Austria Red-White-Red Card Points Calculator 2026
Written by
Azra Mehanic
Founder, Move to Austria
Reviewed by
Azra Mehanic
Editorial and source review · August 16, 2026
Calculate the right Austrian points category, identify missing evidence and learn why an online score never guarantees approval.
Choose the category before counting points
Austria does not use one Red-White-Red Card score for every applicant. Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations and Other Key Workers generally need at least 55 points, while Very Highly Qualified Workers use a different 70-point grid. Graduates, self-employed key workers and start-up founders follow other tests. A score calculated under the wrong category has no predictive value, even when the total looks high.
How the shortage-occupation grid works
For a Skilled Worker in a Shortage Occupation, completed training in the listed occupation can provide 30 points. Matching experience, language and age can add points, subject to category caps; the official 2026 grid awards age points below 30, 40 and 50. You still need a binding Austrian offer in the listed occupation, lawful pay and—where the profession is regulated—formal professional recognition. Fifty-five points alone are not enough.
How the Other Key Worker grid differs
Other Key Workers also need at least 55 points, but the qualification values, age bands and employment conditions are not identical. In 2026 the employer must generally offer at least €3,465 gross per month plus special payments, and AMS conducts a labour-market test. Applicants aged 40 or older receive no age points in this grid, yet may still qualify through education, experience, languages and any applicable bonus.
Your evidence—not your estimate—earns the points
The federal calculator is an orientation tool, not an application or approval. AMS assigns points from the documents filed: diplomas, proof of the institution, detailed work certificates, accepted language certificates and other category-specific records. Unsupported employment dates or a qualification that does not match the proposed role may receive fewer points than expected. Build a table linking every claimed point to a document before filing.
Turn the result into an application decision
After calculating, test the non-point requirements: nationality, correct occupation, binding employer, salary, health insurance, document language and recognition of any regulated profession. Use a comfortable evidence margin instead of aiming for exactly the threshold. Our €99 assessment can review your proposed Austrian route and document plan, but only AMS and the residence authority decide the score and permit.
Helpful resources
Official sources
Requirements and fees can change. Verify your individual case with the responsible authority before applying.
- Official Red-White-Red Card points calculator — Austrian Federal Government migration portal
- Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations — Austrian Federal Government migration portal
- Other Key Workers — Austrian Federal Government migration portal
- Frequently asked questions — Austrian Federal Government migration portal
