Employing international skilled workers in compliance with the law
Anyone wishing to employ international skilled workers in Austria should familiarise themselves with the relevant residence and employment law requirements at an early stage. Depending on the country of origin, qualifications and position, various residence permits may be applicable – ranging from the Red-White-Red – Card to the EU Blue Card.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Which residence permits are available to international skilled workers
- What requirements must companies fulfil
- Which residence permits are available for different employment situations
Residence and Employment in Austria
The Red-White-Red – Card
The Red-White-Red – Card is the main residence permit for the employment of qualified skilled workers from third countries in Austria.
It is open to various groups of people – from highly qualified individuals and skilled workers in certain shortage occupations to graduates of Austrian universities. For these categories, a specific job offer and fulfilment of the relevant requirements are necessary.
The Red-White-Red – Card is usually issued for up to two years and is linked to the employing company. Under certain conditions, it is then possible to switch to the Red-White-Red – Card Plus, which grants unrestricted access to the labour market.
What it enables:
- Employment of qualified skilled workers from third countries
- Long-term employment in Austria
- Family reunification possible for skilled workers
- Switch to a Red-White-Red – Card Plus with unrestricted access to the labour market
Requirements & Evaluation
Whether a Red-White-Red – Card can be issued depends on the relevant category, as well as the qualifications and requirements of the skilled worker.
The following factors are taken into account in particular:
- Qualifications
- Work experience
- Language skills (knowledge of German is not essential)
- Age
In almost all categories, the decision is based on a transparent points system, under which a minimum number of points must be achieved.
Family & Prospects
The Red-White-Red – Card enables companies to employ qualified skilled workers from third countries on a long-term basis.
- Family members (spouse, registered partner, children) can apply for a Red-White-Red – Card Plus
- The Red-White-Red – Card Plus grants free access to the Austrian labour market
- Under certain conditions, skilled workers can upgrade their Red-White-Red – Card to a Red-White-Red – Card Plus
The main categories of Red-White-Red – Card
For companies wishing to employ skilled workers with the appropriate training in a shortage occupationshortage occupation (). A specific job offer is required. No labour market check is carried out in this category. Approval is based on a points system:
| Eligibility criteria for skilled workers | Points |
| Qualifications | Max points: 30 |
| Completed vocational education/training in the shortage occupation | 30 |
| Work experience matching one's qualification | Max points: 20 |
| Work experience (per half-year) | 1 |
| Work experience in Austria (per half-year) | 2 |
| Language skills | Max points: 25 |
| German language skills (A1 level) German language skills (A2 level) German language skills (B1 level) | 5 10 15 |
| English language skills (A2 level) English language skills (B1 level) | 5 10 |
| French language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Spanish language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Age | Max points: 15 |
| Up to 30 years of age | 15 |
| Up to 40 years of age | 10 |
| Up to 50 years of age | 5 |
| Sum total of maximum allowable points: | 90 |
| Additional points for corporate language English | 5 |
| Required minimum: | 55 |
For companies wishing to employ qualified skilled workers outside the shortage occupations. A specific job offer is required. In 2026, the minimum gross monthly salary shall be 3,465 Euro. Selection is based on a points system (see diagram) and a labour market check.
