Permanent immigration – Red-White-Red Card

Criteria-based Austrian Immigration 

Austria has introduced a flexible new immigration scheme: the Red-White-Red Card. It aims to facilitate the immigration of qualified third-country workers and their families with a view to permanent settlement in Austria, based on personal and labour-market related criteria.

The related set of rules entered into force on 1 July 2011.

Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is issued for a period of twelve months and entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment by a specified employer.

The following persons are eligible for a Red-White-Red Card:

• very highly qualified workers
• skilled workers in shortage occupations
• other key workers

General Granting Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled for any residence title to be granted for Austria Skilled immigration:

Adequate means of subsistence

The applicant must have fixed and regular own income enabling him/her to cover his/her living costs without resorting to welfare aid from local authorities. At the time of application the regular monthly income must be equal to the amount of the standard rates of the General Social Insurance Act (ASVG).

• For singles: €872.31
• For couples: €1,307.89
• For each child additionally €134.59

Health Insurance Coverage

The applicant must have health insurance coverage providing benefits in Austria.

Adequate accommodation according to local standards

The applicant must provide evidence of a legal title to an accommodation (e.g. by providing a lease contract), considered adequate for his/her family size according to local standards for Austria Skilled immigration.