Austria entrepreneur and start-up visa
1 current source-backed entrepreneur and start-up pathway. Verify the responsible authority before applying.
This page contains 1 current route for this destination, with the available eligibility, requirements and duration details.
Source-backed legal route · Checked 2026-07-13
Current route records
| Route | Conditions | Effective or checked | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Founders must present an innovative product, service, process or technology, a coherent business plan and personal influence on the business's management. | 2026-07-13 | Official source |
Fees, processing times and requirements
Each value as the authority publishes it, in the currency it charges.
| Route | Fact | Value | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Application fee (startup) | 218 EUR | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Application fee | 218 EUR | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Processing time (standard, legal maximum) | 8 weeks | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | First permit valid for | 24 months | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Can be renewed | yes | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Family can come along | yes | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Permanent residence after | 5 years | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Minimum investment | 30,000 EUR | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | Where to apply | at a consulate or in the country | Official source |
Can you work on this route?
Route-specific work rights and conditions stay separate from shortage-list status and individual eligibility.
| Route | Published work answer | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | The exact Austrian source requires the Public Employment Service to assess the macroeconomic benefit of the intended activity, fulfilment of general requirements such as health insurance, and the residence authority decision; the initial card is limited to the start-up founder self-employed occupation. | Official source |
| Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders | The Austrian migration authority states that the Red-White-Red Card for a start-up founder entitles the holder to settlement and pursuit of a self-employed occupation for up to 24 months; it separately states that the later Red-White-Red Card plus gives unlimited labour-market access. | Official source |