Austria · Skilled Worker Visa

Red-White-Red Card for graduates

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-24 · Our methodology
6.8/10 diff
Challenging

Red-White-Red Card for graduates of Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences, or accredited private unive…

Min income
Processing
180+ days
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Required
Direct answer

Red-White-Red Card for graduates of Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences, or accredited private universities. After successful completion of studies, holder may renew Students permit for 12 months to find employment, then convert to RWR Card with a qualifying job offer. No points system, no labour market test, but locally customary minimum salary required.

At a Glance

Visa Duration
24 months
Processing Time
180+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
6/10 — Challenging

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range12+
Job Offer RequiredYes
Sponsorship RequiredYes
Health Insurance RequiredYes

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
Spouse Can WorkYes
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Vienna
Single (monthly)€2,100
Family (monthly)€3,900
Rent 1BR (center)€1,100
Groceries€525
Transport pass€126
Graz
Single (monthly)€1,805
Family (monthly)€3,400
Rent 1BR (center)€750
Groceries€451
Transport pass€108
Salzburg
Single (monthly)€2,186
Family (monthly)€4,000
Rent 1BR (center)€1,150
Groceries€546
Transport pass€131

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Red-White-Red Card for graduates?

Red-White-Red Card for graduates of Austrian universities, universities of applied sciences, or accredited private universities. After successful completion of studies, holder may renew Students permit for 12 months to find employment, then convert to RWR Card with a qualifying job offer. No points system, no labour market test, but locally customary minimum salary required.

Can I bring my family on the Red-White-Red Card for graduates?

Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

Can the Red-White-Red Card for graduates lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Austria?

Yes. Austria offers 32 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Austria country page.

What is the cost of living in Austria?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Vienna: €2,100/mo; Graz: €1,805/mo; Salzburg: €2,186/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-24 · See our methodology

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