---
title: Red-White-Red (RWR) Card — Austria (2026)
description: Free complete guide to the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card visa for Austria. Eligibility, costs, documents, process, and FAQ. Updated 2026.
image: https://migrantiq.com/og/default.png
---

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Austria flag [/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fflagcdn.com%2Fw80%2Fat.png&w=3840&q=75]AUSTRIA ROT-WEISS-ROT CARD – HIGHLY SKILLED WORKERS

Category: Work · Processing time: 8 weeks

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-10-04Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗ [https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/red-white-red-card/]

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3 min readCommunity feedback: open
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MigrantIQ provides general migration information, not legal advice. Always verify critical steps with official government sources or a licensed advisor before paying fees or submitting documents.

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AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI [/about/ai/] · Editorial standards [/about/editorial-standards/]

Apply through official authority

Bundesministerium für Inneres (Migration)

Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-10-03.

Apply on official site → [https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/red-white-red-card/]

Visa type

Work

Processing time

8 weeks

Fees

ApplicationFee: EUR 160

Validity

Confirm on official source

Stay duration

Confirm on official source

Entry type

Confirm single/multiple entry rules

Insurance

Confirm if required

Bookmark

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OVERVIEW

The Red-White-Red (RWR) Card is a points-based residence permit in Austria, designed for highly skilled workers, professionals in shortage occupations, and graduates from Austrian institution

 * Leads to permanent residency: Yes
 * Requires job offer: Yes
 * Language required: No
 * Minimum education: Varies by stream

ESTIMATED COSTS

 * - ApplicationFee: EUR 160
 * - ResidencePermit: EUR 80

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

 * - Job offer at qualifying salary
 * - Educational credentials
 * - Evidence of points calculation
 * - Health insurance coverage
 * - Valid passport or ID

APPLICATION STEPS

 1. Confirm points threshold for stream
 2. Apply at Austrian embassy or AMS
 3. Receive decision
 4. Travel and collect RWR Card

Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Bundesministerium für Inneres (Migration) → [https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/red-white-red-card/]

TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIREMENT

 * Mandatory: Confirm with official source
 * Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
 * Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
 * Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority

EMBASSY, CONSULATE & APPOINTMENTS

Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.

Open appointment or official portal → [https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/red-white-red-card/]

Browse foreign embassies in Austria (MigrantIQ directory) → [/embassies/in/austria/]

Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.

Application checklist

TRACK YOUR RED-WHITE-RED (RWR) CARD PREPARATION

Check items off as you prepare. Progress is saved in this browser and can be synced from My Plan.

0 / 14 complete

 * Confirm Red-White-Red (RWR) Card requirements on the official Austria immigration source.Bundesministerium für Inneres (Migration)
 * Review the eligibility rules and note anything that needs evidence.This pathway lists a job offer requirement.
 * Secure a qualifying job offer and employer documents.Ask the employer for official offer letters, registration details, and any sponsorship forms.
 * Prepare document: Job offer at qualifying salaryCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Educational credentialsCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Evidence of points calculationCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Health insurance coverageCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Prepare document: Valid passport or IDCheck whether translation, notarization, apostille, or certified copies are required.
 * Complete step: Confirm points threshold for stream
 * Complete step: Apply at Austrian embassy or AMS
 * Complete step: Receive decision
 * Complete step: Travel and collect RWR Card
 * Pay only through official channels and save receipts.Avoid bank transfers to personal accounts or agents promising guaranteed approval.
 * Save a full copy of forms, uploads, payment receipts, and appointment confirmations.

Clear checklistSync checklist in My Plan → [/plan/]

GET VISA CHECKLIST UPDATES

Receive relevant reminders and source updates for Red-White-Red (RWR) Card in Austria.

Get reminders

BENEFITS & WHAT THIS VISA ALLOWS

 * - Right to live and work for sponsoring employer
 * - Family RWR Card-Plus with full labour-market access
 * - Path to permanent residence

Trust & safety

BEFORE YOU PAY OR SUBMIT DOCUMENTS

Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.

Official portal → [https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/red-white-red-card/]

RELEVANT LAWS

 * Work Authorisation Rules [/laws/austria/work-authorisation-rules/]
   
   Employment · Severity: Critical
   
   In Austria, understanding work authorization rules is essential for anyone wishing to engage in paid employment. You should note that a visa allowing entry into the country does not automatically grant permission to…

 * Immigration Status and Overstay Rules [/laws/austria/immigration-status-and-overstay-rules/]
   
   Immigration · Severity: Critical
   
   Your ability to remain in Austria is contingent upon the specific visa, residence permit, entry stamp, or visa-free allowance you possess. You should understand that any pending application, job offer, or school…

 * Tax Residency and Income Reporting [/laws/austria/tax-residency-and-income-reporting/]
   
   Tax · Severity: High
   
   Tax residency in Austria is determined by your physical presence in the country. If you reside in Austria for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you may be considered a tax resident. This applies to various groups,…

ACTIVE SCAM ALERTS

 * Document Translation, Notary, or Apostille Overcharge [/scam-alerts/austria/document-translation-notary-overcharge/]Medium
   
   In Austria, newcomers, including visa applicants, families, students, and workers, may encounter scams related to document translation, notarisation, or apostille services. Scammers often target individuals needing…

