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Requirements and guidelines for applying for the Red-White-Red Card for other key workers
To obtain the Red-White-Red Card as an other key worker, you must achieve at least 55 points within a points-based system. This system evaluates education, work experience, and language skills. You do not need to collect points in every category – as long as the minimum score of 55 is reached, you are qualified. Each category has a maximum limit. For example, you can earn a maximum of 25 points for language skills.
In order to be approved as an other key worker, the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) must initiate a substitute worker procedure and, within the framework of this labor market test, determine that the company cannot be provided with equally qualified workers who are registered as job seekers with the AMS.
Additionally, a minimum gross monthly salary of €3,225 (as of 2025), plus any special payments, is required to meet the eligibility criteria for this card.
Education and qualifications
Even if your education is not directly related to the job, you can earn points if you can prove relevant work experience.
Work experience
Points are awarded for relevant work experience gained after completing your education. One point is credited for every six months of work experience abroad. Internships are generally not considered. Precise details regarding employment periods and your position are required for verification.
Language skills
Points are awarded for proven knowledge of German, English, French, Spanish, or Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian. The language certificates must not be older than five years. Native speakers of any of these languages may also receive points without a certificate if their native language can be verified through appropriate documentation (e.g., educational certificates). Recognized language certificates include ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, TELC, IELTS, and TOEFL. If English is the company’s working language, you will receive an additional 5 points.
Age
The applicant’s age is also considered when calculating points. The age at the time of application is decisive.
Eligibility criteria for skilled workers | Points |
Qualification | Maximum points achievable: 30 |
Completed vocational training or specific knowledge or skills* in the intended occupation | 20 |
General university entrance qualification | 25 |
Completion of a degree at a tertiary educational institution with a minimum duration of three years | 30 |
Job-related work experience | Maximum points achievable: 20 |
Work experience (per half-year) | 1 |
Work experience in Austria (per half-year) | 2 |
Language skills | Maximum points achievable: 25 |
German language skills (A1 level) | 5 |
German language skills (A2 level) | 10 |
German language skills (B1 level) | 15 |
English language skills (A2 level) | 5 |
English language skills (B1 level) | 10 |
Spanish language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
French language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
Bosnian, Croatian, or Serbian language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
Age | Maximum points achievable: 15 |
Up to 30 years old | 15 |
Up to 40 years old | 10 |
Total maximum points achievable: | 90 |
Additional points for English language skills, if English is the predominant company language. | 5 |
Additional points for professional athletes and professional sports coaches | 20 |
Required minimum points: | 55 |
* Additional points for professional athletes and professional sports coaches
Required documents
To apply for a Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers in shortage occupations, the following documents must be submitted:
- Application form
- Valid passport
- Recent passport photo (according to EU standards, not older than six months)
- Criminal record check (not older than three months)
- Processing fee: 160 Euro
- Proof of qualifications:
Educational certificates or university degrees
Documentation of work experience (e.g., employment references and insurance data extracts)
Language certificates, if required
Employer documents:
- Employer declaration
Depending on the country of origin, it may be necessary to submit multiple criminal record certificates. The criminal record certificate must include specific verification in order to be recognized. This depends on the country where the document was issued.
Documents that are not issued in German or English must be translated by a court-certified translator.
Important notes
The validity of the Red-White-Red Card is generally two years. However, the duration also depends on the validity of your passport. For example, if your passport is only valid for one more year, the RWR Card will also be issued for that period. To ensure a maximum duration of two years, your passport should be valid for at least that long.
There is no set minimum salary. However, the employer must pay at least the salary stipulated in the collective agreement, taking into account any potential overpayments.
Additional fees may apply if further documents are required or if a Visa D is needed.
The RWR Card offers qualified professionals from third countries an excellent opportunity to start their careers in Austria while addressing the shortage of skilled workers in high-demand professions.
With careful preparation and the timely submission of all required documents, nothing stands in the way of a successful start in Austria.