🇦🇹 Red-white-red card for qualified nursing staff – checklist and tips for getting started in Austria
If you want to work as a qualified nurse in Austria, in most cases you will need a so-called Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card). This card allows qualified professionals from third countries to live and work legally in Austria. To ensure that the application process runs smoothly, we at Alida Staffing & Recruiting have compiled the most important documents and requirements in a clear checklist.
🧾 A. General documents
These documents form the basis for the application for the Red-White-Red Card:
• ✅ Completed application for a residence permit (original form)
• ✅ Valid passport (including copies of all pages with entries)
• ✅ Current biometric passport photo (not older than 6 months)
• ✅ Birth certificate (with certified translation)
• ✅ Proof of health insurance with full coverage
• ✅ Right of residence agreement or rental contract as proof of accommodation in Austria
• ✅ Criminal record extract (not older than 3 months, certified & translated)•
✅ Registration form, if you already have a residence in Austria
🎓 B. Professional qualification & recognition
The following documents are important for your education to be recognised in Austria:
- ✅ Diploma or training certificate (certified and translated)
- ✅ Certificate of recognition (official recognition of training in Austria)
- ✅ Licence to practise (e.g. registration in the health professions register)
- ✅ Proof of German language proficiency – minimum level B1, recommended B2
💡 Tipp: The higher your language level and qualifications, the more points you will receive in the RWR points calculation.
💼 C. Work-related documents
As the Red-White-Red Card is linked to a specific job offer, you will need:
- ✅ Employment contract or binding job offer (including details of salary, start date and position)
- ✅ Employer declaration regarding the RWR card (official form)
- ✅ Proof of professional experience (relevant for the points assessment)
- ✅ Additional qualifications (e.g. further training, nursing courses)
- ✅ Calculated points calculation (recommended for checking the requirements)
📎 D. Additional documents (if required)
In some cases, additional documents are required:
- ✅ Marriage certificate or divorce decree (certified and translated)
- ✅ Proof of means of subsistence (only in exceptional cases)
- ✅ Power of attorney (if another person is submitting the application)
ℹ️ Important information
- All documents must be submitted in the original and with a certified translation.
- Applications must be submitted in person at the Austrian Embassy or, in Vienna, at MA35.
❤️ Our service for nursing staff
As a specialised agency, we support you every step of the way – from job hunting and getting your qualifications recognised to preparing your Red-White-Red Card application.
👉 With Alida Staffing & Recruiting, you have an experienced partner at your side who takes care of all the details – so you can concentrate on what matters most: your new career in Austria!
Contact us now if you would like to work as a nurse in Austria.
We will advise you free of charge and accompany you on your way to successful entry and employment.
