Austria’s main route for non-EU/EEA skilled workers is the Red-White-Red (RWR) Card (a combined work + residence permit, usually issued for 24 months). For many RWR categories the 2025 gross monthly minimum salary is €3,225, and Austria publishes a year-by-year list of shortage occupations (2025 list includes chefs and many technical professions). If your job is on the shortage list, labour-market checks are simplified.
What’s new in August 2025
- RWR remains the principal skilled-worker residence route; typical initial validity is 24 months.
- Minimum salary reference for many “key worker” RWR applications was set at €3,225 gross/month (2025) — confirm the exact number that applies to your category and any sector collective agreement.
- Austria’s nationwide shortage occupation list (2025) explicitly names professions such as restaurant chefs; occupations on that list benefit from simplified labour-market rules.
Requirements (documents, salary & employer obligations)
Below is the practical list of must-have items you’ll be asked for prepare these early and in both originals + certified translations (German or English) when requested.
Core documents
- Valid passport (minimum validity varies; keep at least 6 months beyond planned entry).
- Signed employment contract that clearly states job title, duties, working hours and gross salary (salary must meet the RWR category minimum or applicable collective agreement).
- Proof of professional qualifications and licences (diplomas, culinary certificates, vocational certificates, translated & certified).
- Reference letters / employment history (signed, on company letterhead when possible).
- Police-clearance / character certificate (if requested by the embassy or authority).
- Health / travel insurance covering the entry period (embassy rules for Visa D often require minimum coverage).
- Passport photos that meet ICAO rules and completed visa/residence forms.
Employer obligations & AMS involvement
- Employers normally must provide or support the RWR application and unless the occupation is on the shortage list AMS (Public Employment Service) can perform a labour-market test. If the position is a shortage occupation, AMS checks are often waived or simplified.
- Employers should confirm the gross salary meets the statutory minimum for the RWR category (e.g., €3,225 where applicable in 2025) or the higher amount required by collective agreements.
Also Check: New Zealand Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa August 2025: Requirements and Application Process
Eligibility
Austria divides non-EU skilled worker admission into several RWR routes and related permits. Your eligibility depends on the route:
1. Skilled workers in shortage occupations
- If your profession appears on Austria’s nationwide or regional shortage list for 2025, you qualify under this stream. The lender advantage: labour-market tests are simplified or waived, making employer sponsorship and AMS confirmation smoother. Example: restaurant chefs are listed for 2025.
2. Other Key Workers (points-based)
- For skilled roles not on the shortage list, applicants must meet a points system (qualifications, work experience, language, age, etc.) and the employer must offer the statutory minimum salary for “other key workers” (2025 reference: €3,225 gross/month for many cases). You must reach the required points threshold (commonly minimum 55 points for certain categories).
3. Very highly qualified / EU Blue Card
- For top experts with high academic qualifications or exceptionally high salaries. The EU Blue Card has separate salary thresholds (higher than the standard RWR) and specific eligibility requirements.
4. Job-Seeker Visa (D visa “Job Seeker”)
- Very highly qualified candidates can apply for a Job-Seeker Visa (Category D) to enter Austria and look for work for up to six months. AMS must confirm you meet the required points for admission before the embassy issues the D visa. This is narrower and aimed at highly qualified specialists.
Family reunification
- After your RWR is approved, family reunification routes allow eligible family members to join you — separate documentation and conditions apply (income, accommodation, insurance). Check the official portal for details applicable to your nationality.
Step-by-Step Checklist
- Confirm category: shortest path is when your job is on the 2025 shortage list; otherwise determine if you meet the points for “other key workers” or Blue Card.
- Secure a job offer: signed contract with salary meeting RWR/category rules.
- Employer & AMS step: employer submits required details to AMS or supports your visa RWR submission; AMS confirms labour-market situation or shortage occupation status.
- Prepare documents: collect originals, certified translations, photos, insurance, police clearances.
- Apply at embassy/consulate (if required): submit national Visa D or residence application; attend biometric appointment. Embassy appointments open up to 3 months before travel in many missions.
- Pay fees & wait: processing times vary by country; track AMS and embassy updates.
- Arrival & register: register at local municipality, enrol in social insurance, start integration (language courses).
Short FAQ
Q: Is the Red-White-Red Card valid for 24 months?
A: Yes many RWR cards are first issued for 24 months. Renewals and eventual settlement routes exist.
Q: What is the 2025 minimum salary for many RWR applications?
A: The commonly referenced gross monthly minimum for many key worker RWR applications in 2025 is €3,225 confirm exact figures for your category and sector.
Q: Are chefs considered shortage occupations in 2025?
A: Yes restaurant chefs and related kitchen professions are named on the Austria-wide shortage list for 2025. That status simplifies AMS checks for sponsoring employers.
Q: Can I come to Austria without a job and then apply?
A: If you are very highly qualified, the Job-Seeker (D) visa allows entry for six months to look for employment. For most skilled roles you need a job offer before applying.