🇦🇹 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 of the Red-White-Red Card application:
✅ Completed application form for residence permit (original form)
✅ Valid passport (including copies of all pages with entries)
✅ Recent biometric passport photo (not older than 6 months)
✅ Birth certificate (with certified translation)
✅ Proof of health insurance with full coverage
✅ Rental agreement or proof of accommodation in Austria
✅ Police clearance certificate (not older than 3 months, certified & translated)
✅ Registration form (Meldezettel), if a residence in Austria already exists
🎓 B. Professional qualification & recognition
To have your nursing qualification officially recognized in Austria, the following documents are required:
✅ Diploma or proof of education (certified & translated)
✅ Nostrifikation decision (official recognition of foreign degree in Austria)
✅ License to practice (e.g. entry in the Austrian Health Professions Register)
✅ German language certificate – minimum level B1, B2 recommended
💡 Tip: The higher your language level and qualifications, the more points you receive in the RWR Card points system.
💼 C. Work-related documents
Since the Red-White-Red Card is tied to a specific job offer, you will need:
✅ Employment contract or binding job offer (including salary, start date, position)
✅ Employer declaration for the RWR Card (official form)
✅ Proof of work experience (relevant for the points evaluation)
✅ Additional qualifications (e.g. training courses, nursing certificates)
✅ Points calculation sheet (recommended to verify eligibility)
📎 D. Additional Documents (if applicable)
✅ Marriage certificate or divorce decree (certified & translated)
✅ Proof of financial means (only in exceptional cases)
✅ Power of attorney (if someone applies on your behalf)
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.
