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🇦🇹 Austria · Start-up residence permit

Austria start-up residence permit

The Red-White-Red Card for founders: a residence permit for entrepreneurs from outside the EU with an innovative project and capital from €50,000.

Free consultationAdvice on your case
from €50,000capital
6-8 weeksprocessing time
50 pointsminimum under the points system

Austria is a stable place to do business, with a strong environment for research and development and a high quality of life. The RWR-Start-up program (Red-White-Red Card) gives entrepreneurs from outside the EU a residence permit for an innovative project.

Legal grounds

The Austrian start-up residence program is designed for entrepreneurs from outside the EU who want to build an innovative company in the country. To get the permit you have to meet several conditions.

Requirements for the project and the capital

  • An innovative idea. The company has to develop and bring to market new products, services, processes or technologies.
  • A business plan. You need a convincing plan for setting up and running the business.
  • Active management. The applicant has to have significant influence over the management of the company.
  • Capital. At least €50,000, of which at least half has to be your own funds.

The points system

The applicant has to score at least 50 points under the assessment system, which takes into account education, work experience, language skills and other factors.

We will check your project and your capital against the requirements of the program on a free consultation.

Advantages of the Austrian start-up residence permit

Access to the European market

The chance to run a business in one of the most stable economies in Europe, with access to EU markets.

A stable economy

Favorable conditions for business thanks to a solid and developed economy.

Support for start-ups

State programs and initiatives that back innovative projects.

A path to permanent residence

After two years you can move to the RWR-Karte Plus, valid for 3 years. After 5 years of living in the country you can apply for permanent residence.

How to get the Austrian start-up residence permit step by step

Developing the project

Putting together a business plan that sets out how innovative the product or service is and how you will bring it to market.

Preparing the documents

Collecting the documents: proof of qualifications, work experience, language skills and available capital.

Filing the application

Filing at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country, or directly in Austria if you have the right to enter.

The decision and the move

Once the application is approved, you enter the country and start carrying out your business plan.

FAQ

How long is the Austrian start-up residence permit valid?
Two years, but no longer than the validity of your passport.
Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, card holders can bring family members to Austria.
What are the language requirements?
German or English counts towards the points system and improves your chances of getting the permit.
How much does the residence permit cost?
The application fee is around $142, there is an additional fee of $47 when the card is issued, and $47 for biometric data.
What do you need in order to renew it?
After two years you have to show that you have met the conditions the card was issued on - employing staff and a certain turnover - in order to move to the RWR-Karte Plus.

Don’t want to figure this out alone?

We handle the whole process end to end: we check your documents, match a program to your situation and give you honest timelines and costs. Leave your details and a migration expert will get back to you. The first consultation is free.

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