Austria Red-White-Red Card Jobs | Apply Now
Austria might not be the first European destination that comes to mind for skilled migration, but it should be. Vienna has held the top spot in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index for six consecutive years, and the country runs one of the most accessible work permit systems on the continent through the Red-White-Red Card. This points-based residence and employment permit is purpose-built for skilled non-EU workers, with 130 official shortage occupations on the 2026 list.
From 1 January 2026, the Red-White-Red Card minimum salary went up to €3,465 gross per month for the Other Key Workers category. The EU Blue Card threshold is now €55,678 gross per year. After 21 months of qualifying employment, holders can upgrade to the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which removes the employer-tied restriction and grants unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.
Programme Overview
- Hiring Country: Austria
- Sponsoring Body: Austrian employers approved through the AMS process
- Education Required: Varies by category (university degree for highly qualified routes)
- Annual Salary Range: From €3,465 per month (€55,678 per year for EU Blue Card)
- Open To: Non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizens
- Permit Validity: 24 months initially, extendable
Why Austria Stands Out
- Other Key Workers minimum: €3,465 gross per month (from 1 January 2026)
- EU Blue Card minimum: €55,678 gross per year
- Super Key Employee threshold: €8,316 gross per month
- Salary calculated over 14 annual payments (Austrian standard)
- Red-White-Red Card Plus available after 21 months (full labour market access)
- Permanent EU residence after 5 years
- Family reunification rights
- Free public healthcare access
Austria Salary Thresholds for 2026
| Category | Minimum Salary |
| Red-White-Red Card (Other Key Workers) | €3,465 per month |
| EU Blue Card (Austria) | €55,678 per year |
| Super Key Employee / posting exemption | €8,316 per month |
Red-White-Red Card Categories
- Very Highly Qualified Workers: Top-tier professionals; can apply through the job-seeker route. Need 70 of 100 points.
- Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: Roles on the 2026 list of 64 nationwide and 66 regional shortage occupations. Need 55 of 90 points.
- Other Key Workers: Qualified professionals meeting salary and points thresholds. Subject to AMS labour market test.
- Graduates of Austrian Universities: Foreign graduates with a job offer matching their qualifications. No labour market test.
- Self-Employed Key Workers: Entrepreneurs whose activity benefits the Austrian economy.
- Start-up Founders: Innovators with a business plan and seed capital.
How the Points System Works
- Educational qualifications and special skills
- Work experience
- Language skills (German or English)
- Age (younger applicants score more)
- Studies completed in Austria
Eligibility Checklist
- Job offer from an Austrian employer.
- Salary meeting the relevant threshold for your category.
- Sufficient points under the relevant category.
- Passport valid and clean criminal record.
- Health insurance covering all risks in Austria.
- Proof of accommodation in Austria.
Documents to Submit
- Valid passport
- Signed employment contract
- Educational certificates (with Apostille if required)
- Detailed CV
- Language certificate (German A1/A2/B1 or English A2/B1)
- Proof of accommodation
- Health insurance documentation
- Criminal record certificate (no older than 3 months)
- Recent biometric photo
Where to Find Sponsored Jobs in Austria
- Work in Austria (Government): https://www.workinaustria.com/
- AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service): https://www.ams.at/
- StepStone Austria: https://www.stepstone.at/
- LinkedIn Austria: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/
- Karriere.at: https://www.karriere.at/
Application Walkthrough
- Find an Austrian employer: Target companies in shortage occupations or your specialist field.
- Receive a job offer: Confirm the salary meets the threshold for your category.
- Apply at the Austrian embassy: Submit personally, or have your employer file in Austria.
- AMS review: The Austrian Public Employment Service verifies your points, salary, and labour market criteria.
- Receive the Red-White-Red Card decision: Issued by the residence authority.
- Apply for the Type D entry visa: Required to enter Austria and collect your card.
- Travel to Austria: Within 4 days of arrival, register your address and collect your residence card.
Useful Links
- Migration Austria: https://www.migration.gv.at/en/
- Federal Ministry of Interior: https://www.bmi.gv.at/
Good luck with your application!