How long is the Start-up Founders card valid, and what comes after the first period?

The Start-up Founders Red-White-Red Card is granted for a maximum of 24 months and permits self-employment plus fixed-term settlement in Austria during that time.

The official source indicates that after two years, approved founders can move to a Red-White-Red Card plus, which provides unlimited access to the labour market and unrestricted settlement. This makes the first two years a proving period for your company. Keep your business operating and your documentation in order so you can demonstrate continued eligibility when you apply for the follow-on permit.