 * Fake Border, Airport, or Fast-Track Assistance Fee [/scam-alerts/austria/fake-border-airport-assistance-fee/]Medium
   
   In Austria, scams involving fake border, airport, or fast-track assistance fees have become increasingly common. Scammers often pose as airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents, misleading travelers into…

 * Fake University or Scholarship Letter [/scam-alerts/austria/fake-university-or-scholarship-letter/]Medium
   
   In Austria, fraudsters frequently target prospective students and their families by offering admission, scholarships, or student visa packages through unofficial agents. Victims often receive fraudulent acceptance…

 * Rental Deposit Before Viewing or Contract [/scam-alerts/austria/rental-deposit-before-viewing/]Medium
   
   In Austria, a prevalent rental scam targets newcomers, students, families, and remote workers. Scammers create fake listings for apartments, often using attractive photos and unusually low rental prices to lure…

QUICK ELIGIBILITY CHECK

Use this self-check for Red-White-Red (RWR) Card. It does not replace official legal assessment.

I have a qualifying job offerI have required language test evidence
Education LevelHigh schoolDiplomaBachelor or higher
Result: Requirements appear incomplete

COMMON REJECTION REASONS

 * - Insufficient points based on the provided qualifications and job offer.
 * - Failure to meet health insurance requirements.
 * - Inconsistencies or errors in the submitted documentation.

APPLICATION TIPS

 * - Ensure that your job offer meets the salary threshold set for your occupation.
 * - Collect all necessary documents in advance to avoid delays during the application process.
 * - Consider consulting official resources or legal experts for assistance with the points calculation.

SOURCES & REFERENCES

Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.

 * Bundesministerium für Inneres (Migration) [https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/red-white-red-card/]
   
   Official source for forms, appointments, fees, and final requirements.

 * MigrantIQ visa record
   
   Summary record maintained for planning and source verification.

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PLAN YOUR NEXT STEPS

 * All visas · AustriaIndex [/visas/austria/]
 * AustriaCountry [/countries/austria/]
 * Arrival checklistChecklist [/checklist/austria/]
 * Eligibility quizTool [/tools/eligibility/]
 * Pick a corridor calculatorCalculator [/calculator/]
 * Immigration Q&AQ&A [/qa/]
 * People storiesStories [/stories/?corridor=austria]
 * Save to My PlanPlan [/plan/]

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO IS RED-WHITE-RED (RWR) CARD FOR?

This visa is designed for applicants matching Work pathway criteria.

HOW LONG DOES PROCESSING TAKE?

Typical processing time is 8 weeks, subject to documentation quality and application volume.

WHAT SHOULD I PREPARE FIRST?

Start with eligibility evidence, document checklists, and proof of funds before submitting.

LANGUAGE TESTS

 * No mandatory language tests listed.

CONTINUE PLANNING

 * All visas for Austria [/visas/austria/]
 * Austria laws hub [/laws/austria/]
 * Austria scam alerts [/scam-alerts/austria/]

Plan smarter

Save countries, compare destinations, track visa checklists, and sync your migration plan across devices.

Open My Plan [/plan/]Account Dashboard [/account/]

Free resources

TOOLS & GUIDES

Full sitemap → [/sitemap/]

PLAN YOUR MOVE

 * Eligibility quiz [/tools/eligibility/]
 * Tax calculator [/tools/tax-calculator/]
 * Tax compare [/tools/tax-compare/]
 * Tax guides [/tools/tax-guides/]
 * Points calculator [/tools/points-calculator/]
 * Cost calculator [/calculator/]
 * Move planner [/tools/planner/]
 * Best country [/tools/best-country/]
 * Pathway finder [/tools/pathway-finder/]
 * Corridor fit [/tools/corridor-fit/]
 * Compare 3 countries [/tools/compare-three/]
 * Job → visa matcher [/tools/job-visa-match/]
 * Scam checker [/tools/scam-check/]
 * All tools [/tools/]

GUIDES & SAFETY

 * Visa guides [/visas/]
 * Scholarships [/scholarships/]
 * Government jobs [/government-jobs/]
 * Immigration updates [/countries/canada/immigration-updates/]
 * Embassies [/embassies/]
 * Laws [/laws/]
 * Scam alerts [/scam-alerts/]
 * Checklists [/checklist/]
 * Country profiles [/countries/]

ARRIVAL HUBS

 * Settle [/settle/]
 * Driving [/driving/]
 * Sponsors [/sponsors/]
 * Ancestry [/ancestry/]
 * Housing [/housing/]
 * Money [/money/]
 * Family [/family/]
 * Pets [/pets/]
 * Shipping [/shipping/]
 * Investment [/investment/]
 * Retire [/retire/]
 * Return [/return/]
 * Safe migration [/safe-migration/]

COMMUNITY

 * Q&A [/qa/]
 * People stories [/stories/]
 * Blog [/blog/]
 * Android app (Google Play) [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.migrantiq.app&hl=en]
 * Write for us [/write-for-us/]
 * Experts [/experts/]
 * Apply for expert listing [/experts/apply/]
 * Documentation [/documentation/]
 * Employers (HR) [/employers/]

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