If you are an entrepreneur who intends to open an innovative business in Austria, the Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders provides a systematic way to residency and business development. The Austrian government has suggested simplified visa procedures for start-up founders from non-EU countries. Secretary of State Mahrer proposed that entrepreneurs receive a residence and work permit for two years if all the prerequisites are met. The extension of the permit will be connected with the creation of jobs, a given turnover, and more financing. Besides, the start-up should provide or come up with truly innovative products or services. Minister of Economic Affairs Mitterlehner announced that this decision is just a part of the bigger strategy of Austria to become a start-up magnet.
Other variations of the work permit, such as extending the permit to BA and PhD graduates and a longer duration of time to look for a decent job after graduating, are some of the modifications Red-White-Red can undergo. Now, graduates have a period of 6 months to look for employment, but in future this will be increased to 12 months. This Red-White-Red Card reform should be accepted by the Parliament in spring 2017 and come into force on July 1.
Here is a complete guide that will come in handy to guide you when going through the application process:
This visa is meant for non–EU/EEA passport holders who want to:
- Start a business in Austria which develops and introduces innovative products, services, processing techniques, and technologies.
- Prepare an integrated business plan describing the establishment and operation of the company.
- It has a controlling influence on how the new company is run.
- Show capital of not less than €50,000 with a minimum equity share of 50% in the company.
- Score at least 50 points according to the given criteria.
Eligibility criteria & points system
Applicants need to score at least 50 points from the following categories to qualify for this programme:
- Qualifications (Max 30 points):
- Completed vocational education/training or special skills. 20 points.
- Completed tertiary education (minimum 3 years): 20 points
- Finished diploma/degree in Austria: 30 points.
- Work Experience (Max 10 points):
- Language Skills (Max 15 points):
- German A2: 5 points.
- German B1–B2: 10 points.
- German C1–C2: 15 points.
- English B2: 10 points.
- Additional investment capital of €50,000: 10 points.
- Enrolment in a business incubator or funding from a start-up agency in Austria. 10 points
- Age up to 35 years: 10 points
Required documents
Get ready the following documents for your application:
- Valid passport.
- Birth certificate.
- Evidence of health insurance to cover all risks in Austria.
- Proof of a satisfactory amount of finances that you can use to sustain yourself.
- Proof of accommodation in Austria.
- Detailed business plan.
- Presentations of qualifications and work experience.
- Language proficiency certificates.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Documents which are not in German or English have to be translated by a certified translator.
Application process
Application submission: Hand in your application at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If you are allowed to enter Austria visa-free, you can apply in Austria to the local Provincial Governor, Regional Administrative Authority or Local Administrative Authority.
Processing: The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) will analyse the macroeconomic value of your proposed business.
Processing time is typically 6–8 weeks.
Visa Issuance: If approved, you will be issued a Red-White-Red Card that is valid for a period of 24 months.
Fees
Application fee: €120.
Visa granting fee: €20.
Biometric data collection: €20.
Total: Approximately €160 VisaLobby
Renewal & long-term residency
After two years, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which will open full access to the labour market of Austria. You may apply for permanent residency after five years of uninterrupted legal residence, if you fulfil integration conditions, i.e. you have German language skills.
Family Reunification
Your family members (spouse and minor children) can also apply for residence permits to come to Austria. They need to present enough finances, health insurance, and accommodation.
Additional tips
Business Incubators: The Entry of an Austrian business incubator can add more points to your application.
Professional Assistance: Consider seeking advice from immigration experts or legal professionals if you must deal with a complicated case or special situation.
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