Visa & Residence
Austria Residence Permit (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte)
The Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (Red-White-Red Card) is a points-based system that grants skilled workers and entrepreneurs the right to both live and work in Austria.
Who is it for?
This permit suits highly qualified professionals, specialists in shortage occupations (Mangelberufe), other key workers, entrepreneurs and graduates of Austrian universities who wish to live and work in Austria long term. Applicants are scored on criteria such as education, work experience, language skills and age, and are expected to meet the required threshold.
Related services
Very Highly Qualified
The Besonders Hochqualifizierte category lets professionals with outstanding academic and professional credentials obtain residence in Austria to seek work or take up a job offer.
Learn moreSkilled Worker (Shortage)
The Fachkräfte in Mangelberufen category is for skilled workers with a job offer in occupations that Austria officially designates as being in shortage.
Learn moreOther Key Workers
The Sonstige Schlüsselkräfte category covers skilled workers who do not fully fit the other RWR groups but are of strategic importance to the Austrian labour market.
Learn moreFounder / Start-up
This category is aimed at entrepreneurs who wish to found an innovative business in Austria or invest as a self-employed key worker.
Learn moreUniversity Graduates
The Studienabsolventen category enables international students who graduate from an Austrian university or college to stay and work in Austria.
Learn moreRequired documents and conditions
- Valid passport and identity documents
- A profile meeting the points threshold for your category (education, experience, language, age)
- A valid job offer in Austria or a business plan
- Qualification and diploma recognition documents
- Proof of means of subsistence, accommodation and health insurance
How the process works
- 1
Initial Assessment
We analyse your profile against the points system and identify the best-fit RWR category.
- 2
Strategy & Documents
We plan the documents that raise your score and prepare a complete application file.
- 3
Application & Follow-up
We submit to the competent authority and manage all correspondence with institutions and employers.
- 4
Outcome & Settlement
After the decision we support you with card collection, registration and settling in.
Timeline & fees
Processing time varies by category and case; it can typically range from a few weeks to a few months. Fees and official charges are subject to change.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is the Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte?
It is a points-based residence permit granting qualified third-country nationals the right to live and work in Austria for a specific employer.
How does the points system work?
Criteria such as education, professional experience, language skills and age are scored; you must exceed the minimum points set for your category. Current thresholds may change.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, RWR – Karte holders can generally apply for residence permits for their spouse and children under family reunification.
Which category fits me?
That depends on your education, profession and goals. At InnoRota we assess your profile and determine the right category together.
Let us map the right route together
Book a free initial consultation for this process and we will determine the best path for you.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute binding legal advice. Processes and conditions may change.