Eligibility quiz
Do you plan to work for yourself in Austria?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Austria
You can live in Austria for the period of your card, normally two years.
If your work contract is shorter, your card lasts three months beyond it, but no more than two years and no longer than your passport.
If you apply to extend it before expiry, you can stay and keep the same work rights while you wait for a final decision.
Study in Austria
You can study while living in Austria.
Admission, fees and any rules for your course still apply.
Work in Austria
You can work in Austria for the employer and in the job covered by your card.
Visit Schengen countries
You can generally visit other Schengen countries without another visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Travel with your valid passport and residence card.
This does not let you live or work in those countries.
Use public healthcare
Once you start a job covered by Austrian social insurance, you are covered for medical treatment under its rules.
How to apply
From outside AustriaFrom outside Austria
Find your consulate
Find the Austrian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you live or your home country.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Austrian embassy or consulate covers your city for a Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers?”
Download the application form
Download the residence-title application form, called Aufenthaltstitel – Antrag auf Erteilung.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and sign the residence-title application form yourself.
Get form helpSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Austrian Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers application form?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsBook an appointment
Follow your consulate's instructions and book an appointment if it requires one.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book an appointment at the Austrian consulate in your city for a Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers?”
Hand in your application
Go to the consulate yourself and bring your completed form and documents. Pay the application fee there; ask the consulate how it accepts payment.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit and pay for an Austrian Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers at the consulate in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait abroad unless you have another reason that allows you to enter and stay in Austria, and answer any requests for more information or documents. The consulate sends your application to Austria, where the residence authority considers advice from the employment service and makes the decision.
See decision informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How long does an Austrian Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers application at a consulate take?”
Apply for an entry visa
If you need a visa to enter Austria, apply for a category D visa at the consulate within three months of being told your application was approved.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for an Austrian category D visa at the consulate in your city after approval of a Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers?”
Travel to Austria
Travel to Austria with your entry visa, or without a visa if you are allowed to enter visa-free.
Find entry informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Austria to collect an approved Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers?”
Once in AustriaOnce in Austria
Find your residence office
Find the Austrian residence authority responsible for the place where you intend to live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Austrian residence authority covers your city for a Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers?”
Collect your card
Collect your card in person from the residence authority within the period in your approval notice and no later than six months after approval. You can then work under your Red-White-Red Card.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect an approved Austrian Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers from the residence authority in your city?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificate *
Bring your birth certificate in the original and a copy. If you were adopted, add your adoption certificate; if the office needs proof of a family relationship, bring records that show it.
* Only if your office asks for it or needs it to check your family details.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationMarriage certificate *
Bring your marriage or registered-partnership certificate in the original and a copy. If applicable, also bring your divorce or partnership dissolution certificate, or your partner’s death certificate.
* Only if your office needs to check your marriage or partnership status.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Work and renewal conditions
During your first two years, you need a new card before changing employers.
You must keep a valid passport and health insurance, meet your residence and employment conditions, and apply for renewal before expiry.
Status can be lost
Your status ends when your card expires unless it is extended, and it can be lost if you no longer meet the renewal conditions.
It may also be lost if the authorities establish that you no longer live or are settled in Austria.
False documents, prohibited work, serious crime or security or immigration grounds can also put your status at risk.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
r/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditForeigners and Expats in Vienna and Austria
English Facebook group for people living in Austria interested in Austrian local life
Request to joinExpats World in Vienna
English Facebook group for people living in Austria interested in Austrian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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