Austria Entrepreneur Visa
Build your business in one of Europe’s most stable and prosperous economies. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders through Austria’s Red-White-Red Card routes for self-employed key workers and start-up founders, from your first assessment to your residence card.
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Two Routes for Business Founders
Austria offers entrepreneurs the Red-White-Red Card, a residence title that combines residence and work rights. Founders can apply as self-employed key workers, who invest in an Austrian business, or as start-up founders, who launch an innovative company with a lower capital threshold.
If you can show real capital, a credible plan and a clear benefit to the Austrian economy, this permit can give you a durable base in the centre of Europe.
Why Start a Business in Austria?
A stable economy, a clear permit system and a strong quality of life.
A Stable, Wealthy Economy
Austria offers political stability, strong infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce.
A Defined Permit System
The Red-White-Red Card sets out its criteria clearly, so you can judge your chances before you apply.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse and children can apply for residence titles linked to yours, and eligible family members can later access the labour market.
A Step Toward the RWR Plus
After a qualifying period, you may move to the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which offers broader access to the labour market.
Schengen and EU Access
Operate from Austria and trade across the EU single market, with Schengen travel for short stays.
An Exceptional Lifestyle
Vienna regularly ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, with the Alps close by.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
The two routes have different thresholds, so choosing the right one from the start matters.
Self-Employed Key Worker
A sustained capital transfer of at least €100,000 into an Austrian business, together with a significant economic benefit such as creating or securing jobs.
Start-Up Founders
An innovative, technology-led venture with start-up capital of around €30,000 and a meaningful ownership share, assessed on a points basis.
A Professional Business Plan
A detailed plan with financial forecasts that shows how your business will operate and benefit Austria.
Secure Livelihood
Regular income or funds that cover the legal subsistence level, plus health insurance and accommodation in Austria.
Qualifications and Experience
Relevant education, experience and, where relevant, language skills that support your business plan.
Clean Record and Passport
A valid passport and a clean criminal record, with documents prepared in the required format.
Duration, Fees and Long-Term Prospects
The first card is temporary, and your later options depend on your business and residence.
- The first Red-White-Red Card is typically valid for 24 months
- The card ties you to your approved self-employed activity at the start
- After a qualifying period, you may be able to move to the Red-White-Red Card Plus
- Government fees apply and we confirm the current amounts for you
- Citizenship is a separate, longer process with its own language and residence requirements
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Eligibility and Route Audit
We check your profile and business against both routes, and tell you honestly which one suits you better.
Strategic Business Plan
We help you build a professional business plan and financial forecasts that meet Austrian standards.
National Application
You lodge your application through the Austrian embassy or consulate, and the authorities review your business case, including advice from the public employment service.
Visa Collection and Entry
Once approved, you travel to Austria and collect your card at the competent regional authority.
Market Activation
We help you finalise your business registrations and tax steps so you can operate as a fully authorised resident.
What We Handle for You
Business immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your chances before you spend money on fees.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on a plan that meets Austrian standards.
Company Setup Guidance
Coordination with local advisers on your structure and registrations.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents, apostilles and translations for the whole family.
Pre-Submission Review
A final check of your complete file to catch errors that cause delays.
Post-Arrival Support
Help with registrations, insurance and settling in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most about the Austria entrepreneur visa.
Can I work for another employer while on an entrepreneur card?
At the start, your card is tied to your approved self-employed activity. After a qualifying period, you may be able to move to the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which gives broader access to the labour market.
What is the language requirement for 2026?
German is not always required for the first card, but it can earn points on the points-based route and it matters for later steps such as settlement and citizenship. We confirm what applies to your route.
Does the €100,000 investment have to be in cash?
The capital generally has to be transferred into your Austrian business. Whether other forms of contribution count is assessed by the authorities case by case, so we review your plan with you.
What is the difference between the key worker and start-up routes?
The self-employed key worker route needs a higher capital transfer and an economic benefit such as jobs. The start-up founder route has a lower capital threshold but looks for an innovative, scalable business and is assessed on points.
Can my family join me?
Yes, your spouse and children can usually apply for residence titles linked to yours. We prepare the family file together with your application.
Can I get citizenship?
Austrian citizenship is a separate process and generally takes around ten years of legal residence, together with language and integration requirements. We can explain the long-term picture.
Do you guarantee approval?
No one can. The final decision rests with the Austrian authorities. What we do is make sure your application is complete, accurate and well prepared, which gives you the strongest possible chance.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, thresholds and fees change, so details should always be confirmed before you apply. Photos via Unsplash: Leyre and Sami Ullah.
Ready to Start Your Business in Austria?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know which route fits and what your next steps should be.