Austria · Investor / Golden Visa

Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders

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 2026-06-10 · Our methodology
4.5/10 diff
Moderate

Red-White-Red Card for Start-up GründerInnen (start-up founders). Requires establishing an innovative company with produ…

Min income
Processing
21+ days
Path to PR
Yes
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

Red-White-Red Card for Start-up GründerInnen (start-up founders). Requires establishing an innovative company with products/services/processes/technologies, consistent business plan, personal controlling influence, capital of at least €30,000 with at least 50% equity share, and minimum 50/85 points covering qualification, work experience, language, age, and bonus points (additional €50,000 capital, business incubator admission, age under 35).

At a Glance

Visa Duration
24 months
Processing Time
21+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
Yes
Difficulty
4/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range18+
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredYes

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Family AllowedYes
Spouse Can WorkYes
Path to Permanent ResidencyYes

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 Start-up Founders?

Red-White-Red Card for Start-up GründerInnen (start-up founders). Requires establishing an innovative company with products/services/processes/technologies, consistent business plan, personal controlling influence, capital of at least €30,000 with at least 50% equity share, and minimum 50/85 points covering qualification, work experience, language, age, and bonus points (additional €50,000 capital, business incubator admission, age under 35).

Can I bring my family on the Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders?

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

Can the Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders lead to permanent residency?

Yes — this pathway can lead to permanent residence, subject to meeting the residence and other conditions. We do not publish a qualifying timeline for this route because we have no official source stating one; check with the relevant authority for the current residence requirement.

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: 2026-06-10 · See our methodology

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