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The Red-White-Red Card Plus (RWR Card Plus) allows non-EU nationals in Austria to live and work with full labour market access.?If your card is approaching its expiry date, renewing it on time is essential to maintain your legal stay and employment in Austria.?Here is a simple, practical guide on how the renewal process works.
1. When Should You Apply for Renewal?
You should submit your renewal application no earlier than 3 months before your current RWR Card Plus expires.?Applying early helps you avoid gaps in your right to stay or work in Austria.
If you apply before expiry, you are legally allowed to remain in Austria until a decision is issued — even if the card expires during processing.
2. Who Can Renew the RWR Card Plus?
You can renew your Red-White-Red Card Plus if:
• You have held a valid RWR Card Plus for the previous period
• You continue to meet the requirements for settlement in Austria
• You have complied with Austrian residency rules (no long absences)
• You meet the minimum income, housing, and health insurance criteria
Renewals are generally granted for 3 years, depending on your family status and residence history.
3. Documents Required for Renewal
While requirements may vary slightly by authority, the following documents are commonly requested:
• Valid passport
• Current Red-White-Red Card Plus
• Recent biometric photo
• Proof of legal residence in Austria
• Proof of sufficient income (e.g., salary slips, employment contract, tax documents)
• Evidence of adequate housing (rental contract or ownership proof)
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance
• Registration certificate (Meldezettel)
• Completed renewal application form
• Proof of integration (if applicable), such as A2/B1 language certificate
Authorities may request additional documents case-by-case.
4. Where Do You Apply?
You must submit your renewal application to:
• The local residence authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat) in your district
• Or the Austrian embassy/consulate abroad if applying from outside Austria (only in special cases)
Most applicants submit in person within Austria.
5. What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Renewal?
To renew your RWR Card Plus, you must continue to meet Austria’s settlement requirements:
5.1 Continuous Lawful Residence
You must have maintained lawful residence with the RWR Card Plus.
5.2 Financial Stability
You must show consistent income that meets Austria’s minimum subsistence requirements, updated annually.
5.3 Adequate Housing
Accommodation must meet Austria’s required living standards.
5.4 Health Insurance
Comprehensive insurance covering all risks in Austria is mandatory.
5.5 Integration Requirements
Depending on your years of residence, you may need to show German language competence under the Integration Agreement.
6. Processing Time
Processing typically takes 8–12 weeks, but timelines can vary based on workload and documentation completeness.
You may legally stay in Austria during processing if your application was filed on time.
7. What If Your Renewal Is Denied?
If your application is refused, you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons, such as:
• Insufficient income
• Lack of proper health insurance
• Missing documents
• Failure to meet integration requirements
You may submit an appeal within the deadline indicated in the decision.
Key Takeaway
Renewing your Red-White-Red Card Plus is a straightforward process as long as you apply on time and continue to meet Austria’s financial, housing, health insurance, and integration requirements.?Timely preparation ensures smooth continuation of your residence and work rights in Austria.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice.?Residency rules may change depending on updates from the Austrian authorities.?Always check the latest regulations before applying.
December 6, 2025
