Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
The Red-White-Red Card gives companies in Austria the opportunity to employ qualified skilled workers from non-EU countries, provided that there is already a concrete job offer in an occupation with an acute shortage of skilled workers.
Austria publishes a list of occupations each year in which demand is particularly high. For 2026, this list includes 64 occupations throughout Austria and 66 occupations that are particularly in demand in specific federal provinces.
Due to the proven shortage of skilled workers, the usual labour market test does not apply to these occupations, which significantly simplifies the immigration process for companies.
Requirements and application notes
In order for a skilled worker selected by your company to receive the Red-White-Red Card, at least 55 points must be achieved within a points-based system. This system assesses education, professional experience and language skills. Points do not have to be achieved in every category, provided that 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.
Assessment criteria
Education and qualifications
The skilled worker receives points for qualifications that are directly related to the offered position in the shortage occupation. It is important that the education corresponds to Austrian standards in terms of scope and level.
Professional experience
Points are awarded for relevant professional experience acquired by the skilled worker after completion of education. One point is credited for every six months of professional experience abroad, while two points are credited for every six months of professional experience acquired in Austria. Internships are generally not taken into account. Exact information on employment periods and the 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, the skilled worker receives an additional five points.
Age
The age of the skilled worker is also taken into account when points are awarded. The decisive factor is the age at the time of application.
Admission criteria for skilled workers
| Criterion | Points |
|---|---|
| Qualification | max. creditable points: 30 |
| Completed vocational training in the shortage occupation | 30 |
| Professional experience corresponding to the training | 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 |
| Up to 50 years | 5 |
| Maximum creditable points in total | 90 |
| Additional points for English language skills if English is the predominant company language | 5 |
| Required minimum points | 55 |
Required documents
The following documents must be submitted when applying for the Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers in shortage occupations:
From the skilled worker
- 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
Depending on the country of origin of the skilled worker, it may be necessary to submit 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 duration also depends on the validity of the skilled worker’s passport. For example, if the passport is only valid for one more year, the Red-White-Red 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.
There is no fixed minimum salary. As a company, however, you must pay at least the salary regulated by the collective agreement, taking into account any possible overpayments.
Additional fees may apply if further documents are required or if a Visa D is needed.
The Red-White-Red Card gives companies the opportunity to specifically employ qualified skilled workers from third countries and thereby counteract the existing shortage of skilled workers. With careful preparation and timely submission of all documents, successful employment can be achieved.