How it works

The RWR Card timeline: 7 steps, 4–10 months

Below is the typical process for hiring Filipino professionals in Austria under the RWR Card. It is a planning guide, not a guaranteed processing time: actual duration depends on the position, the completeness of documents and the authorities’ workload.

  1. Consultation and profile

    1 week

    Positions, numbers, requirements, cooperation model.

    Your role One call and profile sign-off.

  2. Sourcing and screening

    2–4 weeks

    Partner agencies search and vet candidates: experience, certificates, English.

    Your role Wait for the shortlist.

  3. Interviews and selection

    1–2 weeks

    Video interviews; the decision is always yours.

    Your role 2–4 hours of interviews.

  4. Documents and preparation

    4–8 weeks

    Contracts, translations, qualification recognition, language courses (starting in Manila). In parallel: the POLO/MWO procedure, if you are not yet accredited.

    Your role Provide company documents.

  5. RWR Card application

    6–12 weeks

    Submission and processing by the Austrian authorities.

    Your role Sign the application; we manage the rest.

  6. Visa and relocation

    2–4 weeks

    The Philippine exit clearance (OEC), tickets, pre-departure orientation.

    Your role Book travel; prepare housing.

  7. Arrival and onboarding

    1 week

    Registration, bank account, first working day. Our support doesn’t end here.

    Your role Welcome your new team.

Two routes to the Red-White-Red Card

The Mangelberufsliste is one path, not the only one. The route is chosen per candidate: education, experience, German, age, your requirements and the salary level.

Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations (Mangelberufe)

For professions on the annual shortage list (e.g. welders), where the qualification fits: a simplified track, no labour-market test.

migration.gv.at →

Other Key Workers

A points system plus a salary threshold, without relying on recognition of a specific qualification. A university degree, even outside the field, earns points; for construction and plant trades this is often the faster route.

migration.gv.at →

What speeds things up / slows things down

Faster

  • a shortage-list profession
  • housing ready
  • a complete document package
  • early planning around the season

Slower

  • incomplete education documents
  • language requirements above basic (care!)
  • peak workload at the migration authorities

Want this as a one-pager?

Download the one-page timeline (PDF) → Talk it through — 15 min →