Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders

The Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders is a residence permit allowing third-country nationals to settle in Austria and establish innovative companies. It targets entrepreneurs developing novel products, services, processes, or technologies. Applicants must score at least 50 of 85 points under a criteria-based system covering qualifications, work experience, language skills, and bonus factors such as additional capital or incubator admission.

• Score at least 50 of 85 points under the Anlage D assessment criteria
• Submit a coherent business plan demonstrating innovation
• Minimum founding capital of €30,000 with at least 50% equity
• Personally exercise controlling influence over the company
• Valid health insurance covering all risks in Austria
• Clean criminal record

The points system covers: Qualifications (up to 30 pts) — vocational training, tertiary education, or Austrian degree. Work experience (up to 10 pts) — 1 point per half-year of relevant experience. Language skills (up to 15 pts) — German or English proficiency at various levels. Bonus points (up to 30 pts) — additional €50,000+ investment capital (10 pts), recognized incubator or startup agency funding (10 pts), age up to 35 years (10 pts).

• Valid passport and biometric photograph (45x35 mm)
• Proof of health insurance covering all risks
• Educational credentials and work experience documentation
• Language proficiency certificates (no older than 5 years)
• Evidence of founding capital (bank statements, letters of credit)
• Business plan demonstrating innovation
• Company articles of association
• Criminal record certificate (no older than 3 months)
• Trade authorization if applicable
• Evidence for claimed bonus points

The card is issued for a maximum of 24 months. It is not renewed in the same category — instead, holders transition to the Red-White-Red Card plus after meeting operational milestones: employing at least 2 full-time workers, personal business management, either €200,000 annual revenue or €100,000 additional financing, and demonstrating active innovation. After 5 continuous years of lawful settlement, holders may apply for the Long-Term Resident EU permit, conditional on German B1 proficiency.

Spouses or registered partners (minimum age 21) and unmarried children under 18 may apply for the Red-White-Red Card plus simultaneously or after the main applicant. Family members must demonstrate A1 German proficiency for first-time applications and receive unrestricted labour market access. Standard requirements for means of subsistence, health insurance, and accommodation apply to family members.

Residents who establish domicile or habitual residence in Austria (presence exceeding 183 days per year) are subject to worldwide income taxation at progressive rates from 0% to 55%. Austria has an extensive network of double taxation agreements. Self-employed persons must register for social security through SVS (Sozialversicherungsanstalt der Selbständigen).

First-time applicants apply in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in their country of residence, or at the settlement authority if legally present in Austria. The application is forwarded to the AMS (Austrian Labour Market Service) regional office, which issues an expert assessment within 3 weeks on whether the startup criteria are met. The total statutory processing time is 8 weeks. Upon approval, applicants collect the card from the competent authority and may begin business activity only after receiving the physical permit. An application fee of €218 applies.