Austria Startup Visa
Relocate your innovative business to one of the EU’s most stable and prosperous economies. Migrate Way guides non-EU founders through the Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders, from points assessment to your residence card.
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For Founders of Innovative, Technology-Led Ventures
Austria’s start-up founder route is part of the Red-White-Red Card system. It is designed for non-EU founders who want to launch an innovative, scalable company in Austria, with a lower capital threshold than the self-employed key worker route.
Your application is assessed on points, including your qualifications, experience and language skills, together with the strength of your business plan and your capital.
Why Launch Your Startup in Austria?
A secure base, strong support and direct access to the EU and DACH markets.
A Dedicated Founder Route
The start-up founder category gives innovative entrepreneurs a clear path to residence without needing a large investment.
Strong Start-Up Support
Austria has a supportive start-up ecosystem with public funding programs, accelerators and mentoring.
EU and DACH Access
Operate from the centre of Europe, with easy access to Germany, Switzerland and the wider EU single market.
Family Inclusion
Your spouse and children can usually apply for residence titles linked to yours.
A Step Toward the RWR Plus
After a qualifying period, you may be able to move to the Red-White-Red Card Plus, which offers broader labour market access.
Exceptional Quality of Life
Vienna regularly ranks among the world’s most liveable cities, with the Alps close by.
Do You Qualify? Key Requirements
These are the core conditions for the start-up founder route.
A Points-Based Assessment
You earn points for qualifications, professional experience, language skills and the quality of your business plan.
Start-Up Capital
Start-up capital of around €30,000 and a meaningful share in the company, with extra points available for higher capital.
An Innovative Business
A technology-led or otherwise innovative concept with realistic potential to grow.
A Detailed Business Plan
A professional plan with forecasts, evaluated for its macroeconomic benefit and innovation value.
Secure Livelihood
Regular income or funds that cover the legal subsistence level, plus health insurance and accommodation.
Clean Record and Passport
A valid passport and a clean criminal record, with documents prepared in the required format.
Duration, Extension and Family Reunification
The first card is temporary, and your later options depend on the progress of your company.
- The first Red-White-Red Card is typically valid for 24 months
- After a qualifying period, you may be able to extend or move to the Red-White-Red Card Plus
- Your spouse and children can usually apply for family residence titles
- The public employment service reviews the economic benefit of your project
- Citizenship is a separate, longer process with its own requirements
How It Works
Five clear stages, with Migrate Way beside you at every one.
Eligibility Assessment
We assess your profile against the points system and capital requirements to see whether the route fits.
Business Evaluation
We refine your plan so it shows innovation, a clear market and a real benefit to the Austrian economy.
Permit Application Filing
We prepare your application and file it through the Austrian embassy, with documents, translations and insurance in order.
Company Formation
After conditional approval, we guide you through registering your company with a notary and opening business banking.
Relocation and Settlement
We help with housing, registration and settling in, so you and your family can start your new life in Austria.
What We Handle for You
Startup immigration is detailed and unforgiving. We take the guesswork out of it.
Eligibility Assessment
An honest view of your points and chances before you pay any fees.
Business Plan Support
Guidance on a plan that meets Austrian standards.
Company Setup Guidance
Coordination with local advisers and notaries.
Document Checklist
A tailored list of documents and translations for the 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 startup visa.
Can we apply at the idea stage without an MVP?
A fully launched product is not always strictly required, but an idea alone is rarely enough. You need a comprehensive business plan that shows an innovative product or service, consistent development steps and a clear economic benefit for Austria.
What are the financial requirements for approval?
The start-up route asks for start-up capital of around €30,000 and a meaningful ownership share, along with proof of a secure livelihood. The exact figures and any extra points for higher capital are confirmed before you apply.
How long is the residence permit granted, and how long can it be extended?
The first Red-White-Red Card is typically valid for 24 months. After a qualifying period, you may be able to extend it or move to the Red-White-Red Card Plus, subject to the conditions at that time.
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.
Do I need to speak German?
German is not always required for the first card, but it can earn points on the points-based route and it helps greatly in daily life. Language requirements apply later for settlement and citizenship.
How does this differ from the entrepreneur route?
The self-employed key worker route needs a higher capital transfer, while the start-up route has a lower threshold but looks for an innovative, scalable business. We help you choose the better fit.
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.
Ready to Launch Your Startup in Austria?
Tell us about your business and your plans, and we will let you know whether you are ready to apply and what your next steps should be.