Austria Red-White-Red Card — Very Highly Qualified Workers
Austria's Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers needs 70 of 100 points, weighted most heavily toward qualifications and age, with language worth only 10. It also has a six-month jobseeker visa.
Core requirements
70 points out of a maximum of 100. This table applies to this category only; the maximum and weightings differ from the shortage occupation category.
Special qualifications and skills are worth up to 40: a four-year higher education degree scores 20, a MINT-subject degree 30, and a PhD or habilitation 40.
Senior management salary scores 20 at €50,000–60,000, 25 at €60,000–70,000, and 30 above €70,000.
Research and innovation activities score 20, and recognized awards score 20.
Work experience is worth up to 20: 1 point per half-year, with 10 points for six months worked in Austria.
Language is worth up to 10: German or English at A1 scores 5 and at A2 scores 10. Language carries far less weight here than on the shortage occupation route.
Age is worth up to 20: under 35 scores 20, under 40 scores 15, under 45 scores 10.
Studies in Austria are worth up to 10: half completed scores 5, fully completed 10.
The primary requirement for a Red-White-Red Card is a concrete employment offer; reaching the pass mark is not by itself an approval.
This category has a six-month jobseeker visa allowing a stay to seek employment matching the applicant's qualifications.
Official sources
- Very Highly Qualified WorkersAustrian 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.