RED-WHITE-RED CARD

Since 1 July 2011, the immigration of skilled workers from around the world interested in relocating to Austria has been made possible by the "Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte" (Red-White-Red Card system). This criteria-led immigration system (points system) allows qualified workers from third countries (another system applies to people from EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) and their family members to permanently immigrate to Austria.

With the "Red-White-Red Card" system, interested persons from non-EU countries can immediately ascertain if and under which conditions they are eligible for immigration based on objective criteria. The points system is based on the following criteria:

  • Qualifications

  • Work experience

  • Language skills

  • Age

  • Studies completed in Austria (for those who are very highly qualified) The "Red-White-Red Card" is issued for 12 months and allows employment with the employer for which it was requested. After one year the "Red-White-Red Card plus" can be applied for, this grants the holder unlimited access to the labour market.

Persons who immigrate to Austria with the "Red-White-Red Card" do not need to prove German language skills before entering the country (they are not subject to the requirement of "German prior to immigration"). However, points can be collected for knowledge of the German or English language.

Family members of workers who immigrate using the "Red-White-Red Card" are not subject to the quota requirement and receive a "Red-White-Red Card" with instant free access to the labour market. The "German prior to immigration" regulation must be observed by family members.

Immigration regulations for qualified workers were also created at the level of the European Union, which have been implemented in each individual EU country. In Austria, this was introduced by way of the "EU Blue Card ".

The "Red-White-Red Card" is aimed at the following groups of people:

  • Very highly qualified workers

  • Skilled workers in shortage occupations

  • Other key workers

  • Self-employed key workers

  • Foreign graduates

  • Family members