Temporary protection in Austria for Ukrainians
What is the Red-White-Red Card Plus (“RWR+”) for Ukrainians?
As of October 1, 2024, Ukrainians who have temporary protection in Austria can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus (“RWR+”). This is a temporary residence permit in Austria that can be extended. It allows the holder to stay and work in the country without the need for an additional work permit.
For how long is the red-white-red card plus issued?
This permit is valid for up to 12 months with the possibility of renewal. If you meet all the requirements and have resided in Austria continuously for at least two years, you can receive the card for 3 years.
What are the requirements to obtain a RWR+ card?
To get the RWR+, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You have been working in Austria for at least 12 months with full insurance for the last 24 months.
- You were self-employed and have insurable income, or you have private health insurance that meets Austrian standards.
What income is required to obtain RWR+?
For employees: minimum income must exceed €518.44 per month (for 2024).
For the self-employed: the annual income must exceed €6,221.28.
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- Written consultation: get answers to your questions in writing.
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What German language skills are required for the RWR+?
You need to prove your German language skills at A1 level. The certificate must have been issued no more than one year ago and is only accepted from certain organizations such as the ÖIF, ÖSD or Goethe Institute.
Are there any exceptions to the German language requirement?
Yes, if you provide a written statement that you will stay in Austria for no more than 24 months within 3 years, you do not need to prove your German language skills. However, this makes it impossible to renew the card.
How do I determine if you have sufficient means of subsistence to obtain a Red-White-Red Plus Card?
You must prove sufficient funds for yourself and your family members. Here's how to do it:
How do you calculate your average monthly net income?
- Take your monthly net income (after taxes and social security contributions).
- Multiply it by 14 (in Austria, salaries are often paid 14 times a year).
- Divide the result by 12 to get your average net income per month.
Example: If you earn €1,500 net monthly:
€1,500 × 14 = €21,000;
€21,000 ÷ 12 = €1,750.
So, your average monthly net income is €1,750.
Is the income of other family members taken into account?
Yes. The income of your spouse or registered partner is also taken into account, as are transfers from them. For children, the income of the parents is taken into account. Transfers from other relatives such as grandparents are not taken into account.
Are savings counted?
Yes. Add the amount of savings or other assets (such as savings contracts or insurance policies). Divide the amount of your savings by 12 and add it to your monthly net income.
Example: If you have €1,200 in savings:
€1,200 ÷ 12 = €100;
€1,750 + €100 = €1,850 monthly income.
How do I account for rent, loans and alimony expenses?
Calculate the regular expenses (rent, loans, alimony).
If these expenses exceed €359.72, subtract this amount from your total expenses and deduct the balance from your income.
Example: If your rent is 500 euros and your loan payments are 200 euros:
Expenses: €500 + €200 = €700;
€700 - €359.72 = €340.28;
€1,850 - €340.28 = €1,509.72 net income.
What are the minimum incomes required for secured livelihoods?
For 2026, these requirements are as follows:
- Individual: at least €1,217.96 per month.
- Spouses or registered partners: €1,921.46 per month.
- Children: an additional €187.93 per month.
Example: You are an individual with one child. For a secure livelihood you need:
€1,217.96 + €187.93 = €1,405.89 per month.
What are the costs associated with getting the red-white-red plus card?
You will need to pay:
- 160 euros for each red-white-red plus card.
- An additional €14.30 or €7.20 for travel documents or civil status certificates, depending on the type of document.
What rights does the red-white-red plus card grant?
This card allows you to reside in Austria and work as a self-employed or employed person.
Where do I apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus?
- If you live in Vienna, contact the Immigration and Nationality Office (MA 35).
- For residents of other federal states, please contact the relevant authority in your area.
The application must be submitted in person, and for persons under 18 years of age it must be submitted by a parent or guardian.
What documents are required to apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus?
- A completed and signed application form in German or English.
- ID card for displaced persons.
- A valid travel document (passport).
- An up-to-date photograph (for biometric passport, taken no more than 6 months ago).
- Proof of health insurance, which covers all risks.
- Proof of housing (rental agreement, sale and purchase agreement).
- Proof of livelihood (salary certificate, employment contract, pension payments or explanation of the origin of savings).
- Proof of regular expenses (rent, utility bills, loans, alimony).
What additional documents are required for self-employed persons?
- Authorization to conduct business activities.
- Income and expense report or manager's salary report.
- Confirmation from a tax consultant about the accrual of income taxes.
Are additional documents needed for persons over 14 years of age?
- A certificate of criminal record from the country of origin (issued not more than 3 months ago).
- If you have lived in another country for more than 6 months before coming to Austria, you must also provide a certificate from that country.
Do I need a translation of my documents?
If your documents are in a language other than German or English, they must be translated into German and certified by a sworn court translator. International multilingual documents do not need to be translated.
What is the cost of obtaining a red-white-red plus card?
- 160 euros for each red-white-red plus card.
- 14.30 or 7.20 euros for travel documents or certificates of citizenship, depending on the type of document.
With temperory protection status you can travel to EU countries for up to 90 days, as well as go to Ukraine for a short period of time without losing your right to reside in Austria. If you plan to return to Ukraine permanently, then you need to go through the deregistration procedure at the institution where you issued protection.
Before you leave Austria, you must notify the Federal Office and mail your displaced person's ID card. Find the address of the office here