| Eligibility criteria for key workers | Points |
| Qualifications | Max points: 30 |
| Completed vocational education/training or special know-how or skills in the prospective occupation | 20 |
| General eligibility for university admission | 25 |
| Completion of a programme of studies with a minimum duration of three years at an institution of tertiary education | 30 |
| Work experience | Max points: 20 |
| Work experience (per half-year) | 1 |
| Work experience in Austria (per half-year) | 2 |
| Language skills | Max points: 25 |
German language skills (A1 level) German language skills (B1 level) | 5 10 15 |
| English language skills (A2 level) English language skills (B1 level) | 5 10 |
| French language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Spanish language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Age | Max points: 15 |
| Up to 30 years of age | 15 |
| Up to 40 years of age | 10 |
| Sum total of maximum allowable points: | 90 |
| Additional points for English language skills, when English is the predominant language of the respective company | 5 |
| Bonus points for professional athletes and professional sports coaches | 20 |
| Required minimum: | 55 |
For individuals with specialised qualifications and skills. In this category, skilled workers may, under certain conditions, enter Austria even without a specific job offer. The Jobseeker VisaJobseeker Visa () allows you to look for work for up to six months. Selection is based on a points system:
| Eligibility criteria for very highly qualified persons | Points |
| Special qualifications and skills | Max points: 40 |
| Graduation from an institution of higher education, minimum duration of programme: four years | 20 |
| - in the subjects Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM subjects) | 30 |
| - Post-doctoral qualification (habilitation) or PhD | 40 |
| Gross salary of previous year earned in a senior management position with a company listed on the stock exchange or a company for which the Austrian foreign trade office in charge issued a positive report about its activities or business segment: | |
| - €50,000 to 60,000 | 20 |
| - €60,000 to 70,000 | 25 |
| - More than €70,000 | 30 |
Research and innovation activities (Patent applications, publications) | 20 |
| Awards (recognised prizes) | 20 |
| Work experience (adequately reflecting applicant’s qualification or senior management position) | Max points: 20 |
| Work experience (per half-year) | 1 |
| Six months of work experience in Austria | 10 |
| Language skills | Max points: 10 |
| German or English language skills (A1 level) German or English language skills (A2 level) | 5 10 |
| French language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Spanish language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Bosnian, Croatian or Serbian language skills (B1 level) | 5 |
| Age | Max points: 20 |
| Up to 35 years of age | 20 |
| Up to 40 years of age | 15 |
| Up to 45 years of age | 10 |
| Studies in Austria | Max points: 10 |
| Second part of diploma programme (Diplomstudium) or half of the required total ECTS points | 5 |
Completed diploma programme (Diplomstudium) or Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programme | 10 |
| Sum total of maximum allowable points: | 100 |
| Required minimum: | 70 |
For graduates of an Austrian university or technical college with a job offer at an academic level. In this category, there is no points system and no labour market check.
For people who have already been employed as registered permanent seasonal workers for two years and possess German A1 level language skills. Under certain conditions, this category allows for a switch to a long-term residence permit.
The EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for companies wishing to employ highly qualified skilled workers from third countries in Austria. It enables the holder to reside legally in Austria.
The main requirements are, in particular, a firm job offer with a statutory minimum salary, a relevant university qualification or experience in a qualified role within the IT sector. The EU Blue Card is generally valid for up to two years.
What it enables:
- The employment of highly qualified skilled workers from third countries in Austria
- Valid for up to 2 years
- Family reunification possible for skilled workers
- Easier mobility within the EU
- Extension to a Red-White-Red Card Plus with unrestricted access to the labour market
The granting of the EU Blue Card is subject, in particular, to the following conditions:
- A completed university degree or – in the case of IT specialists – at least three years’ relevant professional experience equivalent to a university degree
- Employment contract or binding job offer
- Minimum gross salary of 55,678 Euro in accordance with statutory requirements
The EU Blue Card is particularly suitable for the long-term employment of highly qualified skilled workers.
- Family members may join them and have unrestricted access to the labour market
- Easier mobility within the European Union
- Option of further residence permits under certain conditions
The Red-White-Red – Card Plus
The Red-White-Red – Card Plus is a residence and work permit for third-country nationals who already hold a residence permit in Austria or who are coming to Austria under the family reunification scheme.
Unlike the Red-White-Red – Card, it is not tied to a specific employer and allows free access to the Austrian labour market. The permit can be issued for up to three years and opens up long-term employment opportunities in Austria.
What it enables:
- Stay in Austria
- Unrestricted access for skilled workers to the Austrian labour market
- Employment not tied to a specific company – it is possible to change employers
- Generally validity: 3 years
The Red-White-Red – Card Plus is particularly suitable in the following cases:
- As an extension of a Red-White-Red – Card and an EU Blue Card
- After at least 21 months of qualified employment within the last 24 months
- For family members of holders of certain residence permits under the family reunification scheme
The specific requirements depend on the type of residence permit and the individual’s particular circumstances.
The Red-White-Red – Card Plus provides unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and offers greater flexibility in employment.
- Free access to the labour market
- Employment without being tied to an employer
- Basis for a long-term stay in Austria
Long-Term Resident – EU
The "Long-Term Resident – EU" residence permit is intended for international skilled workers and third-country nationals who have been living in Austria for several years and wish to remain there on a long-term basis. It allows for permanent residence in Austria, free access to the labour market and greater professional flexibility – for example, by enabling people to change employers freely or to work either as self-employed or as employees.
What it enables:
- Permanent residence in Austria
- Free access to the Austrian labour market
- Employment without being tied to an employer
The following are required in particular for the Long-Term Resident – EU residence permit:
- At least five years’ residence in Austria
- In particular, German B1 level language skills
- A secure livelihood and health insurance cover
The specific assessment is carried out on the basis of the applicable legal provisions.
