Long-stay visas (Type D)
Austrian Red-White-Red Card – Self-employed Key Workers
A residence title for non-EU entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals whose activity brings a clear macroeconomic benefit to Austria.
Important information
- Issuing authority
- Austrian residence authority / embassy or consulate
- No points system for this category
- Validity
- 24 months
- Then a three-year settlement permit after two successful years
- Investment benchmark
- From €100,000 investment capital
- One of several qualifying macroeconomic-benefit criteria
- Application fee
- €218
- Confirmed on the official page
Who it's for
Non-EU nationals who wish to be self-employed in Austria in a way that delivers a macroeconomic benefit — for example by investing significant capital, creating or preserving jobs, transferring know-how or new technology, or being of major regional economic importance.
Requirements
- Demonstrate a macroeconomic benefit beyond your own operational gain, satisfying at least one qualifying criterion
- Sustained transfer of investment capital to Austria of at least €100,000, and/or
- Creation or preservation of jobs in Austria, transfer of know-how/new technology, or significant regional economic importance
- A detailed business plan with market and competition analysis
- Any required trade authorisations/professional qualifications
- Valid travel document, health insurance and accommodation
What you can do
- Settle in Austria and pursue the described self-employed activity for the card's term
- Establish or run your business in Austria
- Progress to a three-year settlement permit after two years of successful operation
How to apply
Submit the application to the nearest Austrian embassy or consulate, or directly to the competent residence authority after legal entry.
Because there is no points test, the decisive element is documentary evidence of the macroeconomic benefit — the business plan, capital-transfer proof and job-creation plans.
Documents
- Valid passport and a recent 45x35mm photo
- Detailed business plan with market and competition analysis
- Evidence of capital transfer and/or job-creation plans
- Proof of professional qualifications and any required trade authorisations
- Proof of health insurance
Frequently asked questions
No. This category has no points system; you must instead prove a macroeconomic benefit for Austria through criteria such as investment, job creation or technology transfer.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
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