The Red-White-Red Card is an official residence permit for qualified skilled workers from third countries who wish to live and work in Austria. It combines a residence permit and a work permit in one document.
The Austrian government publishes an annual list of occupations in which there is a particular demand for labour. Skilled workers who have suitable education, training or qualifications in these fields may therefore have better opportunities to obtain legal employment in Austria.
In addition, other key workers may also apply for a Red-White-Red Card. This applies to qualified individuals who, based on their education, professional experience, language skills and a specific job offer, are able to take on an important position within an Austrian company.
The Red-White-Red Card is issued as a photo ID card and enables qualified individuals to work for a specific employer in Austria while legally residing in the country.
When applying for the Red-White-Red Card, various criteria are taken into account, including vocational training, professional experience, age and language skills.
Applicants must achieve at least 55 points and provide a binding job offer from an Austrian employer. For skilled workers in shortage occupations, the offered profession must also be listed on the current Shortage Occupations List published by the Austrian government.
If these requirements are met, the Red-White-Red Card may be applied for and enables legal residence and employment in Austria.
The Red-White-Red Card enables qualified skilled workers to live and work legally in Austria for up to 24 months. After this period, it may be possible to extend the residence status.
It also provides the possibility of family reunification, allowing close family members to join the card holder in Austria.
In addition, this residence permit allows travel and short stays in other Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
The Red-White-Red Card can also serve as an important first step towards long-term residence in Austria and, at a later stage, possible Austrian citizenship.
The Red-White-Red Card is more than just a residence permit. It gives qualified skilled workers the opportunity to live and work legally in Austria and to build a long-term professional future.
Furthermore, it forms an important basis for further steps such as family reunification, extension of residence status and the possible establishment of a permanent centre of life in Austria.
For further information or individual consultation, please feel free to contact us.
