Red White Red Card – Shoratge Occupations
Fast-track work and residence permit for skilled professionals in high-demand fields
The Red White Red Card for Shortage Occupations is Austria’s streamlined immigration route for skilled workers in professions officially recognized as in short supply—technical trades, engineering, healthcare, IT, and skilled craft professions where the local labour market needs international talent.
- Faster processing times; no labour market test required
- 24-month work and residence authorization
- Upgrade to unrestricted labour market access after 24 months, in case 21 months of employment
- Clear pathway to permanent residence and family reunification
Who qualifies
- Your profession appears on Austria’s official shortage occupation list for 2026
- Completed formal vocational training or education recognized as equivalent to Austrian standards
- Valid job offer from an Austrian employer in your shortage occupation
- Salary meets applicable collective bargaining agreement minimum
- 55+ points across qualifications, experience, language, and age
2026 shortage occupations
Austria publishes an updated shortage occupation list annually based on labour market needs. Current categories include epecially:
- Technical & Engineering – Various engineering and technical specializations
- Healthcare – Nursing, medical technicians, and allied health professionals
- Skilled Trades – Metalworking, construction trades, specialized crafts
- Information Technology – Software development and system administration
- Hospitality – Professional kitchen and culinary staff
- Transportation – Specialized operators and drivers
The current list includes 64 nationwide and 66 regional occupations. We verify your profession’s current eligibility status during the initial assessment.
Credit points (minimum 55 required)
You must reach at least 55 points based on:
- Education and qualifications for the shortage occupation
- Relevant work experience
- Language proficiency: German, English, French, Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian
- Age (younger applicants receive more points)
How we help
Eligibility Check & Points Calculation
We verify your profession appears on the current shortage occupation list and calculate your points. We also consult with the competent Austrian Ministry to confirm your foreign education qualifies for this permit category in Austria—a critical step many applicants overlook.
Employer & Job Confirmation
We coordinate with your Austrian employer to ensure the position, remuneration, and job description comply with Austrian law and the applicable collective bargaining agreement for your industry and occupation.
Document Preparation
We gather, legalize, and translate all required documents - training certificates, work experience references, and remuneration proof - ensuring everything meets Austrian immigration authority standards.
Application Submission
We prepare and file your Red White Red Card application at the local immigration authority in Austria on your behalf.
Review by AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service)
The AMS verifies that your profession qualifies as a shortage occupation and that you meet remuneration and qualification requirements. If any questions arise, we coordinate directly with the AMS and submit additional clarifications as needed.
Decision & Residence Permit Issuance
Once approved, you receive the Red White Red Card, valid for up to 24 months. If your employment contract is shorter, the permit is issued for the contract duration plus three months.
Post-Arrival Services & Upgrade Path
We guide you through visa collection, Meldezettel registration, and residence card pickup. After 21 months of continuous employment, we handle your upgrade to the Red White Red Card Plus, granting unrestricted access to Austria's labour market.
For employers
For Austrian companies seeking to hire skilled workers in shortage occupations, we provide:
- Legal consultation and eligibility verification against the current shortage occupation list
- Preparation of employer statements for the AMS
- Compliance verification with applicable collective bargaining agreements
- Coordination of documentation and application process with your future employee
- Representation before Austrian authorities until approval
Our law firm ensures your business can attract and hire essential international talent efficiently and in full legal compliance.
Advantages
For Employees:
- 24-month work and residence permit with no labour market test requirement
- Faster approval process—shortage is pre-established by government
- Upgrade to RWR Card Plus after 24 months if 21 months of employment can be proven (unrestricted labour market access)
- Family reunification rights—spouse and children can join with work authorization
- Recognition of professional skills and international qualifications
- Clear pathway to permanent residence and Austrian citizenship
For Employers:
- Streamlined process for officially listed shortage occupations
- No labour market test required—significantly faster hiring timeline
- Reduced risk of rejection when legal requirements are met
- Access to essential skilled workers unavailable in the local market
- Ongoing legal support and compliance management
Why Choose Oberhammer Immigration Advocates
Specialized expertise
We focus on Austrian immigration law
Current shortage list knowledge
We track annual list updates and regional variations
Ministry consultation
We verify foreign education equivalency through proper channels
Dual representation
We represent both employer and employee for seamless coordination
Multilingual team
English, German, and other languages available
Transparent pricing
Clear, fixed-fee options with no hidden costs
Ready to build your career in Austria?
Whether you're a skilled professional in a shortage occupation or an Austrian employer seeking qualified international staff, we guide you through the Red White Red Card application process.
Office
Lothringerstrasse 8/5, 1040 Vienna, Austria