Austria Self-Employed Visa and Work Permit: The Complete Guide for UK Applicants

Imagine running your business surrounded by the charm of Vienna or the calm of the Austrian Alps.

If you're ready to make this a reality, the first step is to do your research and put together all your paperwork together to get your Red-White-Red card (which functions as an Austrian self-employed work permit).

To help you, we’ve put this guide together with everything UK applicants need to know to get a self-employed work permit in Austria. We’ve also touched on how Wise Business can help you manage your earnings and finances once you’re there.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

Key facts

Topic	Notes
Red-White-Red card for Self-Employed Key Workers 🔴⚪	The Red-White-Red card for Self-Employed Key Workers allows non-EU/EEA nationals to work as self-employed professionals in Austria. After meeting the required conditions and time period, they can apply for the “Settlement Permit - Self-Employed Key Worker” to continue living and running their business in Austria2.
Duration and Renewal ⏱️	The initial Red-White-Red card is valid for 24 months. After that, you can apply for a settlement permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung). This permit can be issued for three years after a total settlement period of two years. After five years of continuous residence, you may qualify for long-term resident status in Austria1.
Eligibility 📝	You must prove that your planned self-employed activity benefits Austria, for example, by creating jobs, transferring investment, or introducing innovation.
Visa Info 🗺️	If you’re a UK citizen, you’ll need a long stay visa (known as the D visa) to stay in Austria for over 90 days. EU/EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work in Austria without a visa, but must register their stay if it exceeds 90 days2.
Family Members 🏡	Once your residence permit is approved, you can apply to bring eligible family members under family reunification rules.
Application Fee 💷	Around €150 to €200, depending on where you apply (paid to the Austrian consulate or local authority)1. Additional costs may apply for document authentication and translation.
Processing Time ⏳	Up to 12 weeks3.

Table of contents

Key facts Who can apply for the Austria self-employed work permit (Red-White-Red card)? How to apply for the Austria self-employed work permit (Red-White-Red card) Step 1: Choose the correct application location Step 2: Gather the required documents Step 3: Submit your application and pay the fee Step 4: Wait for evaluation by the AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service) Step 5: Collect your residence permit (Red-White-Red card) Step 6: Extend or renew your permit How much does it cost? How long does it take to receive the permit? Paying taxes as a self-employed individual or freelancer in Austria Income Tax VAT (Umsatzsteuer) Social Insurance (SVS) Manage your earnings in Austria like a pro with Wise Business FAQs Is there a similar visa for startups in Austria? What’s the difference between the ‘Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers’ and the ‘Red-White-Red Card Plus’? Can I get permanent residence in Austria if I’m self-employed?

Who can apply for the Austria self-employed work permit (Red-White-Red card)?

You can apply for the Austrian Red-White-Red card for Self-Employed Key Workers if you’re a non-EU/EEA nationals whose freelance or business activity provides a clear economic benefit to Austria. 

To qualify, your work should meet at least one of these criteria⁴:

• Create or secure jobs in Austria
• Introduce new technologies, expertise, or innovation
• Involves a significant investment, usually at least €100,000 in your business
• Hold economic or regional importance, such as boosting a local industry or service

How to apply for the Austria self-employed work permit (Red-White-Red card)

1. Choose the correct application location
2. Gather the required documents
3. Submit your application and pay the fee
4. Wait for evaluation by the AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service)
5. Collect your residence permit (Red-White-Red card)
6. Extend or renew your permit

Step 1: Choose the correct application location

If you’re applying from the UK, submit your application in-person at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. 

However, suppose you’re already in Austria on a valid visa or visa-free stay. 

In that case, you can apply directly to your local residence authority (such as the Provincial Governor’s Office or Regional Administrative Authority)⁸.

Step 2: Gather the required documents

The requirements for applying for the Red-White-Red card for Self-employed Key Workers are¹²:

• Valid passport
• Recent photo (45x35mm) not older than six months
• Proof of health insurance - can be through compulsory health insurance or an equivalent insurance policy
• Business plan showing an analysis and evaluation of the market and competitive situation and the headquarters location, including a detailed description and the objectives of the intended professional undertaking
• Evidence of the transfer of investment capital to Austria
• Evidence of the intended creation of new jobs or securing of existing jobs in Austria
• Professional qualifications necessary for your self-employed activity (you might also need craft authorisations)
• Criminal record certificate in the form of a certificate of good standing from the police

Step 3: Submit your application and pay the fee

You’ll need to pay the required fees in-person. It is typically around €160 in total.

Step 4: Wait for evaluation by the AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service)

After submission, your application is forwarded to the AMS.

It reviews whether your freelance work benefits Austria’s economy through innovation, investment, or job creation.

This step usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Step 5: Collect your residence permit (Red-White-Red card)

If approved, you’ll be granted the Red-White-Red card for Self-Employed Key Workers, valid for up to 24 months.

If you applied from outside Austria, you’ll first need a Visa D to enter the country and collect your residence permit locally.

Step 6: Extend or renew your permit

Before your permit expires, you can apply for an extension if your freelance activity continues to meet Austria’s economic benefit criteria.

Renewal usually grants longer-term residence rights.

How much does it cost?

