Key Takeaways:
- Austria’s Red-White-Red Card: A flexible immigration scheme designed to attract highly qualified third-country nationals for permanent settlement and employment.
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must score at least 70 points based on qualifications, work experience, language skills, age, and studies in Austria.
- Application Process: Candidates can apply for a six-month Job Seeker Visa to find employment in Austria or directly for the Red-White-Red Card if they have a job offer.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: After two years with the Red-White-Red Card, holders may apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus, granting unrestricted labor market access.
Austria’s Red-White-Red Card serves as a gateway for highly qualified non-EU nationals seeking to live and work in the country. This immigration model balances Austria’s economic needs with opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide.
Understanding the Red-White-Red Card
The Red-White-Red Card is a combined residence and work permit tailored for various categories of workers, including:
- Very Highly Qualified Workers
- Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
- Other Key Workers
- Graduates of Austrian Universities
For very highly qualified workers, the system operates on a points-based framework, assessing:
- Qualifications and Skills: Higher education degrees, particularly in STEM fields, and significant professional achievements.
- Work Experience: Duration and relevance of previous employment.
- Language Proficiency: Competence in German or English.
- Age: Younger applicants receive higher points.
- Studies in Austria: Prior education in Austria adds to the score.
A minimum of 70 out of 100 points is required to qualify.
Application Pathways
- Without a Job Offer:
- Apply for a six-month Job Seeker Visa at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.
- If you secure employment matching your qualifications during this period, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card directly in Austria.
- With a Job Offer:
- Apply for the Red-White-Red Card either through the Austrian representation in your home country or directly with the residence authority in Austria after legal entry.
Transition to Red-White-Red Card plus
After two years of holding the Red-White-Red Card and meeting employment criteria (at least 21 months of employment within the preceding 24 months), you may apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus. This permit grants:
- Fixed-term settlement
- Unlimited labor market access, allowing employment with any employer or self-employment
Family Reunification
Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders are eligible to apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus, facilitating family unity and integration.
Conclusion
Austria’s Red-White-Red Card system exemplifies a strategic approach to immigration, aligning the country’s economic interests with the aspirations of skilled professionals. By setting clear criteria and providing structured pathways, Austria fosters an environment where talent can thrive, contributing to its socio-economic fabric.
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