Austria Red-White-Red Card — Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
Austria's Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations needs 55 of 90 points, with language worth up to 25 — German at B1 alone scores 15, which often decides whether the mark is reached.
Core requirements
55 points out of a maximum of 90. Both the maximum and the pass mark differ from the Very Highly Qualified category, and self-assessing against the wrong table gives a conclusion that does not apply.
Qualification is worth up to 30: completed vocational education or training in the shortage occupation scores 30. The training must correspond to the target occupation.
Language is worth up to 25 and is among the heaviest variables here: German scores 5 at A1, 10 at A2 and 15 at B1; English scores 5 at A2 and 10 at B1.
A further 5 points apply where English is the predominant language of the company.
Work experience is worth up to 20: 1 point per half-year, or 2 points per half-year worked in Austria.
Age is worth up to 15: under 30 scores 15, under 40 scores 10, under 50 scores 5. The bands narrow earlier than on the other route.
A binding job offer in Austria where the prospective employer is willing to pay the minimum stipulated by law, regulation or collective agreement.
The page states no single minimum salary figure, pointing instead to statutory and collective agreement standards.
Official sources
- Skilled Workers in Shortage OccupationsAustrian Federal Government — migration.gv.at · Reviewed 2026-09-06
How immigration works in Austria — the process in order, the current figures with their dates, and what commonly blocks an application.
General educational information only, not personalized immigration or legal advice. Requirements can change; confirm them with the responsible government authority before acting. Next scheduled review: 2026-12-06.