Republic of Austria vs Hellenic Republic
A neutral side-by-side of immigration systems, routes and regulators. Each row links to the underlying visa page with its primary government source.
Last reviewed:
Republic of Austria
Austria issues residence permits through the MA 35 (Vienna) and Bezirkshauptmannschaften (other regions). The headline route is the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte), a points-based work permit for skilled workers, key workers, graduates of Austrian universities, self-employed, and startup founders. The EU Blue Card (Austria) is also available. Settlement after 5 years of continuous legal residence.
- Official portal
- Federal Ministry of the Interior (Austria)
- Languages
- German
- Currency
- Euro
Hellenic Republic
Greece should be added because it combines standard work and EU Blue Card routes with high-interest residence categories for remote workers, financially independent people and investors. The system is document-heavy, so the user value is in translating official Ministry guidance into plain planning checklists.
- Official portal
- Ministry of Migration and Asylum (Greece)
- Languages
- Greek
- Currency
- Euro
How Republic of Austria and Hellenic Republic differ
| Dimension | Republic of Austria | Hellenic Republic |
|---|---|---|
| Total routes covered | 5 | 3 |
| Routes without employer sponsor | 2 | 2 |
| Routes leading to permanent residence | 4 | 2 |
| Typical full settlement timeline | — | — |
| Dominant skilled visa | Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) | EU Blue Card / highly qualified worker |
| Skilled visa salary minimum | — | — |
| Skilled visa processing time | — | — |
| Skilled visa government fees | — | — |
| Official languages | German | Greek |
| Currency | Euro | Euro |
| Primary regulator | ÖRAK | Greek Bars |
| Policy changes (last 12 months) | 0 | 0 |
Skilled-route head-to-head
Comparing each country’s most-used skilled-migration route side by side.
Routes unique to Republic of Austria
Routes unique to Hellenic Republic
Visa routes side by side
Republic of Austria (5)
Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)
Sponsor · To settlement · 2 years; then RWR Card Plus (employer-independent, also 2 years, renewable).
EU Blue Card (Austria)
Sponsor · To settlement · 2 years; renewable.
Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender)
Sponsor · Non-settlement · 1 year; renewable for the duration of studies.
Family Reunification (Familiennachzug)
No sponsor · To settlement · 1 year initially; renewable. Spouses get RWR Card Plus (3 years).
Red-White-Red Card — Startup Founder
No sponsor · To settlement · 2 years; then RWR Card Plus progression.
Hellenic Republic (3)
EU Blue Card / highly qualified worker
Sponsor · To settlement · Residence permit validity follows Greek/EU Blue Card rules and the employment basis.
Digital Nomad Visa
No sponsor · Non-settlement · Short initial visa with possible residence-permit route depending on stay plan.
Golden Visa
No sponsor · To settlement · Residence permit is renewable if the qualifying investment condition continues.
Frequently asked questions
Which country has an easier skilled-migration route, Republic of Austria or Hellenic Republic?+
Republic of Austria’s Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) is the dominant skilled route; Hellenic Republic’s EU Blue Card / highly qualified worker is the dominant skilled route. “Easier” depends on your salary, sponsor situation, and nationality — see each visa’s eligibility detail.