Austria Startup Founder Residence Permit

The Austria Start-up Founder Residence Permit (Red-White-Red Card) allows third-country nationals to establish innovative businesses in Austria and obtain long-term residency. Applicants must meet a minimum investment requirement of €50,000, with at least a 50% equity share in the business.

Eligibility is determined through a points-based system, with a minimum score of 50 points, based on criteria such as qualifications, experience, language skills, and the innovation level of the business idea.

To qualify for the Austria Start-up Founder Residence Permit, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Establish an innovative business: Applicants must set up a company that develops and launches innovative products, services, or technologies. Innovation is a key requirement for the program, and the proposed business idea must clearly demonstrate its novelty and potential to contribute to Austria’s economy.
• Submit a comprehensive business plan: A detailed and well-structured business plan is mandatory. It should outline the business idea, target market, financial projections, and operational strategy.
• Maintain active management: Applicants must personally manage the business and exert a controlling influence over its operations.
• Demonstrate sufficient capital: Applicants must prove they have at least €50,000 in seed capital, with an equity share of at least 50% in the company.
• Score at least 50 points: Applicants must achieve a minimum of 50 points under Austria’s points-based eligibility criteria, which assess education, work experience, language skills, and other qualifications.

• Freedom of movement (but not settlement) within Schengen
• Lower investment threshold compared to self-employed key worker route
• Path to citizenship
• Enhanced business access to large economies
• Enhanced education opportunities
• Safety and security
• Short processing time

Applicants first receive a Red-White-Red Card valid for two years. After this period, they may apply for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, which grants unlimited labour market access, provided they have met all legal requirements during the initial two years. After five years of continuous residence, they may apply for permanent long-term EU residence. After ten years of legal residence, they may apply for Austrian citizenship (reducible to six years with B2 German proficiency or exceptional integration).

After ten years of legal residence in Austria, they may apply for Austrian citizenship. Austria generally does not recognize dual citizenship, so applicants are typically required to renounce their existing citizenships unless a specific exemption applies.

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Applications for this program may be directed to: Prospective applicants must submit their Red-White-Red Card application in person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in their home country or country of residence. If legally present in Austria, they can apply directly at the competent residence authority, such as the Provincial Governor, Regional Administrative Authority, or Local Administrative Authority.

Legislation upon which this program is based The Settlement and Residence Act (Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz, NAG) of 2005.