The Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte) is the main route for qualified nurses from non-EU countries to live and work in Austria. Because nursing appears on Austria’s shortage-occupation (Mangelberuf) lists, this route is especially relevant for nurses. This guide explains what the card is, which variant fits you and how the application works.
Key takeaways
- The Red-White-Red Card combines a residence permit and a work permit in a single document.
- Nursing is a shortage occupation in Austria — this can make the route easier for qualified nurses.
- It is granted via a points system (qualification, work experience, language, age) and normally requires a concrete job offer.
- Binding criteria, points and amounts change — the official bodies are always authoritative (migration.gv.at, AMS, ABA).
What is the Red-White-Red Card?
The Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card) is a temporary residence permit for qualified workers from non-EU countries that combines residence and employment in one document. You therefore do not need to apply separately for a residence right and a work permit.
Why this matters for nurses
Nursing professions are on Austria’s shortage-occupation lists. If you bring a matching qualification and a job offer, this often gives you easier access via the RWR Card.
The card is issued for a limited period at first and is tied to employment. After a certain time in the Austrian labour market, a move to a more flexible permit (e.g. the Red-White-Red Card plus) may become possible.
Which variant fits nurses?
The RWR Card comes in several variants. Two are especially relevant for nurses: "Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations" — if your profession is on the shortage list — and "Other Key Workers". Which one applies depends on your qualification, the job offer and the current shortage-occupation list.
It is granted via a points system. In simplified terms, four areas are assessed:
- Qualification: completed training or a recognised nursing qualification
- Work experience: relevant practical experience in nursing
- Language skills: German (and possibly English)
- Age: a younger age tends to be weighted more strongly
Understand points qualitatively
Each variant has a minimum number of points that must be reached from these criteria. The exact weighting and the points required are set by the official bodies and can change — check them on migration.gv.at before applying.
Requirements and the job offer
Beyond the points system, general requirements apply. In practice, a concrete, binding job offer from an Austrian employer is particularly important — without it, the application usually cannot be filed.
- A concrete job offer or an employment contract from an employer in Austria
- A recognised nursing qualification (for non-EU diplomas usually via Nostrifikation)
- Sufficient German for practising the profession
- Pay that meets the statutory or collective-agreement requirements
- A valid passport and the usual evidence (training, experience, language)
Plan recognition and the RWR Card together
For practising nursing, recognition of your diploma (Nostrifikation) is central. Clarify early how recognition and the RWR Card fit together in time, so the steps do not block each other.
The application step by step
- 1
Secure a job offer
Obtain a concrete job offer or employment contract with an Austrian employer.
- 2
Check variant & points
Determine the right RWR variant and check whether you reach the required points (qualification, experience, language, age).
- 3
Gather documents
Prepare your passport, evidence of training and experience, language proof, the employment contract and — if needed — recognition documents (certified and translated).
- 4
File the application
Submit the application to the competent body — often via the Austrian representative authority (embassy/consulate) abroad or, in certain cases, within Austria. Your employer may be involved with the AMS in parallel.
- 5
Assessment & issuance
The authority and the AMS check the requirements and points. After a positive decision, the card is issued and you can take up residence and employment in Austria.
No guarantee
Criteria, points, minimum pay and fees are adjusted regularly — often yearly. For binding, up-to-date information, always rely on the official sources (migration.gv.at, AMS, ABA – Invest in Austria or the competent authority).
Family and next steps
For bringing your family, there is the Red-White-Red Card plus. It allows spouses or registered partners and minor children to reside and — within the rules — access the labour market. Card holders themselves may also become eligible to switch to the RWR Card plus after a certain time.
As next steps we recommend: check the current shortage-occupation list, assess your points profile realistically, start the recognition of your nursing diploma and look for a suitable job offer in Austria. The earlier you tackle recognition, language and applications in parallel, the smoother the process.
Tip
Talk to your potential employer about the RWR process early. Many care providers know the procedure and support you with the application and the required evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job offer for the Red-White-Red Card?
As a rule, yes. A concrete, binding job offer from an Austrian employer is effectively a prerequisite for the application.
Must my nursing diploma be recognised before I apply?
For independent practice, recognition (Nostrifikation) is central. How recognition and the RWR Card fit together in time depends on the individual case — clarify this early with the competent bodies and your employer.
How much German do I need?
Nursing requires solid German, and the points system additionally rewards language. Exact levels can vary by profession and federal state.
Can my family come with me?
Yes, family reunification is possible via the Red-White-Red Card plus. You will find the exact requirements at the official bodies.
