Immigration
The points-based Red-White-Red Card for qualified third-country workers
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens enjoy free movement. Qualified third-country nationals are admitted mainly through the Red-White-Red Card, a points-based work-and-residence permit, while other residence titles fall under the Settlement and Residence Act (NAG). Longer stays and settlement require meeting integration conditions.
Key rules
- The Red-White-Red Card is granted to third-country nationals who score enough points (generally 55) across qualifications, experience, language and age, with a qualifying job offer.
- The card initially ties the holder to a specific employer; the Red-White-Red Card plus allows freer labour-market access.
- Residence and settlement titles for non-EU nationals are governed by the Settlement and Residence Act (NAG).
- Citizenship generally requires long lawful residence and, as a rule, giving up the previous nationality.
Governing law
- Settlement and Residence Act (NAG)Residence titles for third-country nationals
- Aliens Police Act (FPG)Entry, visas and removal
- Nationality Act (StbG)Naturalisation
In practice
Austria's citizenship rules are among the strictest in the EU, generally requiring renunciation of the former nationality. Salary thresholds and points criteria for the Red-White-Red Card are updated periodically.