AustriaBusiness and self-employment

RWR Card for the self-employed in Austria

A programme for foreign nationals whose self-employed activity creates macroeconomic benefit for Austria. The points system does not apply — the assessment is made by the state employment service within a set period. Candidates are assessed against four criteria: investment, the creation or preservation of jobs, the transfer of technology and know-how, and the regional significance of the business. Once the RWR Card expires, holders move to a settlement permit.

Source: migration.gv.at — Self-employed Key Workers

Who can apply

The RWR Card is issued if your activity meets at least one of the criteria. It does not matter whether you have a points score — the AMS decides on the merits.

Through investment

Transfer of the minimum investment capital into an Austrian business
An activity that generates a sustainable income
A willingness to work in a registered form of self-employment

Through jobs and innovation

Creation of new permanent jobs for the local population
Preservation of existing jobs in Austria
Transfer of know-how, new technology or special competences

Through regional significance

The business is of substantial significance for the development of a particular region
Filling a gap in the local market for services or production
Support for the local economy and the creation of added value

When this programme will not suit you

You plan to work as an employee rather than run your own business

The RWR Card for highly qualified specialists, skilled tradespeople or university graduates

Your business does not create macroeconomic benefit for Austria

A visa for the self-employed without the requirement to prove macroeconomic benefit (where one exists)

You cannot document the source of the investment

Other immigration programmes that do not require proof of capital

What it costs

Fee for the RWR Card applicationA fixed amount, non-refundable if the application is refused	218 EUR
Minimum transfer of investment capitalRequired for one of the recognition criteria; not part of the state fee	100 000 EUR
Total government feesThe sum of the mandatory rows in the table. Charges with no official price list are in the list below.	100 218 EUR

Paid separately

Consular services — Charged separately by the consulate (the amount varies by country)
Translations of documents — The cost of certified translations into German or English is borne by the applicant
Health insurance — Insurance must be in place; the cost varies depending on the provider

Documents to gather

All documents are submitted in the original together with copies. Documents not drawn up in German or English require a certified translation.

A valid passport or travel document
A colour photograph 45x35 mm, taken no more than 6 months ago
Proof of health insurance providing benefits in Austria and covering all risks
A detailed business plan with an analysis of the target market and the competitive environment
Documents confirming the source and the transfer of the investment capital (where applicable)
A criminal record certificate issued no more than 3 months ago (recommended)
Evidence of professional qualification and experience in the intended field of activity
Company agreements and trade chamber permits (where applicable for the type of activity)
Documents on the creation or preservation of jobs (if this criterion is used)

How the process runs

The examination will take several weeks, provided the documents are complete.

1
Preparing the business plan and documents
2-4 weeks
Collect all the necessary documents: passport, photograph, health insurance, a business plan with a market analysis. Make sure the investment documents are ready, or prepare evidence of job creation, technology transfer or regional significance. Have all documents not drawn up in German or English translated and certified.
2
Lodging the application at an embassy or consulate
1-2 days to lodge
Lodge the complete set of documents at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Pay the fee of EUR 218. Obtain confirmation of receipt and the application number for tracking.
3
Assessment of the macroeconomic benefit
3 weeks
The state employment service (AMS - Arbeitsmarktservice) checks whether your activity meets one or more of the criteria. The AMS analyses the impact on the Austrian economy: investment, jobs, technology, regional development. After 3 weeks the AMS issues its decision.
4
Receiving approval and issue of the RWR Card
1-2 weeks
After AMS approval and a check of the health insurance, the competent authorities issue the RWR Card for 24 months. The card is sent to the embassy or consulate (if the application was lodged from abroad) or issued to you directly (if you are already in Austria).
5
Entry into Austria and registration
up to 3 months
Once you have the RWR Card you can enter Austria. You must register with the local residence registration office (Meldeamt) within 3 days of arrival. Confirm that you have health insurance and begin the activity set out in your business plan.
6
Moving to a settlement permit
from 24 months
After the 24 months of the RWR Card you can apply for the Niederlassungsbewilligung (settlement permit), which is issued for 3 years provided the activity has continued and you meet the financial requirements.

