Hiring from Africa
The Red-White-Red Card in 5 steps
This does not replace a decision by an authority, and it is not legal advice.
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria’s residence permit for qualified people from outside the EU to work for a specific employer. There is more than one route. Two come up often in our conversations: skilled workers in shortage occupations, and other key workers. The Republic of Austria publishes the current criteria on migration.gv.at. The points calculator and the yearly shortage list are there too. We do not copy figures from an old leaflet, because they change.
1. Clarify the role and the route
Start with the job. The tasks, the place, the German. For us, German B1 is the minimum and B2 is preferred. Then check on migration.gv.at which route might fit. Whether an occupation is on the shortage list is set by regulation, not by us.
2. A search agreement before any fee
Nothing is invoiced before a search agreement is signed. Candidates never pay a fee. The employer pays. Pass-through costs such as translations or authority fees are charged at cost and itemised.
3. Meet people
Licensed partners in Kenya, registered with the National Employment Authority, search and pre-screen. You hold the video interviews yourself. There is no promise on timing. Typically 6–9 months pass between the search agreement and the start date.
4. Documents, not legal advice
We coordinate the papers that are usually needed: identity, qualification, work experience, a job offer. Whether they are enough is decided by the competent body. If you want a lawyer, that is a partner law firm.
5. After the decision
If a permit is granted, we plan travel, housing and the first months. Conversations at months 1, 3 and 6. If it is refused, that is the authority’s decision. We do not promise a permit or a date.
Read on at the employers page and the checklist.
