Austria · Skilled Worker Visa
Red-White-Red Card — Very Highly Qualified Workers
Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte) for very highly qualified workers (Besonders hochqualifizierte Schlüsselkräfte).…
Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte) for very highly qualified workers (Besonders hochqualifizierte Schlüsselkräfte). Points-based eligibility (minimum 70/100) covering university degree (MINT/PhD), gross salary tier, work experience, language, age, and Austrian study. Initially valid 24 months tied to specific employer.
At a Glance
Eligibility Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Offer Required | Yes |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes |
| Language Required | A1 |
| Health Insurance Required | No |
Family & Rights
| Right | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Allowed | Yes |
| Spouse Can Work | Yes |
| Path to Permanent Residency | No |
Related Pathways
Cost of Living
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Red-White-Red Card — Very Highly Qualified Workers?
Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte) for very highly qualified workers (Besonders hochqualifizierte Schlüsselkräfte). Points-based eligibility (minimum 70/100) covering university degree (MINT/PhD), gross salary tier, work experience, language, age, and Austrian study. Initially valid 24 months tied to specific employer.
Can I bring my family on the Red-White-Red Card — Very Highly Qualified Workers?
Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.
Can the Red-White-Red Card — Very Highly Qualified Workers 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: 2026-06-08 · See our methodology
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