The Austrian government describes the Red-White-Red Card as a combined residence and employment permit for qualified third-country workers. The standard card is generally issued for 24 months and ties employment to the employer named in the application.
Who may qualify?
The official migration portal lists several categories, including very highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, other key workers, graduates of Austrian universities, certain regular workers in tourism/agriculture/forestry, self-employed key workers and start-up founders.
Points and minimum requirements
Some categories use a points system based on qualifications, experience, age and language skills. Do not copy a points table from an old blog post: thresholds and salary requirements can change. Use the current federal migration portal and its points calculator for your category.
Can you change employer?
The standard Red-White-Red Card is linked to the employer named in your application. The government FAQ states that changing employer during the first two years generally requires a new Red-White-Red Card. A Red-White-Red Card Plus has broader labour-market access and follows different rules.
Practical process
Identify your category
Start with the federal migration portal rather than guessing from job title alone.
Check points / salary / job-offer rules
These are category-specific and time-sensitive.
Prepare immigration documents
Use the current authority checklist for passport, photo, qualifications, employment evidence and any translations/legalisation required.
What is the Red-White-Red Card Plus?
The Plus card can provide unrestricted labour-market access. The official portal explains when existing RWR or EU Blue Card holders and family members may qualify.