Austria Red-White-Red Card from Dubai
Austria's Red-White-Red Card is a points-based skilled-worker visa. The shortage-occupation route needs 55 of 90 points and a job offer. Cosmos checks your points and eligibility, and guides the process.
Wondering if you'd score enough points? Cosmos can give you an honest Red-White-Red Card points estimate before you commit.
Check My PointsWhat the Red-White-Red Card is
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria's points-based residence-and-work permit for qualified workers from outside the EU. It is tied to a specific employer, generally issued for up to 24 months, and your family can join on a Red-White-Red Card Plus. It has several categories; the most common for skilled workers is Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations.
| Type | Points-based, employer-tied residence and work permit |
| Main skilled category | Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations - 55 of 90 points |
| Points for | Qualifications, work experience, language skills (German/English), age |
| Shortage list | 64 nationwide + 66 regional occupations in the 2026 ordinance |
| Pay | Must meet the collectively agreed wage for the occupation |
| Validity | Up to 24 months, tied to one employer; family via RWR Card Plus |
The points table and shortage-occupation list are set annually by the Austrian authorities and change each year. Always confirm the current list and criteria on the official Austrian government sources before applying.
Other Red-White-Red Card categories
- Very Highly Qualified Workers - for top qualifications; can allow a six-month jobseeker visa to find a qualifying role.
- Graduates of Austrian universities - for those who studied in Austria.
- EU Blue Card - an alternative for highly qualified workers with a qualifying offer and salary.
Get an honest points estimate
A Cosmos consultant can estimate your Red-White-Red Card points and check whether your occupation is on the shortage list.
Check My PointsHow Cosmos helps (and what we don't do)
Cosmos provides an eligibility assessment and advisory guidance: an honest points estimate, whether your occupation is on the shortage list, the documents required, and how the application works.
To be clear about scope: the Red-White-Red Card is tied to a specific job and employer. We do not place you with an Austrian employer. Our role is to tell you honestly whether you are likely to qualify and to guide a correct application once you have an offer.
Red-White-Red Card FAQs
What is the Austria Red-White-Red Card?
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria's points-based residence and work permit for qualified third-country workers. It has several categories, including Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations, Very Highly Qualified Workers, and graduates of Austrian universities. It is generally issued for up to 24 months and tied to a specific employer, and family members can apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus.
How many points do I need for the Red-White-Red Card?
For the Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations category, applicants generally need at least 55 of 90 points, awarded for qualifications, work experience, language skills and age, and must have vocational training in a listed shortage occupation. Confirm the current points table and shortage-occupation list on the official Austrian sources before applying.
Do I need a job offer for the Red-White-Red Card?
Yes. The Red-White-Red Card is tied to a specific job and employer in Austria, and your pay must meet the collectively agreed wage for the occupation. Cosmos assesses your eligibility and points, and guides the process, but does not place you with an Austrian employer.
How does Cosmos help with the Red-White-Red Card?
Cosmos provides an eligibility assessment and advisory guidance: an honest points estimate, whether your occupation is on the shortage list, what documents are needed, and how the application process works. The application is submitted with your Austrian employer.
Thinking about Austria? Start with a points check
A Cosmos consultant can give you an honest read on your Red-White-Red Card points and the realistic next step.
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