Timelines and rights

Work

The right to carry out the self-employed activity described in the application. Employment requires a change in the purpose of stay.

Who you can bring with you

Members of your family are entitled to apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which gives them free access to the Austrian labour market.

Spouse or registered partner

Aged 21 and over. Receives the Red-White-Red Card Plus and the right to work without further permits. Subject to the requirements on income, health insurance, accommodation and German at level A1 (with limited exemptions). The application fee is EUR 218.

Unmarried children (including adopted children and stepchildren)

They remain dependants until they reach the age of majority. They receive family member status and may stay in Austria in the care of the RWR Card holder. On reaching the age of majority they may apply for their own Red-White-Red Card Plus or another type of permit.

The family as a whole

The joint income must be sufficient to maintain all family members. For 2026: EUR 1,308.39 for a single adult, EUR 2,064.12 for a couple, plus EUR 201.88 for each child. All members must have health insurance and lawful accommodation meeting local standards.

Renewal and the grace period

The RWR Card is valid for exactly 24 months from the date of issue. Between 3 and 6 months before it expires you can apply for the Niederlassungsbewilligung (settlement permit, valid for 3 years). The application is lodged with the competent residence authority (the provincial governor or the regional administrative office) in Austria. The conditions are: continuation of the activity, compliance with the financial requirements and health insurance. No separate renewal fee is stated in the public sources.

How it differs from the routes next to it

The comparison is built from the official terms of the routes themselves — the source links sit on their own pages.

	RWR Card for the self-employed	Red-White-Red Card	Blue Card
Visa term	24 months	Usually 24 months tied to the employer, then the RWR Karte plus	Up to 2 years (or the term of the contract plus 3 months), renewed for 3 years
Money	A transfer of investment capital to Austria of at least EUR 100,000	Sufficient means plus a salary above the sector collective rates; for a start-up — a business plan	An annual salary above the Austrian average (about EUR 45,595 for 2023, indexed)
Work	The right to carry out the self-employed activity described in the application	Work with a specific employer; after the RWR+ the labour market is open	The right to work under the contract; a change of employer requires approval

What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship

Route to permanent residence

After the RWR Card a Niederlassungsbewilligung is issued; Daueraufenthalt – EU comes after 5 years and Module 2.

Frequently asked questions about RWR Card for the self-employed

What is the minimum investment that must be transferred to Austria?

A minimum of EUR 100,000 in investment capital. This is required if you choose the criterion of a "sustained transfer of investment capital". If your activity creates jobs, transfers know-how or has regional significance, the investment may be smaller or may not be required.

How long does an RWR Card application take?

The state employment service (AMS) issues its decision on the macroeconomic benefit within 3 weeks. After that, provided the AMS has approved and the health insurance is confirmed, the authorities issue the RWR Card itself within 1-2 weeks. The overall processing time can be 4-5 weeks when all the documents are in place.

Can family members work in Austria on the Red-White-Red Card Plus?

Yes, the Red-White-Red Card Plus gives family members of an RWR Card holder free access to the Austrian labour market. They can work as employees or start their own business without further work permits. However, they must meet the requirements on income, health insurance, accommodation and knowledge of German at level A1.

Do I need to provide proof of accommodation when applying for the RWR Card?

No, RWR Card holders are exempt from the requirement to provide proof of accommodation when applying. However, family members applying for the Red-White-Red Card Plus must have lawful accommodation meeting local standards and the size of the family.

After the RWR Card, what is the next step towards permanent residence?

After the 24 months of the RWR Card you can apply for the Niederlassungsbewilligung (settlement permit), which is issued for 3 years. The conditions include continuation of the activity, compliance with the financial requirements (a minimum income at the single-person level of EUR 1,308.39 or higher depending on family status) and health insurance.

Other ways to move to Austria

Every route in one list — migration programmes: Austria.

The terms and the amounts are checked against official sources — the link sits under each section.Last checked on: 7 August 2026.