Route comparison
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| Field | 🇦🇹AustriaAustria Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: 2026 RWR Card Guide |
|---|---|
| Country | Austria (AT) |
| Route | Austria Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: 2026 RWR Card Guide |
| Route family | Other |
| Route type | skilled work |
| Summary | Current 2026 Red-White-Red Card rules for skilled workers in Austria-wide and regional shortage occupations. |
| Last verified | 2026-09-18 |
| Official/supporting source count | 5 |
| Route guide | Open full guide → |
| Program availability | ActiveSource 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5 |
| Best-fit work models | Local employmentSource 1Source 2Source 3Source 4Source 5 |
| Income requirement | The applicant needs a binding Austrian job offer in a listed shortage occupation and must be paid at least the minimum set by law, regulation or collective agreement for that job. The route also requires a qualifying completed training and at least 55 points; shortage occupations are updated by year and region.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Savings requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Investment requirement | Not applicableAs of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Government fees | Application fee: €218 for the Red-White-Red Card. Other document, translation or related costs are separate.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Processing time | The competent residence authority and AMS assess the application; the official category guidance does not promise a fixed processing period. Timing depends on the application and authorities involved.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Validity | The Red-White-Red Card is generally issued for 24 months and is tied to the specified employer.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Renewal | After employment meeting the RWR Card criteria for at least 21 months in the preceding 24 months, the holder may apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, which provides broader labour-market access; it is a separate application.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Family inclusion | Eligible family members may apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus through family reunification, subject to relationship, income, accommodation, health insurance and other applicable requirements.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Spouse work rights | A spouse must obtain a separate residence title. A family member granted a Red-White-Red Card Plus has unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Local-work rules | The Red-White-Red Card permits employment with the employer specified in the application. A change of employer requires the appropriate new residence/work authorization.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Application location | Apply at the Austrian representation abroad or have the prospective employer file with the competent Austrian residence authority; an applicant already in Austria may file after lawful entry and during lawful stay.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
| Permanent-residence pathway | After at least 21 months of qualifying employment in the preceding 24 months, the holder may apply for an RWR Plus. Long-term residence or permanent status requires separate eligibility and application under Austrian law.As of 2026-10-09Source 1Source 2 |
| Citizenship pathway | The RWR Card does not grant citizenship. Naturalisation requires a separate application, a qualifying period of residence and the general legal requirements, including language and integration conditions; eligibility is assessed individually.As of 2026-10-09Source 1 |
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