Cost item	Typical amount	What it covers/notes
Application fee	€120	This is the base fee for submitting the permit application.
Granting/Issuance fee	€20	Paid when the permit is approved.
Personalisation/Biometrics Fee	€20	For fingerprints, a photograph, and a signature on the card.
Red-White-Red Card fee	€160	This is the full fee for the issue of the Red-White-Red card itself (for those older than 6 years). It includes granting, personalisation, etc.
Red-White-Red Card Plus fee	Application, granting and personalisation fees are higher (around €156 to €212 total) depending on your age and category.	N/A
Additional costs (such as for documentation)	Varies (could be €10 to €50+ per document)	Foreign civil status documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.), translations, legalisation, etc., may cost more depending on the number of documents and the country of origin.

Several fees and related costs must be considered when applying for the Austrian Self-Employed Key Worker permit (Red-White-Red card).

he government fixes some depending on your situation (age, documents, location, etc.).

Even though the core government charges are relatively set (application, granting, personalisation), the total cost of applying will often be €200 to €400+ when you include supplementary expenses (translation, visa fees if needed, document handling).

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💡 Find out how much GBP you might need to spend by converting the fees in the section above using our converter

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How long does it take to receive the permit?

The processing time for the Austrian freelance visa (Red-White-Red card for Self-Employed Key Workers) usually takes 6 to 8 weeks after all the required documents are submitted³. 

However, depending on your case and how quickly the Austrian authorities verify your business plan, it can sometimes take 3 to 4 months.

The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) first checks if your freelance work will benefit the country’s economy, which usually takes about three weeks. 

To avoid delays, make sure your application is complete and all your documents are properly translated and legalised before you submit them.

Paying taxes as a self-employed individual or freelancer in Austria

Self-employed workers and freelancers must handle their own taxes and social contributions in Austria.

Income Tax

Austria has a progressive income tax system, with rates from 20% to 55% depending on earnings.

The first €13,308 of annual income is tax-free. You’ll need to file a yearly tax return and may have to make advance payments based on estimated income⁵.

VAT (Umsatzsteuer)

Most freelancers charge 20% VAT on invoices. Know that if your annual income is below €55,000, you may qualify as a Kleinunternehmer and be exempt from VAT⁶.

Social Insurance (SVS)

You must register with the Social Insurance for the Self-Employed (SVS) after your annual income exceeds €6,613.20. Contributions cover health, pension, and accident insurance⁷.

Keep your financial records neat and updated. A local tax expert can help you handle taxes properly and avoid any penalties.

Manage your earnings in Austria like a pro with Wise Business

If you’ve ever dreamed of being your own boss in a place that truly supports independence, Austria might just be your golden ticket. 

Once you’ve got your paperwork squared away, you’ll be ready to set foot and start earning in a country where opportunity and stability go hand in hand.

That’s where Wise Business comes in.

With a Wise Business account, you can receive client payments and hold over 40+ currencies in one place. Convert and send money worldwide at the real mid-market rate. No hidden fees, no surprises!

You can also spend directly with the Wise Business card in 150+ countries and earn 0.5% cashback on eligible purchases.

When international payments are this simple, you can focus on what matters most: growing your business in Austria.

Be Smart, Get Wise.

Register for Wise Business ✍️

“Banks take too long, charge too much, and always seem to add hidden fees… Wise just made sense - I could finally move money between currencies without any hassle.”

-- Garry Hurskainen-Green, Founder of Amazing Capitals Ltd

FAQs

Is there a similar visa for startups in Austria?

Yes. If you want to launch an innovative business in Austria, you may qualify under the Start-up Founder residence permit. This route suits entrepreneurs developing new products, services, or technologies that add value to the Austrian market.

To be eligible, you’ll typically need to⁸:

• Present a viable and innovative business plan
• Hold at least 50% ownership or control of the company
• Prove a minimum investment of €50,000 (with at least €25,000 in equity capital)
• Demonstrate that your startup has potential for economic growth and scalability

What’s the difference between the ‘Red-White-Red Card for Self-employed Key Workers’ and the ‘Red-White-Red Card Plus’?

The ‘Red-White-Red Card for Self-Employed Key Workers’ is the initial work permit needed to operate as a self-employed individual in Austria and expires in 24 months

After 24 months on the Red-White-Red Card, you can apply for a settlement permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung) , which can be issued for 3 years.

Can I get permanent residence in Austria if I’m self-employed?

Yes, you can become a permanent resident of Austria if you’re self-employed after 5 continuous years of lawful residence. 

You must also⁹:

• Earn a certain amount of income
• Not be using state welfare
• Have comprehensive health insurance
• Have suitable accommodation
• Not be a threat to public order or security

Sources:

1. Y-Axis, Why apply for an Austria Work Visa?
2. Federal Ministry European and International Affairs Republic of Austria, Settlement and Residence
3. GOV.UK, Travel to Austria for work - self-employed work
4. Migration.gv.at, Self-employed Key Workers
5. AS Consult, Self-employed Key Workers
6. Austrian Embassy London, Visa D
7. Migration.gv.at, Red-White-Red Card plus
8. Oida Austria, Income taxes in Austria in 2025: what you should know as a self-employed expat
9. Solar Staff, Freelance and taxes: Austria
10. Mobility Arts and Culture Austria, Social security
11. European Commission, Self-employed worker in Austria
12. Migration.gv.at, Permanent immigration

Sources last checked on October 28th, 2025