Requirements and guidelines for applying for the Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers in shortage occupations

To obtain the Red-White-Red Card, you must achieve a minimum of 55 points within a points-based system. This system evaluates your education, work experience, and language skills. You do not need to collect points in every category – as long as the minimum of 55 points is reached, you are considered qualified. Each category has a maximum number of points that can be awarded. For example, you can earn a maximum of 25 points for language skills.

Education and qualifications
Points are awarded for degrees directly related to the offered job in a shortage occupation. It is important that the education is comparable in scope and level to Austrian standards.

Work experience
You receive points for relevant work experience acquired after completing your education. One point is awarded for every six months of relevant work abroad. Internships are generally not considered. Detailed information on the periods of employment and your position is required for verification.

Language skills
Points are granted for proven knowledge of German, English, French, Spanish, or Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian. Language certificates must not be older than five years. Native speakers of these languages may also receive points without a certificate if their language skills can be demonstrated through appropriate documents (e.g., education certificates). Recognized language certificates include ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, TELC, IELTS, and TOEFL. If English is the working language of the company, you receive an additional 5 points.

Age
Your age at the time of application is also considered in the points calculation.

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.