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Red-White-Red Card Plus (RWR Card Plus)
AustriaAustria•Europe
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Red-White-Red Card Plus (RWR Card Plus)

Skilled Migration PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €218

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information

Overview

Self-petitioned residence permit granting unrestricted labor market access in Austria for 1 year, extendable to 3 years with continued integration.

The Red-White-Red Card Plus is Austria's premium residence and work permit, granting unrestricted access to the entire labor market for skilled foreign professionals. It is typically granted as a progression for those who have already established themselves through other Austrian residence permits and wish to formalize long-term settlement with full employment flexibility.

The Card Plus is issued for one year initially and is extendable to three years upon demonstrating two or more years of lawful residence and completion of the Integration Agreement Module 1. The EUR 218 application fee applies, with standard processing taking 56 days. Spouses have unrestricted work authorization. Family reunification is available for dependents.

This visa is ideal for experienced professionals transitioning from other Austrian work permits who seek permanent unrestricted labor market access and family reunification rights.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EU Long-Term Residence Permit
Austria flagAustria

EU Long-Term Residence Permit

Validity5 years
Processing4 weeks – 6 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Family member of RWR/Blue Card holder OR transition from previous permit

Proof of health insurance

Proof of accommodation

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid travel document

Proof of previous permit/status

Health insurance

Proof of accommodation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • 1-year initial permit extendable to 3 years after 2+ years lawful residence completion
  • Complete unrestricted labor market access with no job offer or employer sponsorship required
  • Spouse can work without restrictions or labor market test requirements
  • Renewable permit enables continuous residency pathway without reapplication between renewals
  • Serves as progression from EU Blue Card or other permits toward permanent PR status
  • Dependent children (up to 18) qualifying for family reunification with independent visa rights
  • 56-day standardized processing timeframe ensures predictable application timeline

Worth Knowing

  • Extension to 3 years requires 2+ years lawful residence plus completion of Integration Agreement Module 1
  • Petitioner must demonstrate ongoing self-sufficiency; no minimum income specified but general support requirement
  • Renewal required to maintain residence status; administrative burden for periodic card reissuance
  • May require prior qualifying visa or family relationship to existing RWR cardholder for initial qualification
  • Criminal record or threat to public order disqualifies applicants case-by-case

Application Process

1

Verify qualification

2

Submit application

3

Collect permit

Application Forms

Form B – Residence permits for third-country nationalsFill online

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