Building a startup is hard enough. Doing it while navigating immigration rules in a foreign country can feel like a full-time job on top of your full-time job.
If you’re a non-EU entrepreneur with an innovative business idea, Austria’s RWR Card for Start-up Founders can be a strong path to launching your company here (Start-up Founders). On paper, the rules look clear. In real life, the process can be slower, stricter, and more unpredictable than you’d expect — even for founders with a strong track record.
At mypaperwork.ai, we work with founders who are ready to build in Austria — and we’ve learned that success often comes down to preparation, the right documentation, and (sometimes) persistence when the first answer isn’t the final answer.
Before we get into the requirements, here’s a real story that shows why.
A real story: when experience matters more than a diploma
Seven months. One founder. One Austrian startup founder visa.
One of our clients is a highly experienced entrepreneur: a founder with a strong track record, accepted by a local Austrian incubator, with the kind of background you’d assume would make the process straightforward.
We submitted the RWR Card for Start-up Founders application in June.
It was rejected.
The reason given was that he allegedly didn’t have the “right” formal degree.
That was frustrating — not only because of the delay, but because the law clearly allows entrepreneurial experience to matter, and in some cases outweigh formal education. Still, it took additional documentation, support letters, and a formal appeal (plus months of waiting) to confirm what the law already makes possible.
The application was approved in September. And on November 28, he finally held the card in his hands.
We did everything we could to keep the process moving. But the takeaway is bigger than one case: even strong founders can be slowed down when bureaucracy evaluates startups with old-school assumptions.
That’s why our role isn’t just “filling out forms.” We help founders present their experience clearly, defend the logic of their case, and keep pushing when things don’t go smoothly the first time.
Who is the "Red-White-Red card for Start-up Founders" for?
This residence permit is designed for third-country nationals who want to start an innovative business in Austria.
To qualify, your startup should:
- Offer innovative products, services, or technologies
- Include a detailed business plan
- Show potential to contribute to the Austrian economy
You must also:
- Hold a controlling share in the company (at least 50%)
- Have at least €30,000 in capital available for the startup
How do you qualify?
You need at least 50 out of 85 points, based on:
- Educational background (especially if completed in Austria)
- Relevant experience (professional and/or entrepreneurial)
- Language skills (German or English, typically B1 or higher)
Bonus points may apply for:
- Additional investment capital (€50,000+)
- Acceptance into a business incubator/accelerator
- Funding from a startup agency
- Being under 35 years old
What documents do you need?
Typical documents include:
- A comprehensive business plan
- Proof of startup capital (minimum €30,000)
- Proof of majority ownership (50%+)
- Evidence of education and experience
- Language certificates (if available)
- Bonus documentation (e.g., incubator acceptance, funding letters)
In practice, how you structure, explain, and connect these documents can matter as much as having them.
What rights do you get?
With approval, you receive:
- A 24-month RWR Card for self-employment
- Permission to run your own business in Austria
After 2 years, you may apply for the RWR+ Card, which offers:
- Full access to Austria’s labour market (not tied to one employer)
- More flexibility if your plans change
How mypaperwork.ai supports founders
Many founders assume they either “qualify” or they don’t. In reality, founder applications often depend on how clearly your case is documented and communicated.
At mypaperwork.ai, we help you:
- Make sense of eligibility and points in practical terms
- Present your experience in a way authorities understand
- Prepare an application that’s not only correct, but convincing
- Support follow-ups and (when needed) appeals
We can’t rewrite the system (yet) — but we can help you navigate it and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
Final thoughts
Austria has a growing startup ecosystem and real appetite for innovation.
The talent is ready.
Sometimes, the paperwork just needs help catching up.
If you’re considering Austria for your startup — we’re here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and support.
FAQs: Austria’s Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders
The Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders is available to non-EU/EEA nationals who plan to establish an innovative business in Austria. Applicants typically need a credible business plan, at least 50% ownership, and at least €30,000 in startup capital.
A specific degree is not always required. While education can influence points, entrepreneurial and professional experience can also be decisive when properly documented and explained.
Applicants must reach at least 50 out of 85 points. Points are based on education, relevant experience, language skills, age, and bonuses such as higher investment, incubator acceptance, or funding support.
Common documents include a detailed business plan, proof of startup capital, proof of majority ownership, evidence of education and experience, and supporting documents such as incubator acceptance or funding confirmations.
A rejection is not always final. Some founder applications are rejected due to strict interpretations of formal criteria. In certain cases, additional documentation, clarifications, support letters, or an appeal can lead to approval.
At mypaperwork, we are here to help and can be there to reapply on your behalf in the case of rejection.
If your case is unclear, getting a structured review can help. You can book a free 15-minute consultation with mypaperwork.ai to discuss your situation, understand your options, and decide on the best path forward — with no obligation.
Ready to apply?
Take the first step now, mypaperwork.ai will support you along the way!
Your success is our success. If your application isn’t approved, your fee is fully refunded.
mypaperwork.ai
mypaperwork.ai is an Austrian startup focused on making migration and bureaucracy understandable, transparent, and easy.