RWR Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers Austria's top-tier work permit

Score 70+ points on Austria's criteria catalogue and fast-track your way to a combined work and residence permit. We guide you from eligibility check to approved card.
Check My Points How points work

How the Very Highly Qualified Workers track works

The Besonders Hochqualifizierte track of the Red-White-Red Card is built for exceptional professionals from outside the EU. Here is how you move from eligibility to an approved card — no job offer required to start.

1

Understand the track

The Very Highly Qualified Workers (Besonders Hochqualifizierte) track is Austria's top-tier route for exceptional non-EU professionals. You do not need a job offer to apply — you may enter Austria to search for work.

2

Score your points

You need at least 70 of 100 points on the criteria catalogue. Our free calculator scores you in under 2 minutes so you know where you stand.

3

Prepare your documents

mypaperwork generates a personalised checklist and flags anything missing before you submit.

4

Submit & get approved

Processing usually takes 8–12 weeks. Without an employer verification step, this track is often the fastest route to an approved card.

Choose your plan

Pick the level of support that fits your situation.

Frequently asked questions

No. The Very Highly Qualified Workers track is one of the few RWR Card categories that does not require a confirmed job offer. You apply to enter Austria as a job-seeker and have up to 6 months to find employment.
Once employed in Austria, your gross monthly salary must be at least 1.5× the average gross monthly salary of full-time employees in your occupation. Earning above this threshold also earns you bonus points.
Yes. A completed PhD from an accredited institution earns you the maximum education points and can partially offset lower work experience. mypaperwork calculates your exact scenario.
Yes. Peer-reviewed publications, patents, and major research awards each contribute to the "special achievements" category. Evidence must be in or translated into German.
After working in Austria for 24 months, you are eligible to apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which gives you unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and is valid for 3 years (renewable).

Ready to start your journey?

Stop stressing about paperwork and start packing.
Take our free 2-minute eligibility test today.

Check your eligibility for free

100% anonymous • No credit card required