What is the Red-White-Red Card?
The Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot-Karte, or RWR card) is Austria's work and residence permit for qualified third-country nationals. For nurses, it falls under the 'Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations' category, as nursing is officially listed as a shortage profession in Austria.
The card is valid for 24 months and allows you to live and work in Austria with a specific employer. After those 24 months, you can apply for the RWR Card Plus, which gives you unrestricted labor market access.
Points System Requirements
The RWR card uses a points-based system. You need a minimum of 55 out of 90 possible points. Points are awarded for: Qualification/education (up to 30 points), Work experience (up to 20 points), German language skills (up to 15 points), English language skills (up to 10 points), Age under 35 (up to 15 points).
Most nurses with a completed nursing degree, 2+ years of experience, and B1 German comfortably exceed the 55-point threshold. Having a confirmed job offer from an Austrian employer is mandatory.
Application Process Step by Step
Step 1: Secure a job offer from an Austrian healthcare employer. Step 2: Your employer submits a labor market check (Arbeitsmarktprüfung) to the AMS. Step 3: You submit your RWR card application at the Austrian embassy/consulate in your home country. Step 4: Include all required documents (passport, diploma, language certificates, criminal record check, proof of accommodation, health insurance). Step 5: Wait for processing (typically 6-8 weeks).
Once approved, you'll receive a visa to enter Austria, and the actual RWR card is issued after you register your residence (Meldezettel) at the local Magistrat.
Required Documents Checklist
Passport valid for at least 12 months, completed application form, passport-size photo (not older than 6 months), birth certificate with apostille, nursing diploma with apostille and German translation, proof of work experience, German language certificate (minimum A2, ideally B1), criminal background check, proof of accommodation in Austria, health insurance confirmation, job offer/employment contract from Austrian employer.
All documents must be translated by a certified court translator. Apostilles can be obtained from your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs or equivalent authority.
How to Maximize Your Chances
Start learning German early — reaching B1 level gives you maximum language points and makes the nostrification easier. Apply to employers in regions with nursing shortages (rural areas and smaller cities often have faster hiring). Ensure your documents are complete and correctly translated before submission — incomplete applications are the #1 cause of delays.
Working with a consulting service like Move to Austria ensures your application is optimized for the points system and all documentation meets Austrian standards. We've helped hundreds of nurses successfully obtain their RWR cards.