Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Plus: A New Path for Displaced Ukrainians in Austria
As of early 2025, Statistics Austria reports 87,927 Ukrainians living in Austria — more than 36,000 of them supported through Grundversorgung, the country’s basic welfare system.
For some, the recently introduced Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Plus (RWR+ permit) opens a way toward more stable residency — and eventually, a permanent EU residence status.
What is the Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Plus?
The Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Plus is a residence permit under the Austrian Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz / NAG (in English: Settlement and Residence Act). It provides significantly more stability and rights than the temporary protection document (Ausweis für Vertriebene) currently held by displaced Ukrainians.
Holders of the RWR+ enjoy unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market — whether employed or self-employed — and the time spent under temporary protection counts toward future long-term residence applications, such as the Daueraufenthalt EU after five years of continuous stay.
Who Can Apply
To transition from displaced status to the Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Plus, several key conditions must be met:
Recognised displaced status: Applicants must hold or be eligible for the Ausweis für Vertriebene.
Employment and insurance: At least 12 months of full social insurance coverage (employment or self-employment) within the last 24 months under ÖGK or SVS.
German language skills: A certificate proving A1-level German (from ÖSD, ÖIF, Goethe, or Telc).
Secured livelihood: Proof of sufficient income or savings to live independently of Grundversorgung.
Valid passport and no serious criminal record.
Valid displaced person card at the moment of application.
How Much Income Is Enough?
Lawyer Mag. Philip Raffling (META LEGAL) explains that financial independence is one of the most critical factors:
“Single persons need at least €1,273.99 net per month, couples €2,009.85, plus €196.57 per child. Rent and loans must already be paid from this income, though a €376 ‘free accommodation’ value can be added.”
Example:
A single applicant paying €500 rent per month must earn around €1,397.99 net per month.
If their annual income is €14,500 (≈ €1,208 monthly), the shortfall of €200 per month could be balanced by showing €2,400 in savings.
Savings, sponsors’ declarations, or “free accommodation” (e.g., living rent-free with friends or family) may all count toward meeting this requirement.
Artists and Self-Employment
Some Ukrainian artists working independently in Austria are now eligible for the RWR+ permit. They must provide:
An insurance data extract from SVS (for self-employed artists).
Proof of being insured for at least 12 out of the last 24 months.
A tax advisor’s confirmation of average monthly net income from artistic work.
Irregular earnings are acceptable — it is the average monthly amount that counts.
Artists who already went through the process say that once all papers are in order, approval usually takes between one and three months. In some cases, the card was granted for three years instead of one, reducing bureaucratic renewal efforts.
How Long Does It Take?
According to Peter Marhold from the NGO Helping Hands, Austrian authorities officially have up to six months to process residence applications, but in practice, “transition” cases from temporary protection are handled much faster.
“We often see decisions within a few months,” Marhold says. “For artists and freelancers, a stable financial history and a realistic income forecast are usually enough. The system recognises that self-employed work fluctuates.”
While the precise financial thresholds may be adjusted in the future, he adds, the overall process remains straightforward — especially compared to traditional residence permits that require complex interviews or asylum rulings.
Why It Matters
For thousands of displaced Ukrainians who have been living, working, and integrating in Austria since 2022, the Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte Plus represents a crucial step toward long-term security.
It acknowledges both their contribution to Austrian society and their desire for stability after years of uncertainty — turning temporary protection into a pathway for a sustainable future in Europe.
Useful links:
Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI) – Aufenthaltstitel