Red-White-Red Card: Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
A combined residence and work permit for non-EU skilled workers trained in an occupation on Austria's annual shortage list. Applicants need a binding job offer paying at least the legal or collective-agreement minimum and must score at least 55 points for qualifications, experience, language and age. The card is tied to one employer and leads to the Red-White-Red Card plus after 21 months of qualifying work.
Life in Austria
Money
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
85
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–55%
Income tax (national)
VAT 20%
0% up to EUR 13,539; 50% from EUR 104,859; 55% on income above EUR 1 million (temporary through 2029).
Living
1
Happiness
#18 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Non-EU nationals with completed training in an Austria-wide or regional shortage occupation and a binding job offer from an Austrian employer.
Eligibility
Training in a shortage occupation
You need completed training in an occupation on the shortage list for the year.
2026 shortage list published- Training is usually comparable to a multi-year Austrian apprenticeship
- Some occupations require higher education
Official wording
You need completed training in an occupation on the shortage list for the year (2026 list published), usually comparable to a multi-year Austrian apprenticeship; some occupations require higher education.
Binding job offer
You need a binding job offer from an Austrian employer for the shortage occupation.
Minimum pay
Pay must meet the legal or collective-agreement minimum, plus any customary overpay in the company.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementPoints: 55 of 90
- Document checklistApplication form
- FeesRed-White-Red Card application fee
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 5 more requirements
- 9 documents
- 1 fee
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Austria
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
