Eligibility Quiz
Are you a citizen of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland?
Requirements
This pathway is strictly reserved for individuals who meet the legal definition of "Very Highly Qualified." Eligibility is determined by a points-based system where you must score at least 70 out of 100 points. You can self-assess your score using the official points calculator.
Points Criteria
Points are awarded based on the following high-level categories:
- Special Qualifications (Max 40 points): You receive the highest points for PhDs or post-doctoral qualifications. Graduation from a four-year degree program in MINT subjects (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, or Technology) is highly valued. You can also earn points for research activities, patents, or recognized international awards.
- Work Experience (Max 20 points): Points are awarded for each year of professional experience. Significant bonus points are given if you have at least six months of previous work experience within Austria.
- Language Skills (Max 10 points): You can claim points for either German or English proficiency. Even basic elementary skills (A1 level) provide points, while A2 level grants the maximum for this category.
- Age (Max 20 points): The system favors younger applicants. The maximum points are available to those up to 35 years old, with points decreasing until age 45.
- Studies in Austria (Max 10 points): If you completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree at an Austrian university, you receive additional credit.
Nationality Exceptions
If you are a citizen of a country that enjoys visa-free entry to Austria (such as the USA, Canada, or Japan), you do not need to apply for this visa. You may enter Austria under your visa-free privileges and search for work for up to 90 days. If you find a job during that time, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card directly at the residence authority in Austria.
Conditions & Warnings
Scoring the minimum 70 points does not guarantee approval; the AMS has final discretion to verify if qualifications meet the 'Very Highly Qualified' threshold.
Visa-free nationals (e.g., USA, Canada) do not need this visa and can search for work for 90 days, applying for the RWR card directly in-country.
This visa does not grant immediate work rights; it only permits searching for a job to later transition to a Red-White-Red Card.
Qualifications
A1 German or English (5 points), A2 German or English (10 points). Accepted: ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, TELC, TestDaF (German); IELTS, TOEFL (English).
Fees
Includes €150 application fee and €20 personalization/biometrics fee.