Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus in Austria: family members and workers from non-EU countries

The Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus is often the next residence permit for family members, workers and researchers from third countries. It allows fixed-term settlement in Austria and employment as either an employee or a self-employed person throughout the country.

EU citizens do not need this card. The application fee for the Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus is 218 euros.

Who is the Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus for?

A third-country national (Drittstaatsangehörige) is someone who is not a citizen of the EU, another EEA country or Switzerland. The card can be issued in several situations, including:

• Workers applying for an extension: people who have held a Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte or an EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) for two years and worked for 21 months of the last 24 months under the conditions of their permit.
• Researchers: people who have already held a researcher settlement permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung, Forscher) for two years.
• Family reunification (Familienzusammenführung): for example, family members of holders of a Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte, an EU Blue Card or a long-term residence permit (Daueraufenthalt EU).
• Other cases: for example, where a long-term residence permit ended because of an excessively long stay abroad.

In certain family-reunification cases, an available quota place (Quotenplatz) is also required. This includes some cases involving family members of Daueraufenthalt EU holders.

Fees in 2026

• Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus: 218 euros
• EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU): 218 euros
• Long-term residence EU (Daueraufenthalt EU): 275 euros

Where to submit the application

First application

As a general rule, a first application must be submitted abroad, in person, at the competent Austrian embassy or consulate before entering Austria. The applicant’s place of residence determines which diplomatic representation is responsible. Certain groups may also submit their application in Austria.

Extension or change from another permit

Applications for an extension or a change from another residence permit must be submitted to the Austrian settlement authority (Niederlassungsbehörde) responsible for the applicant’s place of residence.

• Vienna: MA 35
• Graz: Amt der Steiermärkischen Landesregierung
• Lower Austria: for quota cases and certain family-reunification cases, the Amt der NÖ Landesregierung; otherwise, the Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat
• Other provinces: Bezirkshauptmannschaft; in statutory cities, the Magistrat

Some authorities require an appointment.

Deadlines and important dates

A first application is generally not subject to a deadline. Important exceptions and steps include:

• Certain family-reunification cases: the application must be submitted within 3 months of entering Austria, and a decision is made within 4 months. The application itself does not authorise a stay of more than 3 months.
• Applications submitted abroad: after a positive decision, the entry visa must be requested within 3 months of notification. The card must then be collected in person in Austria within a further 3 months, meaning within a total of 6 months.
• Extensions: the application must be submitted in person before the permit expires, but no earlier than 3 months before expiry. If it is submitted after expiry, it counts as a first application and continuous residence rights are interrupted.

Required documents

An applicant always needs a valid travel document, such as a passport, and a photograph no more than six months old measuring 45 x 35 mm. Depending on the case, the authority may request:

• a marriage, birth or adoption certificate;
• proof of the right to suitable accommodation, such as a rental agreement;
• proof of health insurance covering all risks;
• proof of means of subsistence, such as payslips or an employment contract;
• the family member’s residence permit in family-reunification cases;
• proof of German-language skills where required.

Social benefits that would become available only after the permit is granted, such as social assistance, are not accepted as proof of means of subsistence. Foreign-language documents generally require a certified translation. Documents in English generally do not need to be translated.

Can an employer submit a family member’s application?

If someone applies for a Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte or an EU Blue Card, their employer in Austria may also submit applications for their family members if all applications are filed at the same time. If the main applicant’s procedure has already ended, the family member must apply independently.

Frequently asked questions

When can someone with a first Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus start working?

With a first application, work may begin only after the applicant has personally collected the card.

How long is the EU Blue Card valid, and what comes next?

It is generally issued for a maximum of two years. If the requirements are met, including appropriate work for 21 months of the last 24 months, the holder can apply for a Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus.

What is required for long-term residence EU (Daueraufenthalt EU)?

The requirements are five years of uninterrupted settlement in Austria and completion of Module 2 of the integration agreement. The fee is 275 euros, and the card must be renewed every five years.

What happens if an extension is submitted after expiry?

The application is treated as a first application, and there is no continuous residence right.

Practical steps

1. Check whether your situation falls under one of the Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte plus categories.
2. Identify the competent authority based on your place of residence, or the relevant Austrian embassy or consulate for a first application from abroad.
3. Confirm whether a quota place (Quotenplatz) and proof of German-language skills are required.
4. Prepare your valid travel document, recent 45 x 35 mm photograph and the supporting documents relevant to your case.
5. Book an appointment if the competent authority requires one.
6. Submit an extension before expiry, but no earlier than 3 months before the permit expires.
7. With a first application, do not start working until you have personally received the card.

This article is based on information available online and is not legal advice. Use of the information is at your own risk. For individual guidance, contact a lawyer, legal professional or another relevant specialist.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at