Red-White-Red Card — Very Highly Qualified Workers — requirements, costs & how to apply

Who is eligible

Costs

Duration & renewal

Initial stay: 24 months.

Documents

• Valid travel document (e.g. passport)
• Photo (dimensions: 45x35mm) which is not older than six months
• Proof of locally customary accommodation (e.g. lease contracts, preliminary agreement on tenancy rights or ownership evidence)
• Proof of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or equivalent insurance policy)
• Proof of adequate means of subsistence (payslips, pay certificates, employment contracts, insurance benefit certificates, evidence of retirement or other pension or insurance benefits, investment capital or sufficient own assets)
• Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a four-year programme at a university or another institution of tertiary education
• Document reflecting the status of the university or other institution of tertiary education
• Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a programme in a MINT subject (= mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, technology)
• Document furnishing proof of habilitation
• Tax assessment notice or pay certificate (for senior management position)
• Confirmation by the previous employer that you worked in a senior management position
• Proof that the company is listed on the stock exchange or positive report from the competent Austrian foreign trade office about its activities or business segment
• Proof of scientific publications, stating titles and sources
• Certificate issued by a university or research institution that you worked in R&D or academic scientific teaching
• Proof of patent application(s) through extracts from national or regional patent registers
• Document proving the conferral of the award or prize
• Testimonials and work certificates
• Language diploma or language course certificate at the A1 or A2 levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
• Course record book and related examination certificates
• Document reflecting the successful completion of a programme of studies in Austria

Who can apply

Open to all nationalities.

How to apply

1. Confirm you meet the eligibility above.
2. Gather documents and apply via the official portal: https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/very-highly-qualified-workers.
3. Typical processing: ~180 days.