Austria Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders

The applicant must establish a new Austrian company to develop and launch an innovative product, service, process or technology. A consistent business plan is mandatory, and the founder must personally exercise controlling influence over management. The route is intended for third-country nationals. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens generally do not need this residence category.

The startup must have at least €30,000 in capital, with at least 50% provided as equity. There is no separate minimum personal net-worth requirement. An additional investment of at least €50,000 can provide 10 bonus points, but it is not mandatory if the applicant already reaches the required score.

Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient personal means of subsistence. For 2026, the official monthly reference amounts are €1,308.39 for a single person, €2,064.12 for a married couple, plus €201.88 for each child. Recurring expenses may increase the amount that must be demonstrated. These personal funds are separate from the startup capital.

Applicants need at least 50 points. Points may be awarded for education or specialized knowledge, relevant work experience, language ability, age, additional investment and admission to an Austrian business incubator or startup funding agency. Age 35 or younger may provide 10 points. English at B2 may provide 10 points, while German can generate between 5 and 15 points depending on level.

A detailed business plan and evidence of innovation are required. The plan should explain the proposed solution, customer need, Austrian market opportunity, competition, revenue model, operations, staffing, investment allocation, financial forecasts and implementation milestones. The authorities assess whether the proposed activity has credible economic value and whether the founder can execute it.

Viamora can assist with market and industry research, competitor analysis, business-model development, revenue strategy, operational planning, staffing projections, startup-cost analysis, financial forecasts, investment allocation and supporting commercial documentation.

A note on AI-generated plans: Generic, inaccurate, copied or unrealistic AI-generated plans may undermine credibility. Any technology-assisted content should be independently researched, verified and customized to the founder's actual experience, funding and business intentions.

Applications are normally filed personally at the competent Austrian embassy or consulate in the applicant's country of citizenship or lawful residence. In some circumstances, a person who entered Austria lawfully may apply through the competent Austrian residence authority while still legally present. The residence authority forwards the file to the Austrian Public Employment Service, which normally prepares its expert assessment within three weeks. The overall process is commonly stated to take approximately eight weeks, although timing varies.

The initial Red-White-Red Card may be issued for up to 24 months and permits the approved self-employed activity. Qualifying spouses, registered partners and minor children may apply under family-reunification provisions. After two years, the founder may qualify for a Red-White-Red Card plus, which provides broader labour-market access. Long-term resident EU status may generally be available after five years of qualifying settlement, subject to all applicable conditions.

Applicants may represent themselves. Viamora provides business and commercial planning support and is not an immigration consulting firm. Austrian legal advice or formal legal representation should be obtained from an appropriately authorized professional.