Navigating Austria's Red-White-Red Card: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence permit for third-country nationals and their family members who want to live and work in Austria. It is intended for long-term employment and offers benefits such as free movement within the EU, access to social benefits and healthcare, and the option to settle permanently in Austria. To apply for the card, applicants must submit proof of specific employment or self-employment, adequate accommodation, and sufficient financial resources. Language certificates are also required and must not be older than 5 years. The application process can be completed through the Austrian embassy or consulate, and the processing time typically takes around 2-3 months.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a Red-White-Red Card, you must be a citizen of a third country (a country outside the EU) and meet the following requirements:

• You must have a fixed and regular personal income that covers your living costs without needing welfare aid from local authorities. Your monthly income must meet the equalisation supplement reference rate (Ausgleichszulagenrichtsatz) of the General Social Insurance Act (Allgemeines Sozialversicherungsgesetz - ASVG).
• You must have health insurance coverage that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks. If you are employed in Austria, you are covered by the public social insurance system.
• You must provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation, such as a lease contract. The accommodation should be adequate for your family size.
• If you are applying for the Red-White-Red Card as a skilled worker in a shortage occupation, your education or studies must match the job offer. For example, a degree in software development would be relevant for a job as a software developer.
• You must provide proof of completed training or professional experience in your specialised area. Internships are generally not considered. Proof of professional experience must include the starting and ending dates and a description of the job position.
• Language certificates must not be older than 5 years when you apply. English certificates are accepted from institutions such as Cambridge, IELTS, and TOEFL. You will receive 5 additional points for demonstrable English proficiency if the company language is English.
• You must already have suitable accommodation during your application procedure.
• You must have proof of specific employment-related activity in Austria or self-employment that meets certain criteria.

Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders may also be eligible for a Red-White-Red Card Plus. Spouses and registered partners must be at least 21 years old at the time of application.

Application process

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence permit that allows third-country nationals and their family members to live and work in Austria. The card offers many benefits, including the ability to move around other EU countries (without a permanent residence permit), as well as access to social benefits and healthcare.

The application process for the Red-White-Red Card can vary depending on individual circumstances, but there are some standard steps and requirements that applicants can generally expect to follow. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process:

• Determine Eligibility: Before starting the application process, it is essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the Red-White-Red Card. This includes being a qualified worker and a citizen of a third country (a country outside the EU). Additionally, you must have a job offer and training in a shortage occupation, as well as sufficient financial resources and proof of adequate accommodation. Spouses or registered partners of Austrians, who are skilled workers from third countries, are exempt from applying for this card but can apply for a Residence Permit – Family Members.
• Prepare Required Documents: The application process requires submitting various documents, including proof of employment and accommodation. Language certificates (not older than 5 years) are also required, demonstrating proficiency in German (A1 level) or English. Other documents may include lease contracts, health insurance coverage, and proof of financial resources.
• Decide on Place of Residence: Before submitting the application, applicants must decide where they want to live in Austria. This decision is crucial as different branches of the Immigration Authority in Austria are responsible for different regions. Once decided, changing your place of residence can be complicated.
• Submit Application: The application can be submitted to the competent Austrian representative authority, which is typically the embassy or consulate in your country of residence. The application must be filed before entering Austria. If you are already in Austria and are visa-free or have a valid residence permit, you may file the application directly with the competent residence authority (Provincial Governor or authorised administrative body).
• Wait for Processing: The processing time for the Red-White-Red Card application can vary, typically taking around 2-3 months. The time depends on factors such as the current workload of the processing authorities.
• Collect Residence Permit: If your application is approved, you will be notified, and you can then enter Austria with a valid visa or without a visa if visa-free entry is allowed. The residence permit must be collected in person from the competent settlement authority in Austria.
• Renewal and Extensions: The Red-White-Red Card is typically issued for a period of 24 months. If you wish to stay in Austria for a more extended period, you must apply for an extension before your current card expires. Extensions can be applied for no earlier than three months before the expiry of your current card.

