Austria start-up founder visa

Qualifications (maximum 30): vocational training or special know-how 20, tertiary programme of three years 20, degree or vocational training completed in Austria 30. Experience: 1 point per half-year (maximum 10). Languages (maximum 15): German A2 5, B1–B2 10, C1–C2 15; English B2 10; other listed languages B1 5. Bonus (maximum 30): extra capital of EUR 50,000 10, admission to an Austrian incubator or start-up funding 10, age up to 35 10.

You establish a company to develop innovative products, services, processes or technologies, backed by a consistent business plan; you exercise controlling influence over its management; and you prove capital of at least EUR 30,000 with an equity share of at least 50 %.

Besides the business plan and evidence of the innovative character of the product or technology, bring proof of the capital including your equity, articles of association (not needed for one-person companies), proof of the qualification for the activity, trade licences where already required, any incubator or funding contract and language certificates not older than five years. A criminal record extract, ideally not older than three months, is recommended. Documents in other languages must be translated into German or English.

You apply in person at the Austrian mission, or in Austria after lawful entry at the residence authority (MA 35 in Vienna). The authority forwards the file to the AMS, which gives an expert opinion within three weeks, in particular on the transfer of capital and on jobs created or secured. If the opinion is positive and you have health insurance covering all risks, the card is issued; the mission notifies you and you apply for the type D visa to collect it.

Register your address at the registration office (Meldezettel) within three days of moving in and collect the residence card from the competent residence authority. Holders of most residence titles must fulfil the integration agreement (Module 1, A2 German) within two years.

After two years you can receive the Red-White-Red Card plus if the legal requirements are met; it gives fixed-term settlement and unlimited labour-market access, including employment with any employer. To take up a job before then you must switch purpose to a Red-White-Red Card for very highly qualified workers, other key workers or skilled workers, with a binding job offer and the points of that category.

Renew in person at the residence authority for your place of residence in Austria, no earlier than three months before the card expires and no later than its expiry date; the fee is EUR 218. A timely application keeps your right of residence and your current labour-market access until the decision, and a confirmation valid for up to three months can be placed in your passport so that you can travel back to Austria. A late application only counts as a renewal if an unforeseeable event stopped you and you apply within two weeks after it ends; otherwise it is treated as a first application.