Red-White-Red – Card for self-employed key personnel and start-up founders
The Red-White-Red – Card for self-employed key personnel is aimed at third-country nationals who wish to set up a business in Austria or pursue self-employment that benefits the economy as a whole.
For innovative business ideas, there is also the Red-White-Red – Card for start-up founders. These residence permits allow the holder to work on a self-employed basis in Austria and are usually issued for 24 months.
What it enables:
- Self-employment in Austria
- Option of extension provided the requirements continue to be fulfilled
To qualify for the Red-White-Red – Card for self-employed key personnel, the planned business activity must generate economic added value for Austria.
These include, for example:
- Investments in Austria of at least 100,000 Euro
- Creating or safeguarding jobs
- Innovation or technological development
- Significance for a region or sector
Different requirements apply to start-up founders. Selection is based on a dedicated points system and takes into account, amongst other things, the business idea, qualifications and shareholding in the company. An investment of at least EUR 30,000 is required here.
The specific assessment is carried out on a case-by-case basis by the relevant authorities.
These residence permits offer long-term business prospects in Austria.
- Setting up a business in Austria
- Option of further residence permits provided the conditions continue to be met
- Long-term prospects for setting up a business
Settlement Permit – Researchers
This residence permit is intended for third-country nationals who are to carry out academic work in Austria. This is subject to a hosting agreement with a certified research institution. The residence permit is linked to the research activity and may be extended provided the research activity continues.
What it enables:
- Stay in Austria for scientific research
- Work carried out within a research organisation
- Limited validity
- Extension to a Red-White-Red Card Plus with unrestricted access to the labour market
In order for a residence permit to be granted, the following conditions, in particular, must be met:
- Hosting agreement with a certified research institution
- A PhD or doctorate, or a Master’s degree
- Compliance with the general legal requirements
- Extension to a Red-White-Red Card Plus with unrestricted access to the labour market
- Long-term prospects for academic work in Austria
Residence permits for students
This residence permit is intended for third-country nationals who wish to study in Austria. Admission to a university, technical college or other educational institution is a prerequisite. The residence permit is linked to a specific course of study and can be extended while the student is studying.
What it enables:
- Staying in Austria to study
- Studying at universities or technical colleges
- Employment of students while they are studying, subject to certain conditions
- Option of extension while studying
In order for a residence permit to be granted, the following conditions, in particular, must be met:
- Admission to a university or educational institution
- Compliance with the general legal requirements
- Extension possible while studying
- It is possible to switch to other residence permits once the course has been completed
- Basis for entering the workforce later in life in Austria
Settlement Permit – Artists
This residence permit is intended for third-country nationals who are to pursue an artistic career in Austria. The prerequisite is appropriate evidence of artistic activity or a specific commitment. The residence permit is linked to the specific activity and may be extended under certain conditions.
What it enables:
- Staying in Austria for artistic activities
- Carrying out the authorised activity
- Limited validity
- Option of extension
In particular, the following are required for the granting of a residence permit:
- Evidence of artistic activity or a commitment
- Compliance with the general legal requirements
Under certain conditions, it is possible to extend a residence permit or switch to a different type of residence permit.
EU citizens
Nationals of the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland enjoy the right to freedom of movement in Austria. As a general rule, no residence permit is required for employment or to take up self-employment. However, for stays of more than three months, there are certain registration and documentation requirements.
What this means:
- No residence permit required for employment or business
- Free access to the Austrian labour market
- Residence under EU law
- Obligation to register for long-term stays
If the stay is longer than three months, the skilled worker is required to obtain a Registration Certificate.
- Proof of the right of residence (e.g. employment, self-employment, sufficient means of support)
- Notification to the relevant authority
The specific requirements are determined by the statutory provisions.
After several years of lawful residence, a right of permanent residence may be acquired.
- Permanent residence where the requirements are fulfilled
- Greater legal certainty
Temporary placement
Temporary residence permits are intended for third-country nationals who wish to stay in Austria for a temporary and clearly defined purpose. These include, for example, seasonal work, secondments, au pair placements or short-term training programmes. Residence permits are valid for a limited period and are linked to the respective purpose of residence.
What it enables:
- Temporary residence in Austria
- Stay for a specific purpose
- Validity depending on the purpose of the stay
Temporary residence permits are particularly suitable for:
- Seasonal workers
- Secondments
- Au pair placements
- Training programmes
The applicable requirements depend on the specific purpose of residence.
