Austria: Red-White-Red Card for Startup Founders (Startup Visa)

Founders of innovative startups can move to Austria with a Red-White-Red Card for Startup Founders.

Benefits

Bring family
Path to Permanent Residence
Renewable after 2 years
Includes right to work and start a business
E.U. member
High standard of living

Introduction

Austria continually appears on lists of the world’s best places to live, offering residents the dramatic natural beauty of the Alps, cultural centers like Vienna, rich traditions of foods like beer and chocolate, as well as a high standard of living, robust economy, and well-developed infrastructure.

Living in the most wooded nation in Europe, Austrians often spend their weekends outdoors and enjoy a great work-life balance.

Internet Speed

Fixed broadband: 108.94 Mbps download/22.78 Mbps upload

Mobile: 64.54 Mbps download/15.12 Mbps upload

Cost of living

No. 23 globally

Requirements

Innovative businesses

$61,750 invested in the business

Must pass a points system based on qualifications, experience, language, funding, and other factors.

There are additional requirements for business structure.

Fees

$142 application fee
$47 fee upon visa granting
$47 for biometrics

Application Process

Before you apply, check your eligibility using the Points Calculator

Apply at your local Austrian embassy.

If you are permitted to enter Austria visa-free, you can also apply within Austria at your local Provincial Governor, Regional Administrative Authority, or Local Administrative Authority. Locate a local office here.

This visa takes 6-8 weeks to process.

Documents Required

Documents required may include:

Passport
Birth certificate
Passport photo (45 mm x 35 mm, taken in past six months)
Proof of health insurance
Proof of financial means of subsistence (could include personal assets, investment capital, insurance benefits, pension, or other sources)
Certificate or diploma from vocational training related to your business
Evidence of special skills or knowledge, such as a work certificate, testimonial, or training report
Evidence of tertiary educational program (at least 3 years in duration)
Proof of completed degree or diploma program
Proof of vocational education or program completed in Austria, such as a document of completion or apprenticeship certificate
Proof of work experience, including testimonial and work certificate
Proof German or English language skills, such as language diploma or course certificate
Proof of investment capital and available equity
Contract with Austrian business incubator or start-up funding agency
Business plan demonstrating innovative nature of business, products, services, or technologies
Evidence of personal management role in the company (not required for sole proprietors)
Proof of qualification for self-employment, such as craft authorizations (Gewerbeberechtigungen) if necessary and available