Route comparison
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Baseline rows come from published route metadata. Optional fields appear only where ReloTide has source-backed structured enrichment.
| Field | 🇦🇹AustriaAustria Self-Employed Key Workers Red-White-Red Card: 2026 Guide |
|---|---|
| Country | Austria (AT) |
| Route | Austria Self-Employed Key Workers Red-White-Red Card: 2026 Guide |
| Route family | Freelance / self-employed |
| Route type | self employment |
| Summary | Guide to Austria’s self-employed key-worker RWR Card and the macroeconomic-benefit test for third-country entrepreneurs. |
| Last verified | 2026-09-18 |
| Official/supporting source count | 2 |
| Route guide | Open full guide → |
| Program availability | ActiveSource 1Source 2 |
| Best-fit work models | Business ownerSource 1Source 2 |
| Income requirement | Must demonstrate macroeconomic benefit beyond the enterprise's operational benefit; indicators include at least €100,000 sustained investment capital, job creation/preservation, know-how or technology transfer, or regional significance. No points grid applies.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Savings requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Investment requirement | €100,000 sustained investment capital is one possible indicator of macroeconomic benefit, not the sole route; other qualifying public benefits are assessed individually.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Government fees | Application fee: €218; ancillary documentation costs may apply.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Processing time | The route page does not specify a universal processing period; assessment depends on the evidence and competent authorities.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Validity | The initial RWR Card is generally issued for 24 months and authorizes the described self-employed activity.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Renewal | A subsequent settlement permit may be available if requirements continue to be met; employment requires an appropriate change of purpose.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Family inclusion | Eligible family members may apply for a separate family residence title subject to relationship and applicable general requirements.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Spouse work rights | A spouse requires a separate residence title; work rights depend on that title and applicable conditions.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Local-work rules | The permit authorizes the approved self-employed activity; dependent employment is not automatically authorized and requires an appropriate title.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Application location | Generally apply through the competent Austrian representation; in-country filing may be possible after lawful entry and during lawful stay under applicable rules.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Permanent-residence pathway | A subsequent settlement title and Long-term Resident–EU require separate applications and continued compliance with residence conditions.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Citizenship pathway | This permit does not grant citizenship; naturalisation requires a separate application and statutory residence and integration conditions.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
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