Please note that this is a general overview, and specific steps may vary depending on your circumstances and the type of Red-White-Red Card you are applying for. Always refer to the official Austrian government websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Required documents

To apply for a Red-White-Red Card, you will need to submit several documents, including proof of employment and accommodation. The specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances, but here is a detailed list of the generally required documents:

• Proof of Employment: This is a crucial document and usually needs to be submitted through the Austrian embassy. You need to provide evidence of specific employment-related activity in Austria or self-employment that meets certain criteria. If you are applying as a skilled worker in a shortage occupation, ensure that your training corresponds to the Austrian level of training in terms of duration and scope.
• Proof of Accommodation: You must provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation. This can be done by presenting a lease contract, and the accommodation should be considered adequate for your family size.
• Health Insurance: You are required to have health insurance coverage that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks. If you are already employed in Austria, your public social insurance should be sufficient. However, during the application process, you may need to obtain interim private health insurance.
• Income: While there is no proof of income necessary according to the Settlement and Residence Act, you must have a fixed and regular personal income to cover your living costs without resorting to welfare aid. At the time of application, your monthly income must meet the equalisation supplement reference rate of the General Social Insurance Act.
• Language Proficiency: German language proficiency at the A1 level is required. Accepted German certificates include ÖSD, Goethe-Institute, TELC, and the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF). Language certificates must not be older than 5 years. If the company language is English, you can receive additional points for demonstrable English proficiency with accepted certificates from institutions like Cambridge, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.
• Education and Professional Experience: You will need to provide proof of your education and professional experience, especially if you are applying for a job in a shortage occupation. Ensure that your education and studies match the job offer, and provide proof of professional experience, including starting and ending dates, and a description of the job position.

Please note that the list above may not be exhaustive, and it is recommended to refer to the official Austrian government websites for the most up-to-date and comprehensive information.

Processing time

The processing time for a Red-White-Red Card application depends on several factors, including the type of residence permit, the completeness of the application, and the applicant's documentation.

For first-time applicants, the application must be filed with the competent Austrian authority (embassy or consulate) in the applicant's country of residence. Family members of applicants must provide proof of German language skills at the A1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The application fee is €120 for individuals older than six years and €75 for children up to six years.

Once the application is approved, the applicant will receive an invitation to apply for a Visa D within three months and to pick up their Red-White-Red Card in Austria within six months. Obtaining the Visa D typically takes about two weeks, during which the applicant's passport will be held by the embassy or consulate. After receiving the Visa D, the applicant can travel to Austria and complete the necessary steps, including providing fingerprints to the Immigration Authority.

The entire application process, from initial submission to receiving the Red-White-Red Card, can take approximately eight weeks if the application is complete and all required documents are submitted. However, it's important to note that processing times may vary, and applicants should contact the competent Austrian settlement authority for specific information regarding their application.

Benefits

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence and employment permit for third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) seeking to live and work in Austria. It offers a range of benefits for skilled workers and their families. Here are some key advantages of obtaining the Red-White-Red Card:

Free Movement within the EU

The card allows holders to move freely within the European Union, providing opportunities to travel and work in other EU countries without additional visas or permits.

Access to Social Benefits and Healthcare

Cardholders are entitled to access social benefits, including healthcare services, in Austria. This ensures that individuals and their families have access to necessary medical care and social services during their stay.

Permanent Settlement Option

The Red-White-Red Card provides a pathway to permanent settlement in Austria. After meeting certain requirements and holding the card for a specified period, individuals can apply for permanent residence, allowing them to settle long-term in the country.

Employment Opportunities

The card offers access to a wide range of employment opportunities in Austria. Skilled workers can seek employment in various industries, including IT, arts, and culture. The card also allows for self-employed activities, providing flexibility for individuals to start their own businesses or work as freelancers.

Family Reunification

The Red-White-Red Card facilitates family reunification by allowing family members of cardholders to apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus. Spouses and registered partners, and dependent family members can join the primary cardholder in Austria, providing a pathway for families to live and work together in the country.

Education and Training Recognition

The card recognizes the education and training of applicants, provided they match the job offer. Individuals with relevant qualifications and skills can receive points that contribute to their application, making it an attractive option for highly skilled workers.

Frequently asked questions