Working in Austria: Red-White-Red Card · einfach.wien
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  • Words explained simplyOfficial German like “Bescheid” or “Frist” in everyday words.
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  4. Working in Austria: Red-White-Red Card
Immigration & residence

Working in Austria: Red-White-Red Card

Official name: Apply for a Red-White-Red Card or EU Blue Card

This is about a card that lets people from countries outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland live and work in Austria. There is the Red-White-Red Card and the EU Blue Card. You see step by step what to prepare, where to apply and what comes after approval.

Check what applies to me

No account · Answers stay in your browser

Steps
7 key steps, up to 16 depending on your situation
For you
5 short questions, then you see your steps
Main office
MA 35
Costs
For applications from 1 January 2026 each Red-White-Red Card and each EU Blue Card costs 218 euros.
Online
possible for 1 of 16 steps
What applies to you?How it worksFrequently asked questionsSourcesSimilar plans

How it works

These are the key steps, in the right order. Answer the short questions; then you see exactly what applies to you and what is added.

  1. 1Find out which card fits youThere are several kinds of cards. They depend on your training, your job and your salary. Points often count.Key step
    Why?
    Each card has different rules and needs different evidence.
    What you do
    Read the description of the categories. The AMS checks the points later. Nothing is calculated here.
    Where?
    MA 35 / AMSInformation from the City of Vienna, oesterreich.gv.at and migration.gv.at
    In detail

    Choose the right card for your work

    The Red-White-Red Card exists for very highly qualified people, skilled workers in shortage occupations, other key workers, graduates from Austrian universities, regular workers, self-employed key workers and start-up founders. Shortage occupations are jobs where Austria lacks skilled workers. The EU Blue Card is for people with a degree and a high salary. Many routes use points, for example for education, work experience, language and age. The minimum is 70 points for very highly qualified people, 55 for shortage occupations and other key workers, and 50 for start-up founders. The AMS (public employment service) checks the requirements and points. Nothing is calculated or promised here.

    SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft
    Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft

    Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  2. 2Get a firm job offerFor most cards you first need a company in Austria that wants to hire you.Key step
    Why?
    Without a firm job there is no card. The salary must fit too.
    What you do
    Look for a job and get a firm offer. Very highly qualified people can also come with a job-seeker visa.
    Where?
    Employer / AMSWith the company; job-seeker visa via AMS Vienna
    In detail

    Secure a firm job offer in Austria

    For the work cards you need a firm job with a company in Austria. The salary must fit your route. In shortage occupations at least the minimum pay set by law or the collective agreement applies, that is the pay rules of your sector. For the EU Blue Card the gross annual salary must be at least the Austrian average published by Statistics Austria. Very highly qualified people can enter with a job-seeker visa and look for a job for 6 months. This needs a confirmation from the AMS Vienna regional office.

    Source„Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für besonders Hochqualifizierte – Antrag
    „Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für besonders Hochqualifizierte – Antrag

    Bundesministerium für Inneres · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  3. 3Have the company fill in a formThe company fills in the employer declaration. It states the conditions of your job.Key step
    Why?
    Without this form the office cannot check the application.
    What you do
    Give the company the Ministry of the Interior form. Agree whether the company applies for you.
    Where?
    EmployerMinistry of the Interior form, filled in by the company

    What you need

    • Employer declaration
      Document explained

      Filled in and signed by the company.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAntragsformulare (Aufenthaltstitel, Arbeitgebererklärung)
      Antragsformulare (Aufenthaltstitel, Arbeitgebererklärung)

      Bundesministerium für Inneres · bmi.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    In detail

    Prepare the employer declaration with the company

    The company fills in the employer declaration. This is a form from the Ministry of the Interior. In it the company confirms the conditions of your job. The company can also apply in Austria on your behalf. It can then file applications for your family at the same time. Agree who gets which document.

