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Austria’s RWR card for Very Highly Qualified Workers - what you need to know

Austria’s RWR card for Very Highly Qualified Workers - what you need to know
Written by Allison Trok
Blog RWR Card for Austria
Want to work in Austria as a highly qualified expert? Whether you’re a top researcher, senior manager, or academic with strong credentials, the Red-White-Red Card (RWR card) could be your path to living and working in the heart of Europe.

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Here’s what you need to know about the RWR Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers – including how to qualify, what your options are, and how mypaperwork.ai can get you there.

Who is this RWR Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers for?

This RWR Card is for third-country nationals (non-EU citizens) with exceptional qualifications. You may be eligible if you:

  • Hold a PhD or post-doctoral degree

  • Graduated in mathematics, IT, natural sciences, or technology

  • Have senior-level experience and a strong salary history

  • Have achieved recognition through research or international awards

Austria created this route to attract top global talent.

How do you qualify?

You’ll need at least 70 out of 100 points based on:

  • Education & qualifications

  • Work experience (Austrian experience counts extra)

  • Language skills (German and/or English)

  • Age (you get points for being under 45 years of age)

  • Austria-specific bonuses (e.g. Austrian degree)

🎯 Use the Red-White-Red Card Points Calculator to check if you qualify — free and simple to use.

No job yet? Start with a job-seeker visa

You can apply for a 6-month job-seeker visa to search for work in Austria. Once you have a job offer that matches your qualifications, you can apply for the full RWR Card from within the country.

How to apply

Once you receive a relevant job offer:

  • You or your employer can apply for the RWR Card

  • No labor market test required (unlike other categories)

  • The job must align with your background and experience

What you get with this card

  • 24-month residence and work permit

  • Permission to work for the employer listed in your application

  • Minor self-employment allowed

  • Upgrade to RWR+ Card after 21 months → free access to Austria’s labor market

Need help applying?

Use the RWRCard Points Calculator to check your eligibility.

Get started with the Application Assistant to prepare your RWR Card application step by step – fast, easy, and affordable.

We guide you through every form, document, and deadline


Want to stay informed? Sign up for our email updates or follow us on Instagram, Youtube and LinkedIn. Together, we’ll make your paperwork manageable.

Take the first step now! mypaperwork.ai will support you along the way with a money-back guarantee if you don’t get your desired visa.

mypaperwork.ai is an Austrian startup focused on making migration and bureaucracy understandable, transparent, and easy.

You can also learn more about the RWR Card on the official site: 👉 migration.gv.at – source


Frequently Asked Questions

Our Application Assistant guides you step-by-step through the entire process of obtaining your Red-White-Red Card plus. We help you organize documents, check eligibility, prepare your application, and fill out the final application forms in a straightforward way.

The Assistant breaks down the complex application process into simple steps. You'll upload documents through our secure platform, receive guidance on what's missing, and get access to the support you need regarding translations, document preparation, and filling your application form. 

The basic functions are all free, while you get 1:1 personal support and many features included in the Pro version. 

Yes. We use high-level security protocols to protect all your documents and personal information. Your data is only accessible to you and our authorized team members who help with your application.

Yes, our Application Assistant was developed in coordination with official Austrians authorities. This means we can provide accurate information aligned with current requirements. For individual cases or new situations, we can check directly with authorities for clarification.