This category is suitable for third-country nationals who have completed relevant vocational training, have a concrete job offer in Austria, and whose occupation appears on the current national or regional shortage occupation list.

Yes. For this category, the intended occupation must appear on the valid national or regional shortage occupation list. Correctly identifying the occupation is an important part of the application process.

In that case, the Skilled Worker in a Shortage Occupation category may not be suitable. It should be assessed whether another category, such as Other Key Worker or the EU Blue Card, would be more appropriate.

Applicants must achieve at least 55 points. The points are awarded based primarily on qualifications, professional experience, language skills and age.

No. Because these occupations have officially been identified as being in shortage, the standard labour market test is generally not required.

For Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations, the salary must generally comply with the applicable collective agreement. Correct classification under the relevant collective agreement is therefore particularly important.

This category is often suitable if the occupation is not listed on the shortage occupation list, but the applicant has a qualified position, a concrete job offer in Austria, and meets the legal requirements.

For Other Key Workers, the occupation does not have to appear on the shortage occupation list. Instead, minimum points, the statutory minimum salary and a labour market test are particularly important.

Applicants in this category must achieve at least 55 out of 90 points. Points are awarded based on factors such as qualifications, professional experience, language skills and age.

Yes. A statutory minimum salary applies to Other Key Workers. For 2026, the required minimum salary is €3,465 gross per month, plus special payments.

Not always. In addition to complying with the applicable collective agreement, the statutory minimum salary for Other Key Workers must also be met. The collective agreement salary alone may not be sufficient.

As part of the labour market test, the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) assesses whether a registered job seeker with comparable qualifications is available for the position. This assessment is relevant for Other Key Workers.

Yes. If the AMS is able to identify a suitable registered candidate, this may affect the outcome of the application. This is why a precise and well-prepared job description is essential.

The job description influences how the position is assessed and whether the AMS can identify suitable replacement candidates. It should be realistic, specific and clearly aligned with the applicant’s qualifications.

The education should be reasonably related to the position. The clearer the connection between the applicant’s education, professional experience and intended role, the better the application can be prepared.

Professional experience can contribute valuable points within the points system. Whether it can sufficiently compensate for missing or unrelated formal qualifications depends on the specific circumstances of each case.

A Red-White-Red Card Plus may be available, among others, to holders of a Red-White-Red Card or an EU Blue Card, provided the legal requirements are met. It grants unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market.

A switch is generally possible if the person has been employed under the relevant conditions for at least 21 of the previous 24 months.

Yes. The Red-White-Red Card Plus provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market. This means you may change employers without having to apply for a new Red-White-Red Card for your new employer.

Yes. The Red-White-Red Card Plus generally allows both employed and self-employed activities.

Yes. Family members of holders of a Red-White-Red Card or an EU Blue Card may apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, provided the legal requirements are met.

Family members generally receive a Red-White-Red Card Plus, provided they meet the applicable legal requirements.

Yes. The Red-White-Red Card Plus provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market. This means you may change employers without having to apply for a new Red-White-Red Card for your new employer.

Depending on the residence permit and the specific circumstances, proof of German language skills may be required. Each case should be assessed individually.

Depending on the circumstances, this may be possible. Careful preparation is essential, particularly regarding complete documentation, valid travel documents and timely submission of the applications.

A trade licence is required if a commercial activity is carried out independently, on a regular basis and with the intention of generating profit in Austria.

For a free trade, no specific proof of professional qualification is generally required. As a result, the trade registration process is usually simpler than for regulated trades.

For a regulated trade, professional qualifications must be demonstrated. Depending on the profession, this may include formal education, professional experience, examinations or equivalent evidence.

An individual qualification can be assessed when no standard proof of qualification is available. It is then evaluated whether the existing education, professional experience and professional practice are sufficient for the specific trade.

It is particularly relevant for individuals who have extensive practical experience but cannot provide the standard Austrian qualification required for a regulated trade.

Yes, this may be possible. However, it depends on the individual’s residence permit, the intended business activity, Austrian trade regulations and the applicant’s personal circumstances. Before establishing a company, it should always be verified whether the planned self-employed activity is legally permitted.

Not every residence permit allows every type of self-employed activity. Therefore, it is essential to verify in advance whether the intended business activity is covered by the applicant’s residence permit.

A Self-Employed Key Worker is a third-country national whose planned self-employed business activity is expected to provide a significant economic benefit to Austria.

Yes. A well-prepared business plan is a key requirement. It should clearly present the business model, the expected economic benefits and the planned implementation of the project.

A successful recruitment process does not end with the approval of a residence and work permit. International professionals often require practical support when relocating to Austria. Effective relocation assistance helps them settle in successfully, supports long-term integration and contributes to a stable and lasting employment relationship.

The EU Blue Card may be the most suitable option if the applicant has a highly qualified position, an appropriate university degree or comparable qualification, and meets the statutory minimum salary requirement. It is particularly relevant for academic and highly qualified professions.

No. The EU Blue Card is not based on a points system. The key requirements include the applicant’s qualifications, a concrete job offer, the minimum duration of the employment contract and the applicable minimum salary.

For 2026, the required minimum gross annual salary is €55,678. Salary thresholds may change, so the current requirements should always be verified.

Yes. The EU Blue Card requires a binding job offer for highly qualified employment with a minimum contract duration of one year.

Yes. Like the Red-White-Red Card, the EU Blue Card is generally linked to the employer for whom it was granted.

Yes, but the change must be handled correctly from a legal perspective. For the new position, it must generally be verified again that all legal requirements are fulfilled.

Yes. A switch may be possible if the holder has been employed in a position corresponding to their qualifications for at least 21 of the previous 24 months. Eligibility must always be assessed on a case-by-case basis.