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Austria Red-White-Red Card

Austria · Europe

3.0
Editorial Score

Min Monthly Income

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Application Fee

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Processing Time

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Difficulty

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Duration

24 months

Path to Citizenship

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Overview

The Red-White-Red Card allows qualified third-country nationals to live and work in Austria for 24 months, leading to permanent residency after two years if requirements are met.

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
NationalityNon-EU nationals only

third country nationals (not EEA citizens or Swiss nationals)

Minimum IncomeNot specified
Minimum Investment$100,000 USD
DependentsAllowed
Local Work PermittedYes
Permitted Employment TypesSelf-Employed
Health InsuranceRequired
Physical PresenceNot specified
Max Consecutive AbsenceNot specified
RenewableYes
Duration24 months
Leads to PRYes
Years to PR2 years

Requirements Checklist

- **Identity**: Valid travel document (passport); photo (45x35mm, not older than 6 months).

- **Health**: Evidence of health insurance covering all risks (public or equivalent private policy).

- **Business/Financial**: Detailed business plan (market analysis, objectives); proof of €100,000+ investment transfer or job creation/securing; qualification evidence for self-employment; company agreements/craft authorizations if applicable; proof of adequate means (e.g., €1,308.39/month single, 2026 rate, no welfare).

- **Accommodation**: Legal title to adequate housing (e.g., lease contract, sized for family; free/stay with friends ineligible).

- **Other**: Criminal record extract (not older than 3 months, from origin/prior residence >6 months); all non-German/English docs translated (originals + copies; legalization case-by-case).

📍 Application location: Apply personally at the competent Austrian embassy/consulate in your home or residence country. If already legally in Austria, submit directly to the residence authority (Provincial Governor/Landeshauptfrau or Regional Administrative Authority). Employer/business cannot submit on your behalf for this self-employed category.

Tax Information

Tax details for Red-White-Red Card holders are not specified in available data. As residents after 6+ months, you likely become tax residents subject to Austrian worldwide income tax, but confirm via official sources. No special regimes like NHR or non-dom mentioned; US tax treaty status unknown. Filing obligations apply as standard residents; social security/pension income not recognized per structured data. Consult a tax advisor for self-employed specifics.

Work Permissions

·Local employment: Permitted
·Permitted work types: Self-Employed

Application Steps

  1. 1

    📋 Assess eligibility and prepare business plan

    1-2 weeks

  2. 2

    📄 Gather core identity documents

    1 week

  3. 3

    📄 Collect business and financial proofs

    2-4 weeks

  4. 4

    📅 Book appointment at Austrian embassy

    1-2 weeks

  5. 5

    📬 Submit application to residence authority

  6. 6

    ⏳ Wait for AMS opinion and approval

    3-6 weeks

  7. 7

    🏛️ Enter Austria and register address

    1-3 days

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Click any question to expand the answer.

This visa targets third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who are self-employed key workers bringing macroeconomic benefit to Austria, such as through €100,000 investment capital transfer. It suits entrepreneurs starting businesses that create jobs, transfer know-how, or introduce new technologies. Employed workers should check other Red-White-Red categories, as this focuses on self-employment.
You must be a non-EU national planning self-employment with macroeconomic benefit, like €100,000 investment or job creation in Austria. General requirements include health insurance covering all risks, adequate accommodation, and sufficient means without welfare reliance. No points system applies for self-employed key workers, unlike other categories.
A minimum €100,000 investment capital transfer to Austria is required for self-employed key workers to demonstrate macroeconomic benefit. You must prove adequate means of subsistence, such as €1,308.39 monthly for singles (2026 rate), excluding welfare or supplements. Min monthly income and savings are not specified beyond this.
Yes, dependents are allowed, but family members must apply separately for the Red-White-Red Card Plus. This supports family migration while you hold the primary card tied to your self-employment.
The visa lasts 24 months initially and is renewable. After two years, you can progress to a settlement permit if requirements are met.
Yes, it leads to permanent residency after 2 years. Self-employed key workers can obtain a settlement permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung) post-initial period.
Yes, local work is permitted, specifically self-employment as described in your application. It enables pursuit of your self-employed occupation in Austria.
Health insurance covering all risks and providing benefits in Austria is required. Public social insurance (e.g., via employment) suffices, or equivalent private coverage.
Yes, restricted to third-country nationals (non-EEA citizens or Swiss nationals). EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not need this permit.
A sustained transfer of at least €100,000 investment capital to Austria is one key way to qualify as a self-employed key worker. Alternatives include creating/securing jobs or regional significance, but investment is a primary path.

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At a Glance

Renewable✓ Yes
Dependents✓ Allowed
Leads to PR✓ Yes (2yr)
Local Work✓ Permitted
Health InsuranceRequired
NationalityNon-EU nationals only
Admin Ease1.4/5

Last verified: May 13, 2026

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