Red-White-Red Card for start-up founders
Launch your innovative company from Vienna, Graz or the Alps on a founder residence permit…
Record checked Oct 27, 2026 · official source confirmed 14 Nov, 06:01 UTC
Summary
Austria's points-based residence permit for non-EU founders of innovative start-ups: you need a business plan, at least €30,000 of capital with a 50%+ equity share, controlling influence over the company and at least 50 of 85 points. The card is issued for up to 24 months and can lead to a Red-White-Red Card plus.
Dream spread
Launch your innovative company from Vienna, Graz or the Alps on a founder residence permit.
Relocation reality check
It is a residence permit, not funding — you bring the €30,000 yourself. Points come from education, experience, languages, age (bonus up to 35) and extras like incubator admission or another €50,000 of investment; under 50 points you are refused. You must apply in person at an Austrian embassy/consulate (or, if already legally in Austria, the local residence authority) and personally control the company.
Your fit signals
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Eligibility
Non-EU nationals founding an innovative company in Austria with a business plan, ≥€30,000 capital and ≥50% equity, managerial control and at least 50 points.
Costs & money
The amounts & terms on record from the official source. USD figures are estimates.
- Income requirement
- Not income: at least €30,000 of capital in the new company, with at least a 50% equity share.
- Duration
- 24 months (about 2 years)
- Property purchase
- Not required
True cost to move
Upfront cash, reimbursements, and net position after approval — not headline incentive amounts.
- Flights & logistics$1,200
- Temporary housing (90 days)$2,400
- Deposit / first month rent$2,000
- Visa & consular fees$500
Application roadmap
A practical sequence — adjust for your consulate and timeline.
1. Confirm official eligibility
Read the primary government source.
2. Gather income & employment proof
Bank statements, contracts, or tax records.
3. Book consulate / immigration appointment
Slots vary by country and season.
4. Prepare health coverage
Meet minimum coverage rules before arrival.
Meet people before you go
We are still curating 🇦🇹 Austria-specific communities. Meanwhile, these global boards answer relocation questions every day.
Communities being curated — start with r/expats meanwhile
- r/expats100k+ members
Life abroad, country comparisons, honest post-move retrospectives.
Source trail
Official links, the line we checked, and when we last checked it.
“capital "amounting to € 30.000 minimum with an equity share of at least 50 %"; "50 points minimum"; card issued "for twenty-four months maximum"”
Primary official sourceLast checked Oct 27, 2026
Rule changes
CasaSedora last checked the official source on 14 Nov 2026. Changes appear here once two independent automated checks agree on them, or a person confirms them.
No rule changes recorded since monitoring began.
Our summaries point you to what moved — always confirm details on the official source.