How does the points test work for start-up founders and what is the minimum score?

Founders are assessed on a points scale with a minimum of 50 points required. Points come from your qualification (up to 30, with tertiary education completed in Austria scoring highest), relevant work experience (up to 10, one point per half-year), and language skills (up to 15, where C1-C2 German scores 15 and B1-B2 German or B2 English scores 10).

There are also bonus points worth up to 30: an extra EUR 50,000 investment (10), admission to a business incubator (10), and being under 35 (10). Because the threshold is 50 of 85, founders often rely on a combination of education, an incubator place and additional investment to clear the bar. Estimate your score from the official table before committing.