Red-White-Red Card - Highly Qualified Workers
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 8 to 16 weeks; labor market check by AMS takes up to 8 weeks
- Fee
- EUR 150 (Visa D) + EUR 120 (RWR Card application)
- Validity
- 24 months, renewable; can convert to RWR Card Plus after 24 months
- Entry
- Single entry
The Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiss-Rot Karte) is Austria's points-based work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals. Applicants must score at least 70 points based on qualifications, work experience, language skills, age, and connection to Austria. Valid for 24 months and tied to a specific employer. After 24 months, holders can apply for the RWR Card Plus which allows unrestricted labor market access. Minimum salary thresholds for 2026: EUR 3,225/month gross for very highly qualified workers. Family members can apply for RWR Card Plus. The card entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment by the specified employer.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with a binding job offer from an Austrian employer.
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Employment
Must have a binding job offer meeting minimum salary thresholds. Must achieve at least 70 points in the RWR Card assessment criteria covering: special qualifications and skills, work experience, language skills (German/English), age, and studies in Austria.
Required status: Binding job offer meeting EUR 3,225/month minimum
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Financial
Salary must meet minimum threshold of EUR 3,225/month gross (2026) for very highly qualified workers.
Minimum funds: EUR 3,225/month gross (2026)
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Criminal record
Must have no criminal record. Criminal background check required.
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Health
Must have adequate health insurance coverage.
Documents you need
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Must cover full stay: No
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, debit/credit card, bank transfer; Amount: EUR 150 (Visa D) + EUR 120 (RWR Card)
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, job offer/contract, CV, qualifications evidence, language certificates, police clearance, health insurance, and accommodation proof.
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Online application
Complete the RWR Card application form. The application can be submitted by the applicant abroad or by the employer in Austria.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence for Visa D application.
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Fee payment
Pay Visa D fee (approx. EUR 150) and RWR Card application fee (EUR 120).
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Document submission
Submit all documents. The employer or applicant submits the RWR Card application to the Austrian immigration authority (MA 35 in Vienna or relevant Bezirkshauptmannschaft). Visa D application submitted at embassy.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data at the embassy or consulate.
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Processing wait
AMS (Public Employment Service) conducts a labor market check (up to 8 weeks). Total processing: 8-16 weeks. The immigration authority reviews the points assessment.
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Visa collection
Once approved, receive Visa D to enter Austria. Upon arrival, collect the physical RWR Card from the immigration authority. Register at Meldeamt within 3 working days of arrival.