🇦🇹Work visa options in Austria

The Austrian Red-White-Red (RWR) Card for Key Workers is a points-based work permit targeting highly qualified professionals in occupations deemed critical to the Austrian economy. Applicants must score a minimum of 55 points across criteria including qualifications (up to 30 points for a PhD), work experience (up to 20 points), age (maximum points for ages 26-35), language skills (German or English), and salary level. The points system is transparent and published by the Austrian Federal Ministry for Labour and Economy.

The Austrian Red-White-Red Card for Shortage Occupations targets foreign workers in professions listed on Austria's annual shortage occupation list. This list is published each year by the Federal Ministry for Labour and Economy and covers occupations where Austria faces documented labor shortages, such as electricians, plumbers, metal workers, IT specialists, nurses, and various skilled trades. The points threshold is lower at 50 points (compared to 55 for Key Workers), reflecting the urgent labor market need.

The Austrian Blue Card is the local implementation of the EU Blue Card directive for highly qualified workers. It requires a university degree (or equivalent higher education) and a job offer with an annual gross salary of at least EUR 55,678 for 2026. This threshold is set at a higher level than the RWR Key Workers minimum, positioning the Blue Card as the premium employer-sponsored route for senior professionals and specialists.