In accordance with the current legislation, the residence permits in Austria can be divided into two groups: those that include the right to work and those that allow to stay in Austria, but does not provide access to the Austrian labor market.
I. RESIDENCE PERMIT WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK
The Red-White-Red Card (“RWRK”) for especially qualified specialists
Conditions for obtaining:
The RWRK for other key employees
Conditions for obtaining:
Red-Black-Red Cards for self-employed businessman
This type of permit is the most difficult in the process of obtaining because you need to provide a detailed business plan for the proposed business activities in Austria and the permit may be issued only if the immigration authorities will recognize an economic interest of Austria in implementation of these activities.
Blue Card-The European Union”
This type of residence permits is governed by the EU Directive and provides for employment in Austria by profession, but without the need to attain a certain number of qualifying points. For this type of permits the minimum wage of 4,174 Euros per month is provided. Unlike the Austrian Red-Black-Red Cards, which for the first time are issued valid for one year, “Blue Cards – the European Union” permits are initially issued for two years.
Family members (legal spouses and minor children) of highly skilled professionals may receive the “Red-Black-Red Cards Plus” without a quota and, therefore, free access to the Austrian labor market. Family members of highly skilled workers are exempt from the duty to confirm knowledge of the German language before moving to Austria. They are covered by the Integration Agreement, and they must comply with its Module 1 (Level A2 of the German language) within two years after the issuance of the first residence permit. Persons with a university degree, and children up to 14 years are exempt from performance of the duties of Module 1 of the Integration Agreement. The difference for family members of other key employees (as opposed to members of the families of highly qualified professionals) is that they must prove their German language skills at level A1 before moving to Austria. Exceptions are the same as those for members of families of highly qualified specialists.
II. RESIDENCE PERMIT WITHOUT THE RIGHT TO WORK (PRIVATIER)
These residence permits are distinguished with relatively low associated costs. For this type of permits there is no need for presence of an Austrian employer. The following conditions should be met for obtaining that type of permit:
Family members: for each family member you must obtain a separate, own quota.
III. PERMIT TO STAY (student residence permit)
Also, the Austrian legislation provides for a permit for a short stay for specific purpose (such as a residence permit as a student [for Austrian schools], students [for students of Austrian institutions of higher education], people of art, etc.) These permits are normally issued valid for one year and are subject to further renewal.