The Red-White-Red Card: The Basics of Criteria-Based Immigration – What Companies and Internationals Need to Know

Our relocation and immigration expert, Pepper The Fox, is well aware that the Red-White-Red Card is a key component of Austria's immigration system. The Red-White-Red Card is THE tool for criteria-based immigration and, as such, Pepper’s most important resource. It offers qualified workers from non-EU countries the opportunity to work and live in Austria. It is aimed at professionals in high-demand fields such as IT, engineering, healthcare, and tourism, but also at university graduates and start-up founders – as there is a wide range of subcategories.

Since we deal with the applications, residence permits, and authorizations of our clients on a daily basis, Pepper summarizes here the most important requirements, benefits, and challenges for you at a glance.

Requirements:

• A concrete job offer as a qualified professional, or proof of a promising self-employment or start-up foundation.
• Fulfillment of a points system that evaluates education, work experience, language skills, and age.

Benefits:

• Combined residence and work permit
• Direct access to the labor market
• Validity for two years
• Possibility of family reunification

Challenges:

• Points system: To obtain the Red-White-Red Card, applicants must earn enough points in categories such as qualifications, work experience, and language skills. Of course, applicants must also provide the necessary documentation for the points to be credited. For many applicants, German language skills can be particularly challenging.
• Recognition of foreign qualifications: Especially in regulated professions, foreign degrees must be recognized. This process can be time-consuming but is necessary in order to work in certain fields (such as healthcare).

After two years, the Red-White-Red Plus Card can be applied for, which offers unrestricted access to the labor market.

Support by RANDOS:
The RANDOS immigration team supports companies and internationals in selecting the appropriate residence permit, preparing the necessary documents, and assisting applicants with administrative procedures and everything required to obtain a residence card, etc. Additionally, RANDOS uses a monitoring system that keeps us informed about expiration dates and deadlines, allowing us to assist our clients at the right time and inform them about further steps and options, or start any necessary renewal processes together.

If you need assistance in applying for your Red-White-Red Card (or any residence permit like the “Blue Card EU”), feel free to contact our RANDOS Immigration Team at any time.

Don’t worry – be relocAIDed…