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Austria Jobs for Foreigners 2026: Red-White-Red Card Guide

How Austria jobs for foreigners work under the Red-White-Red Card, with the official points table, the six-month job-seeker visa and the card duration.

EU Job Hub Editorial Team · Updated 1 October 2026

Introduction

Austria jobs for foreigners often begin with the Red-White-Red Card. It is Austria’s points-based route for qualified workers from outside the EU. A job offer that fits your qualification is central to it.

This guide covers the route for very highly qualified workers. It uses the official Austrian migration portal. Other categories exist, such as shortage occupations, so check which one fits you.

Quick Information

Main route covered	Red-White-Red Card for very highly qualified workers
Points needed	At least 70 out of a possible 100
Job-seeker option	Six-month job-seeker visa if you have no offer yet
Card duration	Generally 24 months
Next step	Red-White-Red Card plus after 21 months of qualifying work in 24
Official portal	migration.gv.at

How the Points System Works

Austria scores your profile against a list of criteria. You need at least 70 points. The maximum is 100.

The official table rewards education, work experience, language skills, age and studies in Austria. You do not need points in every category. You only need to reach the total.

Points for Education and Special Skills

This category allows up to 40 points. The official figures are below.

• 20 points for a university degree of at least four years.
• 30 points if that degree is in mathematics, informatics, natural sciences or technology.
• 40 points for a post-doctoral qualification or a PhD.
• Extra points are possible for research activity and recognised awards.

Senior managers earning high salaries in listed companies can also score here. The portal gives the salary bands.

Points for Language, Age and Experience

Language skills can add up to 10 points. German or English at A1 gives 5 points. German or English at A2 gives 10 points.

Age can add up to 20 points. You get 20 points up to age 35, 15 up to age 40, and 10 up to age 45.

Work experience can add up to 20 points, if it fits your qualification. Studies in Austria can add up to 10 points.

A Worked Example From the Portal

The portal gives an example of a 30-year-old informatics graduate. She gets 30 points for her degree, 12 for work experience, 10 for English at A2, and 20 for age. That totals 72 points, above the 70 needed.

Use the same method for your own profile. Add up the points you can prove with documents. Do not count points you cannot document.

The Job-Seeker Visa

Very highly qualified workers without an offer can come to Austria for six months on a job-seeker visa. You apply in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence.

The Public Employment Service, called AMS, confirms your points to the embassy. If you entered Austria visa-free, you can apply for the card here during your legal stay once you find a matching job.

Applying With a Job Offer

With a work contract, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card. You can apply through the embassy abroad. Your employer can also file with the residence authority in Austria.

An employer declaration with details of your future workplace goes with the application. The job must match your qualification and offer adequate pay.

Documents to Prepare

The portal lists the core documents. For the job-seeker visa, these include a valid passport, a recent photo, proof of accommodation, health insurance that covers all risks, and proof of means of subsistence.

For the points system, add degree certificates, work references and language diplomas. Language certificates should not be older than five years. Bring originals and copies. Provide translations into German or English where needed.

Does Austria Recognise Your Qualification?

Formal recognition is only required for regulated professions. Health professions, public school teaching and law are examples. For other jobs, the authorities check your documents during the card procedure.

The portal Berufsanerkennung.at helps you find out whether your profession is regulated.

After the Card

The Red-White-Red Card is generally issued for 24 months. It allows settlement and work for the employer named in your application.

After 21 months of qualifying work within 24 months, you may apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus. That card gives unlimited access to the labour market.

Application Checklist

1. Calculate your points with the official table.
2. Gather degree, work and language documents.
3. Check whether your profession is regulated.
4. Apply for the job-seeker visa, or search with an offer in hand.
5. Ask your employer for the employer declaration.
6. Apply for the Red-White-Red Card.
7. Track your work months toward the Card plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points do I need? Very highly qualified workers need at least 70 points for the job-seeker visa and for the card.

Can I search for a job from Austria? Yes, on the six-month job-seeker visa. You need to reach the points first.

Do I need German? German is not required for this route, but A1 or A2 in German or English earns points.

How long is the first card valid? It is generally issued for 24 months.

Next Steps

Score yourself with the official table. Then decide between the job-seeker visa and a direct search with an offer. Confirm current fees and forms on the official portal before you apply.

Official Sources to Check

Use official platforms and national authorities to verify current rules before applying or travelling.

• Austrian migration portal — Very highly qualified workers
• EURES — Find a job

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Disclaimer: EU Job Hub provides general editorial information for jobseekers. It does not guarantee employment, sponsorship, work-permit approval or visa approval. Employment and immigration rules vary by country and by personal circumstances. Verify important information with employers and official authorities before making decisions. Never pay an individual or recruiter solely because they promise a job, placement or visa.