Red-White-Red Card — Start-up Founders
Austria’s Red-White-Red Card for Start-up Founders (migration.gv.at) targets third-country nationals founding an innovative company in Austria. Published criteria commonly include: an innovative business concept / company; a viable business plan; controlling influence over the management; capital of at least €30,000 with at least 50% equity; and a points score of at least 50 out of 85. The Public Employment Service (AMS) provides a macroeconomic expertise opinion, often cited as within about three weeks. The Card can be issued for up to 24 months, after which eligible founders may progress toward an RWR Card plus. Bonus points may apply for additional capital (commonly cited +€50,000), incubator/accelerator participation, and age ≤35 — always re-verify the live points table and fee (€218 is commonly cited) on migration.gv.at before filing.
Min. capital
≥ €30,000 (≥50% equity)
Best for: Pakistani and other third-country founders with an innovative Austrian venture, documented capital, and a points profile that clears the published threshold.
Official start-up founders guidance cites capital of at least €30,000 with at least 50% equity, plus controlling influence. Extra capital can score bonus points (commonly +€50,000 cited) — verify-on-official-site before remitting funds.
Investment options
- Paid-in capital ≥ €30,000 with ≥50% equity and controlling influence
- Additional capital for bonus points (commonly +€50,000 — verify live table)
- Incubator / accelerator participation where recognised for points
- Working capital and runway beyond the formal floor (business-plan assessed)
Eligibility
- Innovative company / business concept as assessed under Austrian rules
- Business plan and controlling influence over management
- Capital ≥ €30,000 with ≥50% equity (verify-on-official-site)
- Points ≥ 50 of 85 on the published start-up founders table
- AMS macroeconomic expertise / opinion as required
- General admission, health, and character requirements
- Pay application fees (commonly cited €218 — verify live tariff)
Process timeline
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1
Shape the innovative concept
Document innovation, market, team roles, and controlling influence.
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2
Capitalise & score points
Evidence ≥ €30,000 (≥50% equity); calculate points including any bonus categories.
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3
AMS expertise & lodge RWR
AMS macroeconomic expertise (often within ~3 weeks cited); file via the channels on migration.gv.at.
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4
Operate up to 24 months
Build the company; then assess RWR Card plus for longer stay.
Family
Family reunification rules for RWR Card holders are published separately — confirm spouse/children eligibility, timing, and fees on migration.gv.at before planning relocation.
Work rights
The start-up founders RWR Card is designed for operating your qualifying start-up. Other employment may be restricted — verify conditions on your grant and official guidance.
Route to PR
After the initial Card (up to 24 months), eligible holders may move to an RWR Card plus and later longer-term settlement options under Austrian law — verify current stages on migration.gv.at.
Route to citizenship
Austrian citizenship by naturalisation is separate, typically after long lawful residence and other criteria. Dual nationality with Pakistan needs personal legal advice — verify-on-official-site.
Pros
- Published capital floor (€30,000) and points framework on migration.gv.at
- Clear AMS expertise step and founder-specific RWR product
- Bonus points for extra capital, incubator, and younger founders (verify table)
- EU/Schengen base once lawfully resident
Watch-outs
- Innovation and controlling influence are assessed — capital alone is not enough
- Points table and fees change — re-read migration.gv.at before lodging
- Pakistani source-of-funds and Austrian bank KYC must be planned early
- RWR Card plus and settlement have further conditions after year two