B economy — mechanical engineering, banking (Erste, Raiffeisen), pharma (Boehringer Ingelheim, Novartis), tourism and Vienna's strong startup and DACH-corporate footprint.

Quality of life

Vienna consistently ranks #1 on Mercer's Quality of Living index. Public transport, healthcare and cultural life are strong; German is essential outside international employers.

Immigration trends

Salary thresholds and the RWR points table were relaxed in 2022–2023 to widen access, especially in IT, engineering and healthcare.

Immigration pathways

3 routes into Austria

Skilled workers with a job offer in a shortage role

Red-White-Red Card (Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations)

Points-based residence and work permit valid for 24 months, tied to your employer.

  • Job offer in a shortage occupation (annual government list)
  • Minimum 55 of 90 points (education, experience, age, German/English)
  • Salary matching the applicable collective agreement
€160 combined fee
8–12 weeks
Official source

Top-tier professionals with 70+ RWR points

Red-White-Red Card (Very Highly Qualified Workers)

6-month job-search visa or direct RWR card once employed.

  • 70+ points on the RWR scale
  • Recognised degree or equivalent
  • Sufficient German/English language proof
€160
8–12 weeks

Non-EU students at Austrian universities

Student Residence Permit

Residence for full-time study; converts to RWR at graduation.

  • Admission to a recognised Austrian university
  • Proof of funds (~€1,217/month for adults in 2025)
  • Health insurance
€160
8–12 weeks

Costs

  • Long-stay national visa (D-type): €80–€120 at consulate
  • Residence permit issuance in-country: €50–€200
  • Health insurance (private for initial period): €30–€120/month
  • Apostille + sworn translation of documents: €150–€400 total

Processing times

  • National long-stay visa: 4–12 weeks at consulate (varies by post)
  • Residence permit card after arrival: 4–10 weeks
  • Family reunification: 3–9 months
  • Permanent residence application: 3–6 months
  • Naturalisation dossier: 12–36 months

Permanent residence in Austria

PR (Daueraufenthalt-EU) after 5 years of continuous legal residence, B1 German (Module 2 of the Integration Agreement) and stable income.

Citizenship in Austria

Naturalisation typically requires 10 years of legal residence (6 years with integration criteria met), B1 German, financial self-sufficiency and — in most cases — renunciation of prior citizenship.

Tools for your Austria application

Built to save weeks of preparation

AI eligibility checker

Match your profile to the best Austria pathway in 60 seconds.

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AI application builder

Country-specific forms, fees and explanation letters for Austria.

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AI SOP builder

Structured statements for Austria study and work applications.

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AI risk analyzer

Surface refusal risks for Austria applications and how to mitigate them.

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AI timeline planner

Week-by-week preparation plan tied to your submission date.

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Cost calculator

Government fees, biometrics, medicals and settlement funds for Austria.

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Country comparison

Compare Austria side-by-side with other Schengen members.

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Immigration roadmap

Month-by-month plan from intake to landing in Austria.

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Cover letter generator

Embassy-ready cover letter for your Austria application.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Austria immigration

How does the Austrian Red-White-Red Card points system work?

You collect points from qualifications (up to 30), experience (up to 20), age (up to 20), German (up to 15) and English (up to 10). Different tracks need 55, 65 or 70 points.

Do I need German to work in Austria on the RWR Card?

Not for the highly qualified track — English suffices for many multinationals. Skilled/shortage tracks award points for both, and PR/citizenship require B1.

How much does the Red-White-Red Card cost?

€160 total in application and issuance fees, plus translation and apostille of documents.

Can I get Austrian citizenship after 5 years?

Only with 'special achievements' or as a spouse of an Austrian citizen with 6 years of residence + 5 years marriage. The general rule is 10 years.

Does Austria allow dual citizenship?

Very rarely — Austria generally requires renunciation of prior citizenship. Exceptions apply for descendants of Nazi-era victims and specific integration cases.

Can I move to Austria as a freelancer?

Yes — the RWR Card for self-employed key workers requires an economic-interest test and typically €100,000+ investment or 2 new jobs created.

What are Austrian shortage occupations right now?

Software developers, mechanical and electrical engineers, roofers, electricians, nurses and healthcare professionals — the list is updated annually.