Europe
Austria immigration and visa guide
Austria offers the points-based Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) for very highly qualified workers, shortage occupations, startup founders, and EU Blue Cards.
Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) & ABA (Austrian Business Agency)
- Processing time
- 6 – 10 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- Yes
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in Austria
Key requirements
- Binding job offer in Austria meeting statutory minimum salary floor
- Minimum qualifying points score on the Red-White-Red criteria calculator (qualification, work experience, language skills, age)
- Official proof of German (A1/A2/B1) or English language certification
- Adequate accommodation in Austria and statutory social health insurance
How to apply for a Austria visa: step by step
- 1
Points Calculator & Document Verification
Reach minimum 70 points (for Highly Qualified) or 55 points (for Shortage Occupations) on official Austrian criteria grid.
1 - 2 weeks
- 2
AMS Labor Market Review & Embassy Filing
Application is assessed by the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) for criteria fulfillment.
6 - 8 weeks
- 3
Red-White-Red Card Collection
Pick up the plastic residence permit card at the Austrian representation or local Magistrat/Bezirkshauptmannschaft.
1 - 2 weeks post-approval
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is the Red-White-Red Card Plus in Austria?
After holding a standard Red-White-Red Card for at least 21 months and working 18 months, you can upgrade to the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which gives you unrestricted access to the entire Austrian labor market without employer sponsorship.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Austria. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) & ABA (Austrian Business Agency)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) & ABA (Austrian Business Agency) on the official website before applying.