Overview
Employment-based residence permits and work authorization pathways in Austria. Requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes vary depending on your specific situation, nationality, and the type of residence permit you're seeking.
Available Work Pathways
Austria Work Visa & Employment Residency (Red-White-Red Card)
Austria operates a highly structured points-based immigration system centered on the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte), a combined residence and work permit covering skilled workers, startup founders, and self-employed key workers. There are seven distinct streams with different point thresholds and salary minimums. The RWR Card ties the holder to a single named employer for its initial 24-month validity. After 21 months, holders can apply for the RWR Card Plus (3 years, free labour market access). The EU Blue Card is an alternative for very high earners.
Eligibility
Very Highly Qualified Workers: 70+ points (education, experience, language, age) - includes researchers, senior academics, artists. No labour market test. Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: Must appear on official annual shortage list (IT, engineering, healthcare, construction). 55+ points. Other Key Workers: Job offer from Austrian employer; 55+ points; minimum €3,465/month gross (2026); AMS labour market test. Graduates of Austrian Universities: Completed degree at accredited Austrian university with job offer - no points test or salary threshold. Job Seeker Visa: 70+ points for 6-month job search visa.
Requirements
Valid passport; completed application form (submitted in person at Austrian embassy/consulate); employment contract or binding job offer from Austrian employer; proof of qualifications/educational certificates (officially translated and legalised); points test evidence (work experience references, language certificates); health insurance covering all risks in Austria; proof of adequate accommodation (lease contract); proof of financial means; criminal background check (home country + any country of 12+ months residence); application fee ~€218
Processing Time
8 weeks statutory decision deadline from full application submission. AMS has 3 weeks within that window to issue expertise. Apply well in advance of intended start date.
Validity Period
RWR Card: 24 months, tied to named employer. After 21 months: RWR Card Plus (3 years, free labour market access). After 5 years: Long-Term Residence – EU (permanent). Austrian citizenship: After 10 years (6 years exceptional). Integration Agreement: German A2 (Module 1) and B1 (Module 2) required.
Last updated: 2/28/2026
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