Document checklist
Sierra Leone → Austria: Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte): Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Checked by our automated verification on 20 Oct 2026: every source on this page resolves and the data is structurally complete. This does not confirm a person re-read the source text for accuracy.
Required documents
9 itemsIdentity
Recent passport photo
RequiredA passport photo sized 45x35mm, taken no more than six months ago.
Valid passport
RequiredYour valid travel document (passport), shown as the original with a copy.
Purpose of travel
Binding job offer meeting the minimum pay
RequiredA binding job offer from an Austrian employer, where the employer agrees to pay you at least the minimum wage set by law, regulation, or the applicable collective agreement.
Insurance
Health insurance covering all risks
RequiredProof of health insurance that covers all risks, either compulsory Austrian health insurance or an equivalent insurance policy such as comprehensive travel insurance.
Other
Documents proving your qualification (for points)
RequiredDocuments used to score points for your qualification: a certificate or diploma of completed vocational education or training, or proof of general eligibility for university admission (Matura/Abitur/matriculation certificate), or a document showing successful completion of a university-level programme.
Language diploma or certificate (for points)
A language diploma or course certificate, no older than five years, at A1 or A2 level for German or B1/B2 level for English, used to score points. Accepted German certificates include ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc and ÖIF; accepted English certificates include Cambridge, TELC, IELTS, TOEIC, TOEFL, Linguaskill and Aptis.
Proof of training in a shortage occupation
RequiredProof that you completed training in an occupation currently on Austria's shortage-occupation list (nationwide or regional), such as a completion certificate or diploma for that trade.
Testimonials and work certificates (for points)
Testimonials and work certificates showing your work experience in your field, used to score points toward the 55-point minimum.
Translations and copies
RequiredOriginals and copies of every document must be submitted with your application. Documents not in German or English need a German or English translation, and the authority may later ask for certified versions.
Why applications on this route get refused
Not enough points
The Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations needs a minimum of 55 out of 90 points, scored from your qualification, work experience, language skills, and age.
How to avoid it: Use the points calculator on migration.gv.at before you apply, and gather documents for every category where you can score points.
Job offer pays below the legal minimum
Your prospective employer must pay at least the minimum wage set by law, regulation, or the applicable collective agreement for your occupation.
How to avoid it: Check the collective agreement or statutory minimum for your occupation before accepting a job offer, and make sure the offer states a matching salary.
Occupation not on the shortage list
This route only applies to occupations on Austria's nationwide or regional shortage-occupation list.
How to avoid it: Check whether your trained occupation is currently listed before applying under this route; if not, another Red-White-Red Card category may fit instead.
Sources
- migration.gv.at (Austrian Federal Government), Required Documents: Job Seeker Visa, Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card · checked 23 Sept 2026
- migration.gv.at (Austrian Federal Government), Red-White-Red Card: Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations · checked 23 Sept 2026
- migration.gv.at (Austrian Federal Government), Mobility of EU citizens, EEA citizens and Swiss citizens · checked 23 Sept 2026
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