Republic of Austria
Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte): government fee breakdown
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Austria publishes a EUR 218 application fee for the Red-White-Red Card shortage-occupation route.
These are the fees paid to the Republic of Austria government. Your employer does not pay these fees — they are paid by you as the applicant (though some employers reimburse them). Fees for dependants, priority services, or higher salary bands may change the total.
How much does the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) cost in Austria?
Austria publishes a EUR 218 application fee for the Red-White-Red Card shortage-occupation route.
Verified against Migration.gv.at - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations on 27 June 2026.
Headline total
€218
Single applicant
Currency
EUR (Euro)
Last checked
27 June 2026
Itemised fees
| Fee component | Amount | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
Red-White-Red Card application fee | €218 | Yes |
Worked example
Single applicant — €218
- EUR 218 Red-White-Red Card application fee
How to read these fees
The €218 headline covers single applicant. Of the 1 component listed above, 1 is mandatory. The single biggest mandatory line is Red-White-Red Card application fee at €218.
Bringing family changes the total — see the dependant section below. Treat the figure as a planning estimate rather than a quote: confirm each line on the official source linked below on the day you pay, because these fees are revised regularly.
Dependant fees
Family members normally use the Red-White-Red Card plus or family-reunification route and pay their own residence-title fees.
Why fees change
Migration.gv.at publishes the fee on the route page. Re-check before filing because residence-title fees can be amended by ordinance.
Primary source
Migration.gv.at - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/skilled-workers-in-shortage-occupations/
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) cost in government fees?
Austria publishes a EUR 218 application fee for the Red-White-Red Card shortage-occupation route. The worked example assumes single applicant, totalling €218. Fees for dependants, priority service, or higher-tier salary bands change the total — see the itemised table above.
Are these fees refundable if my application is refused?
Most application fees are non-refundable once the government begins processing. Some jurisdictions refund specific components (e.g. Canada's Right of Permanent Residence Fee refunds if refused; UK IHS refunds if the visa is refused). Check the linked primary source for the route you are applying to.
How often do these fees change?
Migration.gv.at publishes the fee on the route page. Re-check before filing because residence-title fees can be amended by ordinance.
Do dependants pay the same fees as the primary applicant?
Family members normally use the Red-White-Red Card plus or family-reunification route and pay their own residence-title fees.
Next steps
Full visa guide
Eligibility, application steps, and FAQs for the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte).
Processing time
How long the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) takes from application to decision.
Compare: EU Blue Card (Austria) fees
EU-wide highly qualified worker permit — higher salary threshold than the RWR Card but offers intra-EU mobility after 12 months.
Compare: Student Residence Permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender) fees
Residence permit for international students at Austrian universities — includes part-time work rights and a dedicated post-graduation RWR Card pathway.
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.