Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte Plus for Ukrainians in Austria: How to Transition from Temporary Protection to Permanent Status

Austria has already established a special pathway for displaced Ukrainians who wish to transition from temporary protection to a full-fledged residence permit. The Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte Plus serves as the primary tool for this, but there are also alternative options for legalization. Learn more about the requirements for obtaining the RWR+, deadlines, necessary documents, and other ways to stay in Austria after temporary protection ends

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Austria is gradually establishing a legal framework that will allow Ukrainians with temporary protection to transition to a standard residence permit. As noted by Relocate.to, the main tool for this is the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte Plus (RWR+)—a special permit for displaced persons from Ukraine that grants unrestricted access to the Austrian labor market.

Temporary protection in Austria has currently been extended until March 4, 2027, but Ukrainians can already apply for the RWR+ provided

they meet a number of requirements.

Who is eligible for this card, what documents and conditions are required, and what alternative paths to legalization exist—we explain further in this article.

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Temporary protection for Ukrainians in Austria: validity period and current status

Displaced persons from Ukraine are in Austria under temporary protection, which is documented by a special certificate—the Ausweis für Vertriebene. According to information from the Austrian government portal, there is no need to apply for asylum while this status is in effect, as temporary protection constitutes a separate legal basis for residence in the country.

UNHCR Austria confirms that permits under temporary protection have been automatically extended until March 4, 2027. This timeframe gives Ukrainians time to prepare for the transition to another immigration status. That is why the Austrian authorities are already offering a specific pathway—the Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte Plus for displaced persons—which is the most accessible option for those already living and working in the country.

By the way, we recently reported that the EU may change the rules for Ukrainian refugees.

Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte Plus for displaced persons from Ukraine: who is eligible

Austria has created a separate pathway specifically for transitioning from temporary protection to RWR+ for displaced persons from Ukraine. The City of Vienna’s website states that Ukrainians with displaced person status may apply for this card provided they have been officially employed with full social insurance coverage for at least 12 months out of the previous 24 months. Employment must exceed the minimum insurance threshold—in 2026, this threshold is €551.10 per month.

Self-employed Ukrainians are also eligible for RWR+, provided they are registered with the SVS social insurance system and can confirm income exceeding the established annual threshold. The main advantage of the card is that it provides unrestricted access to the labor market—an RWR+ holder can work in Austria without a separate work permit and without being tied to a specific employer. For Ukrainians who have already integrated into the Austrian economy, this is a significantly more stable status compared to temporary protection.

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Language, income, and document requirements for RWR+ in Austria

In addition to a history of formal employment, Austria imposes additional requirements on RWR+ applicants. Knowledge of German must be confirmed by a current certificate of at least A1 level. Proof of sufficient means of subsistence is also required.

As of 2026, the minimum amounts after accounting for regular monthly expenses are: €1,308.39 for a single person, €2,064.12 for a married couple, and an additional €201.88 for each child.

Required documents include a valid passport, proof of housing, and health insurance. The validity of the passport directly affects the duration of the card. Typically, the RWR+ is issued for a maximum of 12 months, provided the passport is valid for at least that period. At the same time, it is possible to obtain a card valid for three years immediately—to do so, you must have resided continuously and legally in Austria for at least two years, complete Module 1 of the Integration Agreement, and hold a passport valid for at least three more years. This is why it is already important for Ukrainians to simultaneously improve their German language proficiency to A1–A2 level and complete the integration module while working.

How the legal status of migrant children in the EU changes after age 18 — read more at the link.

EU Blue Card and the classic Rot-Weiß-Rot Card: alternatives for skilled professionals

For Ukrainians who do not qualify for the special RWR+ route for displaced persons, Austria offers other options for legalization. One of them is the EU Blue Card, aimed at highly qualified workers. According to migration.gv.at, in 2026, obtaining a Blue Card will require a contract of at least six months, work in one’s field of expertise, and an annual gross salary of no less than 55,678 euros. This option is most relevant for IT specialists, engineers, doctors, and representatives of other highly qualified professions.

The classic Rot-Weiß-Rot Card also remains available, but has stricter conditions. In this case, a points-based system with qualification requirements applies, and in certain categories, a labor market test is required. Specifically, for the “Other Key Workers” category, the official minimum in 2026 is €3,465 gross per month, and applicants must also score at least 55 points and receive a positive AMS assessment confirming the absence of an equally qualified registered candidate for the position. Separate rules and special lists apply to shortage occupations.

How to transition from temporary protection to a residence permit in the EU — we explain here.

Family Reunification and Student Residence Permits in Austria for Ukrainians

Another path to legalization is family reunification. According to migration.gv.at, family members can apply under the general rules for family reunification, provided they meet the requirements for income, housing, and insurance. The City of Vienna portal specifically notes that a holder of an RWR+ for displaced persons may act as a “sponsor” for a spouse (both must be over 21 years of age), as well as for unmarried children under 18 years of age.

A student residence permit is a viable option for young people and those who have not yet accumulated the required 12 months of insurance coverage for an RWR+ through employment. Studying in Austria is a separate legal pathway to residency, which can later serve as a basis for transitioning to work-based residency. This option allows you to remain within the legal framework while simultaneously building a career in the country.

Staying abroad always involves the need for reliable health insurance, and in Austria, this is one of the mandatory requirements for obtaining most residence permits. The Visit Ukraine portal offers a convenient service for obtaining health insurance for Ukrainians living abroad. The insurance policy covers medical expenses and is an essential document for legalizing your status in any European country.

Get health insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal—it’s fast, convenient, and will help you feel protected while abroad!

Reminder! European countries continue to provide financial support to Ukrainians under temporary protection. The amount of monthly payments varies significantly depending on the country. Read more about financial assistance for Ukrainians in Europe in 2026 here.

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