In particular, the following are required for the grant:
- Evidence of the specific purpose of the stay
- Compliance with the general legal requirements
- Securing a livelihood
The specific assessment is carried out on a case-by-case basis. An extension is only possible if the conditions continue to be met.
Residence and Settlement in Austria
An overview of the right of residence
Anyone wishing to employ international skilled workers in Austria on a long-term basis should be familiar with the various residence permits. The type of permit required depends on the individual and the purpose of their residence – for example, employment, self-employment, study or family reunification. Austrian right of residence distinguishes between temporary residence permits and residence permits with long-term prospects.
Key points of reference:
- Residence permits are generally issued for a specific purpose
- Depending on the permit, employees may be tied to their employer or have free access to the labour market
- Temporary permits may be extended under certain conditions
- In the case of a prolonged lawful stay, permanent residence is possible
You can find out which residence permits are available to international skilled workers and what the relevant requirements are on the details page. There you will find more detailed information and the legal background.
General requirements
Regardless of the type of residence permit chosen, certain basic legal requirements apply. These requirements must, as a general rule, be met by all third-country nationals who are to reside in Austria on a long-term basis or who are to be employed there. They form the basis for the granting or extension of a residence permit.
Typical requirements are:
- A secure livelihood
- Health insurance cover
- Legal entitlement to accommodation in line with local standards
- No threat to public order or safety
The specific requirements may vary depending on the type of residence permit. You can find out which requirements must be fulfilled in each case and what supporting documents are required on the details page.
Extension of residence permits
Temporary residence permits are only valid for a specific period. If the employment of an international skilled worker in Austria is to continue, a timely extension is required.
In this regard, particular attention should be paid to the following:
- Submitting an application before the current permit expires
- Compliance with the general legal requirements
- Possibility of switching to a different residence permit
It is essential to submit your application in good time to ensure that your residence permit can be renewed without interruption. On the details page, you can find out what are the deadlines, what documents are required and what you need to bear in mind when applying for an extension.
Family migration
Under certain conditions, third-country nationals may bring their closest family members to Austria. Family reunification particularly affects spouses, registered partners and minor children, and can play an important role in the long-term decision to make Austria one’s place of work and home.
General requirements:
- A secure livelihood
- Health insurance cover
- Legal entitlement to accommodation
- Compliance with the legal framework governing the relevant residence permit
The specific requirements depend on the existing residence permit. On the details page, you can find out which rules apply to family members and what requirements must be fulfilled depending on the type of residence permit.
Does my skilled worker qualification need to be recognised?
Not every qualification obtained abroad has to be recognised in Austria. Recognition (nostrification) is generally only required for so-called regulated professions – that is, professions subject to specific legal requirements. These include, for example, doctors, nurses, lawyers and architects.
Whether recognition is required depends on the respective profession and should be checked at an early stage. In many cases, recognition is a prerequisite for practising the profession and may also be relevant for certain residence and work permits.
The following examples illustrate typical regulated professions and the relevant contact points.
If your healthcare professional has completed their medical degree abroad, their qualification must be recognised before they can practise as a doctor in Austria.
The Austrian Medical Association is responsible for this.
If your skilled worker completed their training abroad, their qualifications must be recognised before they can work in a nursing role in Austria.
Further information on the recognition process and the relevant authorities can be found in our blog post:
If your skilled worker has completed their degree abroad and wishes to practise as a lawyer in Austria, their qualification must be recognised.
The Bar Association is the main point of contact for initial information on how to proceed.
If your skilled worker has completed their degree abroad, their qualification must be recognised before they can practise as an architect in Austria.
The Chamber of Civil Engineers is responsible for this.
If you are unsure whether your skilled worker’s profession is a regulated profession in Austria, you can find some initial information on the recognition of foreign qualifications at berufsanerkennung.atberufsanerkennung.at ()
If there is already have a specific job offer, you can also contact WORK in AUSTRIA.
Not all professions in Austria are regulated. Whether a qualification needs to be recognised (nostrification) depends on the respective profession.
For many regulated professions, knowledge of German is also required. The exact language level required depends on the specific profession and the relevant institution.
Further information:
- Information on the recognition of qualificationsInformation on the recognition of qualifications ()
- Official points of contact for recognition (for people in Austria)Official points of contact for recognition (for people in Austria) ()
- Information on German language requirements for working in AustriaInformation on German language requirements for working in Austria ()
Discuss your specific situation
Every case is different. We would be happy to assist you personally with a detailed assessment and clear recommendations.