    Source§ 20d Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz (AuslBG)
    § 20d Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz (AuslBG)

    RIS · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  4. 4Gather your documentsYou get your passport, photo, criminal record certificate and evidence of training and work ready.Key step
    Why?
    With complete documents the procedure is faster.
    What you do
    Tick off the list. Bring the originals to the appointment. Find out early whether you need an apostille.
    Where?
    MA 35 / Austrian diplomatic representationBring the originals to the appointment

    What you need

    • Application form, filled in and signed
      Document explained

      Fill it in in German or English.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAntragsformulare (Aufenthaltstitel, Arbeitgebererklärung)
      Antragsformulare (Aufenthaltstitel, Arbeitgebererklärung)

      Bundesministerium für Inneres · bmi.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Valid passport and a copy of all pages
      Document explained

      The card is valid at most as long as your passport.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft
      Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Biometric passport photo
      Document explained

      A recent photo in passport format.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      no more than 6 months old
      SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft
      Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Criminal record certificate from your country of origin
      Document explained

      If you lived in another country for more than 6 months before, you also need the certificate from there.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      no more than 3 months old
      SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft
      Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Evidence for your points
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      For example certificates, diplomas, employment confirmations and language diplomas. Language diplomas may be no more than 5 years old.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      Source„Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für sonstige (unselbstständige) Schlüsselkräfte – Antrag
      „Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für sonstige (unselbstständige) Schlüsselkräfte – Antrag

      Bundesministerium für Inneres · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Degree certificate and study records from Austria
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      For example your study record book and exam certificates.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      Source„Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für Studienabsolventen – Antrag
      „Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für Studienabsolventen – Antrag

      Bundesministerium für Inneres · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Degree from a programme of at least 3 years
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      With proof of the status of the university. For a regulated profession you need proof that you may practise it.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      Source„Blaue Karte EU“ – Antrag
      „Blaue Karte EU“ – Antrag

      Bundesministerium für Inneres · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Business plan and evidence of capital or jobs
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      You also need your trade licence, that is the permission for your trade.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Selbständige Schlüsselkraft
      Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Selbständige Schlüsselkraft

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Evidence of capital and innovation
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      At least 30,000 euros of capital, at least half of it equity. Also the articles of association, except for a one-person company.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Start-up-Gründer
      Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Start-up-Gründer

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Health insurance that pays out in Austria
      Document explained · Depends on your case

      It must cover all risks.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Start-up-Gründer
      Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Start-up-Gründer

      Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Recognition for a regulated profession
      Document explained

      Only needed if your profession is regulated in Austria, for example a health profession.

      Requirement
      Check for your case
      Submission format
      Clarify format with the service
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceFachkräfte in Mangelberufen
      Fachkräfte in Mangelberufen

      Migrationsplattform der österreichischen Bundesregierung · migration.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    Related plansGet a foreign qualification recognisedHave a document legalised (apostille)
    In detail

    Gather the documents for your application

    Have all documents ready as originals. The authority may ask for more documents. Many foreign records need an apostille or diplomatic authentication. This is an official confirmation that the record is genuine. A City of Vienna list shows which countries need what. If you work in a regulated profession, for example a health profession, you usually need your training recognised first.

    SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft
    Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft

    Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  5. 5Apply at the embassyYou go to the Austrian embassy or consulate general in your country and apply.Key step
    Why?
    If you are still abroad, this is your route.
    What you do
    Ask there about an appointment. Bring all documents. Wait for the decision there.
    Where?
    Austrian diplomatic representationIn person at the embassy or consulate general
    In detail

    Apply at the Austrian embassy

    You apply in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate general in your country of residence. Ask there whether you need an appointment. Then you wait there for the decision. Ideally apply at least 8 weeks before you plan to start work.

    SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft
    Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft

    Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  6. 6Wait for the decisionThe office and the AMS check your application.Key step
    Why?
    Missing documents make the wait longer.
    What you do
    Check your post and e-mails regularly. Send missing documents quickly to the responsible office.
    Where?
    MA 35 / AMSPost or e-mail to the responsible MA 35 office
    When?
    By law the AMS reports its result within 4 weeks. The authority decides within 8 weeks of the application at the latest.
    In detail

    Wait for the decision and answer requests

    MA 35 clarifies the approval with the AMS. The AMS checks the requirements and reports back. Then the authority checks the rest and decides. If documents are missing, it takes longer. Send missing documents by post or e-mail to the responsible office, not to personal e-mail addresses. MA 35 cannot open download links. As a rule you may only work once you have the card.

    SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft
    Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft

    Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source
  7. 7Register your homeWhen you move in in Vienna, you register your address at a registration office.Key step
    Why?
    This is required and has a short deadline.
    What you do
    Fill in the registration form and have it signed. Go to a registration office with your passport.
    Where?
    MeldeserviceIn person at a registration office in Vienna

    What you need

    • Registration form, filled in and signed
      Document explained

      The person who provides the flat signs as well.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAnmelden eines Wohnsitzes
      Anmelden eines Wohnsitzes

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    • Passport
      Document explained

      People from other countries always bring a travel document.

      Requirement
      Required when applicable
      Submission format
      Original
      Translation
      No specific rule recorded; clarify foreign-language records with the service.
      Authentication
      No specific rule recorded; clarify need before obtaining records.
      Recency
      No fixed age limit recorded; clarify currency with the service.
      SourceAnmelden eines Wohnsitzes
      Anmelden eines Wohnsitzes

      Stadt Wien · retrieved on 17/10/2026

      Open original source
    Related plansNew in Vienna
    In detail

    Register your address in Vienna

    When you move into a flat in Vienna, you register at the latest 3 days later. You can do this at any registration office in Vienna. You need the registration form, signed by you and by the person who provides the flat. Bring your passport. Registration is free.

    SourceAnmelden eines Wohnsitzes
    Anmelden eines Wohnsitzes

    Stadt Wien · retrieved on 17/10/2026

    Open original source

Depending on your situation, this is added

  • EU citizens take a different route
  • There is a different card for studying
  • There are other cards for family
  • Have records translated
  • Budget for the fee
  • Book an appointment at MA 35
  • Apply for the visa
  • Collect your card
  • Follow the rules of the card
Use the questions to find out which of these apply to you
Tailored to you

What applies to you?

Answer a few short questions. The steps change right away: what does not apply to you drops out.

Question 1 of at most 5

How far along is your application?

What is meant? Whether you are just starting, already waiting, have approval or already have the card.

How far along is your application?
  • No sign-up needed
  • Nothing is sent to authorities
  • You submit applications yourself

Frequently asked questions

Can I do this online?

1 of 16 possible steps mention an online channel in their text. Requirements are in the official source.

What does it cost?

Costs or fees are stated for 1 step according to the source; details are listed with the step.

Do I need an einfach.wien account?

No. The plan works without registration; answers stay in your browser.

Does einfach.wien submit my application?

No. einfach.wien helps you prepare and links official channels. You submit applications yourself to the responsible service.

What this page is based on

The information is based on official sources. einfach.wien is a private project; the content has not been professionally reviewed. All information without guarantee, no legal advice. The responsible office is always authoritative.

SourceErstantrag für Drittstaatsangehörige
Erstantrag für Drittstaatsangehörige

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceAufenthaltstitel für Drittstaatsangehörige: Überblick
Aufenthaltstitel für Drittstaatsangehörige: Überblick

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceRot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft
Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Unselbständige Schlüsselkraft

Stadt Wien · MA 35 · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
Source„Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für besonders Hochqualifizierte – Antrag
„Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für besonders Hochqualifizierte – Antrag

Bundesministerium für Inneres · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
Source§ 20d Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz (AuslBG)
§ 20d Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz (AuslBG)

RIS · Bundeskanzleramt · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
Source„Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für Fachkräfte in Mangelberufen – Antrag
„Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte“ für Fachkräfte in Mangelberufen – Antrag

Bundesministerium für Inneres · oesterreich.gv.at · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source
SourceAnmelden eines Wohnsitzes
Anmelden eines Wohnsitzes

Stadt Wien · retrieved on 17/10/2026

Open original source

Similar plans

New in ViennaApply for a residence permit to studyBring your family to ViennaGet a foreign qualification recognisedHave a document legalised (apostille)Have a document translated
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