Other Key Workers
The Red-White-Red Card for other key workers gives companies the opportunity to employ qualified workers from third countries in Austria, provided that there is already a concrete job offer and the position is not classified as a shortage occupation.
This residence and work permit is particularly intended for applicants with relevant professional experience who do not have training in an officially recognized shortage occupation.
In this category, a labour market test is carried out by the Austrian Public Employment Service, the AMS. This test is used to determine whether there is no suitable Austrian or already resident candidate available for the respective position.
Requirements and application notes
In order for a person selected by your company to be admitted as an other key worker, at least 55 points must be achieved within a points-based system. Education, professional experience and language skills are assessed. Points do not have to be achieved in every category, as long as the minimum score of 55 points is reached. Each category has a maximum number of points. For example, language skills can be awarded a maximum of 25 points.
In addition, the AMS must initiate a replacement worker procedure and, as part of the labour market test, determine that no equally qualified workers who are registered with the AMS as jobseekers can be referred to the company.
A monthly minimum gross salary of at least EUR 3,465.00, as of 2026, plus special payments is required in order to meet the legal requirements for this card.
Assessment criteria
Education and qualifications
Even if the education of the intended employee is not directly tailored to the advertised position, points may still be taken into account if relevant professional experience can be proven.
Professional experience
Points are awarded for relevant professional experience acquired after completion of education. One point is credited for every six months of professional experience abroad. Professional experience in Austria is awarded two points per six months. Internships are generally not taken into account. Exact information on employment periods and the respective position is required as proof.
Language skills
Points are awarded for proven knowledge of German, English, French, Spanish or Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian. Language certificates must not be older than five years. Native speakers of one of these languages may also receive points without a certificate, provided that appropriate proof, such as education documents, is submitted. Recognized language certificates include ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, TELC, IELTS and TOEFL. If English is the predominant company language, an additional five points are awarded.
Age
The age of the employee applying for the card is also taken into account when points are awarded. The decisive factor is the age at the time of application.
Admission criteria for key workers
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Qualification | max. creditable points: 30 |
| Completed vocational training or special knowledge or skills in the intended employment | 20 |
| General university entrance qualification | 25 |
| Degree from a tertiary education institution with a minimum duration of three years | 30 |
| Professional experience | max. creditable points: 20 |
| Professional experience per six months | 1 |
| Professional experience in Austria per six months | 2 |
| Language skills | max. creditable points: 25 |
| German language skills, A1 level | 5 |
| German language skills, A2 level | 10 |
| German language skills, B1 level | 15 |
| English language skills, A2 level | 5 |
| English language skills, B1 level | 10 |
| Spanish language skills, B1 level | 5 |
| French language skills, B1 level | 5 |
| Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian language skills, B1 level | 5 |
| Age | max. creditable points: 15 |
| Up to 30 years | 15 |
| Up to 40 years | 10 |
| Maximum creditable points in total | 90 |
| Additional points for English language skills if English is the predominant company language | 5 |
| Additional points for professional athletes and professional sports coaches | 20 |
| Required minimum points | 55 |
* Key workers with special knowledge or skills do not need to provide proof of a formal educational qualification, for example musicians, designers, professional athletes or professional sports coaches.
Required documents
The following documents are required when applying for the Red-White-Red Card for other key workers:
From the employee
- Application form
- Valid passport
- Current passport photo according to EU requirements, not older than six months
- Criminal record certificate, not older than three months
- Proof of qualifications, for example education certificates or university degrees
- Documentation of professional experience, such as employment references with a corresponding social insurance record
- Language certificates, if required
Employer documents
- Employer declaration
- Information on the collective agreement classification
- Detailed job description, either separately or included in the employer declaration
Depending on the country of origin, it may be necessary to provide several criminal record certificates. The criminal record certificate must have a specific form of verification in order to be accepted. This depends on the country in which the document was issued.
Documents that are not issued in German or English must be translated by a court-certified translator.
Fees for a Red-White-Red Card
Application fee: EUR 218.00
Important notes
The Red-White-Red Card is generally valid for two years. However, the actual duration depends on the validity of the employee’s passport. For example, if the passport is only valid for one more year, the card will also only be issued for that period. To receive the maximum validity period of two years, the passport should be valid for a sufficiently long period.
Additional fees may apply if further documents are required or if a Visa D is needed.
The Red-White-Red Card for other key workers enables companies to employ qualified workers from third countries and to cover staffing needs in specialized areas in a targeted way. With careful preparation and the timely submission of all required documents, successful employment in Austria can be achieved.