The Austria Red-White-Red Card is a type of residence permit issued by the Austrian government to qualified third-country nationals who wish to live and work in Austria.
The Austrian Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card) is a flexible immigration scheme that allows skilled workers from non-European Union (EU) countries to move to Austria for work and residence.The scheme was launched in 2011 to address Austria’s shortage of skilled labour in various sectors and to enhance its competitiveness in the global labour market.
The Austria Red-White-Red card is valid for a period of two years and allows the cardholder to work for a specific employer or be self-employed. After the initial two-year period, the card can be renewed for an additional three years.
The Austria Red-White-Red Card is different from the standard work permit schemes in Austria because it is a points-based system that evaluates an applicant’s qualifications, skills, and experience. This means that applicants do not necessarily need a job offer to apply for the card, but they must score a certain number of points to be eligible.
To be eligible for the Austria Red-White-Red Card, applicants must have a minimum of 70 points, which are awarded based on various criteria, including education, work experience, language proficiency, age, and special qualifications. The higher the score, the better the chances of getting an Austria Red-White-Red Card.
Eligibility For The Austria Red-White-Red Card
To be eligible for the Austria Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card), applicants must meet certain requirements and criteria. Here are some of the basic requirements for the RWR Card:
Qualification and Work Experience: Applicants must have a qualification that is recognized in Austria, such as a university degree or a vocational training certificate. Additionally, they must have relevant work experience in their field of expertise. Depending on the points system they are using in their application, they will need to provide the necessary proof for their claims. These include; a university degree as stated earlier, pay slips, confirmation of previous position by former employer, proof of published research and publications, proof of patent applications, and proof of awards and prizes.Â
Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a good command of the German language, which is the official language of Austria. You will need to provide the German language diploma or certificates and also an English language proficiency proof, They must provide evidence of their language proficiency by passing a recognized language test or presenting other relevant language certificates. Some of the recognised tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF), and Cambridge.Â
Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not older than 45 years at the time of application. Applicants that are older than 45 years will not get added points for age.
Points System: The RWR Card operates on a points-based system, where applicants are awarded points based on their qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors such as special qualifications or achievements. Applicants must score a minimum of 70 points to be eligible for the RWR Card.
Health Insurance: Applicants must have valid health insurance coverage for themselves and their family members who will be accompanying them to Austria. This insurance must cover all health risks.Â
Proof of Funds: Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members in Austria. This can be in the form of bank statements, employment contracts, or other relevant documents.
Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a clean criminal record certificate issued by their home country or any country where they have lived for more than six months.
Job Offer or Employment Contract: Although the RWR Card does not require applicants to have a job offer, it can increase their chances of getting the card. If an applicant has a job offer or an employment contract in Austria, they must provide relevant documents to support their application.
Benefits Of The Austria Red-White-Red Card
The Austria Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card) offers numerous benefits for individuals from non-European Union (EU) countries who wish to work and live in Austria. Here are some key benefits of the RWR Card:
Employment Opportunities: The RWR Card allows individuals to work legally in Austria. It opens up a wide range of employment opportunities across various industries and sectors. Holders of the RWR Card can seek employment with different companies and organizations, providing them with the chance to develop their careers and gain valuable work experience in Austria.
Residence Permit: Along with the work permit, the RWR Card also serves as a residence permit. It grants individuals the right to reside in Austria for the duration of their card’s validity, typically up to two years. This allows cardholders to settle down, establish a life, and integrate into Austrian society.
Ability to Move With Your Family: One of the significant advantages of the RWR Card is the provision for family reunification. Cardholders can bring their immediate family members, such as their spouses and children, to Austria to join them. This ensures that families can stay together and enjoy the benefits of living and working in Austria as a unit.
Freedom of Movement: The RWR visa allows individuals to travel freely within the Schengen Area. As Austria is a part of this area, cardholders can visit other Schengen countries for tourism, business, or personal purposes without the need for additional visas or permits. This freedom of movement enhances travel opportunities and facilitates easier exploration of neighbouring countries.
Flexibility in Employment: The RWR Card provides flexibility in terms of changing jobs or employers. Cardholders are not tied to a specific job or employer, they can even be self-employed, allowing them to switch positions if better opportunities arise or if their circumstances change. This flexibility contributes to career growth and adaptability in the Austrian job market.
Path to Permanent Residence: The RWR Card serves as a stepping stone towards permanent residence in Austria. After living in Austria for a certain period, typically five years, RWR Card holders can apply for a settlement permit, which grants them the right to live and work in Austria indefinitely. This pathway to permanent residence offers long-term stability and security.
Access to Social Benefits: RWR Card holders, along with their family members, are entitled to access certain social benefits in Austria, such as healthcare and education services. This ensures that individuals and their families can benefit from the well-developed social welfare system in Austria.
Documents Required For The Application Of The Austria Red-White-Red Card
Passport: Applicants will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended period of stay in Austria.
Education and work experience documents: Applicants will need to provide proof of their education and work experience, such as university diplomas, professional certificates, and letters of reference from their previous employers.
Employment offer: Applicants will need to provide a job offer from an Austrian employer, outlining their job description, salary, and terms of employment.
Language proficiency: Applicants will need to demonstrate their language proficiency in either German, English or both, depending on the requirements of the job.
Accommodation: Applicants will need to provide proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a rental agreement or a letter of invitation from a friend or family member.
Health insurance: Applicants will need to provide proof of health insurance coverage for themselves and any accompanying family members.
Financial resources: Applicants will need to provide proof that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any accompanying family members during their stay in Austria.
Passport photographs: Applicants will need to submit 2 recent passport photographs that were taken within the last 6 months and the dimensions of the photographs must be 45x35mm