Republic of Austria · Processing time
Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte): how long does it take?
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
Austria publishes the AMS/residence-authority workflow for the Red-White-Red Card but does not publish a single central processing-time target for shortage-occupation skilled workers.
How long does the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) take to process in Austria?
Migration.gv.at - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations does not publish a central processing time for this route. Check the Austrian representation or competent residence authority for the current AMS opinion, residence-title, and consular appointment timing.
Verified against Migration.gv.at - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations on 27 June 2026.
Typical wait
Not centrally published
from complete application
Government fees
€160 application fee; €20 residence card production.
Last checked
27 June 2026
What is the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte)?
Austria's points-based work and residence permit for skilled workers, key workers, and graduates of Austrian universities — 70 points required.
The Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card) is Austria's headline skilled-migration route and the most common way for non-EU nationals to work in Austria. It uses a points-based assessment scoring qualifications (up to 30 points), work experience (up to 20 points), language skills (German and English, up to 10 points each), age (up to 20 points — younger applicants score more), and salary (bonus points for above-median salary). There are five distinct categories, each with its own points table: (1) Very Highly Qualified Workers (special talents — 70 points, no job offer needed at application), (2) Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations (70 points, must be on the Mangelberufsliste), (3) Other Key Workers (55 points + salary above a fixed threshold), (4) Graduates of Austrian Universities (no points — just a qualifying job offer), and (5) Startup Founders (business plan assessed by an expert jury). The RWR Card is issued for 2 years and tied to a specific employer. After 2 years, the holder can apply for the RWR Card Plus (employer-independent work rights). After 5 total years of continuous residence, long-term EU residence (Daueraufenthalt-EU) is available.
- Sponsorship: You need a job offer or employer sponsor in Republic of Austria.
- Settlement: This route can lead to permanent residence.
- Typical permit length: 2 years; then RWR Card Plus (employer-independent, also 2 years, renewable).
- Indicative government fees: €160 application fee; €20 residence card production.
Official 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 long does the Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) take to process?+
Migration.gv.at - Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations does not publish a central processing time for this route. Check the Austrian representation or competent residence authority for the current AMS opinion, residence-title, and consular appointment timing.
When does the Not centrally published clock start?+
Because no central processing time is published, there is no fixed start point. Contact the relevant authority once your application is submitted.
Is there a way to speed up the decision?+
Some Austria routes offer a priority or premium service for an additional fee. Check the linked primary source for current options — availability changes and varies by consular post.
What makes an application take longer than expected?+
The most common reasons for delays beyond the published window are: missing or incorrect documents, a request for more information (which pauses the clock until you reply), background or medical checks, and consular appointment backlogs in your country. Submitting a complete, well-organised application on day one is the single biggest thing you can do to stay inside the published window.
When should I treat my Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte) application as delayed?+
Because no central processing time is published for this route, there is no fixed point at which it counts as late. If your wait runs well beyond comparable cases, a single polite status enquiry through the official channel is reasonable. Duplicate chasing tends to slow a case rather than speed it up.
Next steps
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.