---
title: Why should Ukrainians consider switching to the RWR+ Card?
description: Learn why Ukrainian refugees should consider switching from temporary protection to the RWR+ Card in Austria - gain long-term security, path to permanent residence, family reunification options, and more.
---

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1. [RWR+ Card for Ukrainians](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide?hsLang=en)
2. [What is the RWR+ Card](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/what-is-the-rwr-card?hsLang=en)
3. [Overview of the RWR+ Card](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/what-is-the-rwr-card?hsLang=en#overview-of-the-rwr-card)

# Why should Ukrainians consider switching to the RWR+ Card?

## Moving from temporary protection to long-term settlement in Austria

If you're a Ukrainian currently living in Austria with temporary protection status (Blue Card), switching to the RWR+ Card offers several important advantages.

### Key benefits of switching:

**Long-term security**

- Your temporary protection status is based on an EU directive. It is currently set to expire in March 2026, even though a further prolongation is likely. This is, however, a political decision on the EU level.
- With an RWR+ Card, you can stay in Austria even if temporary protection ends. The RWR+ Card is allowing you personally to stay in the country and is not connected to a general status of all Ukrainians or any other group.
- The RWR+ Card allows you to work, live and travel in Austria as well as gives you access to social benefits and other rights.

**Path to permanent residence**

- The time with an RWR+ Card counts toward the 5-year requirement for permanent residence (*Daueraufenthalt-EU*)
- Time on a Blue Card alone doesn’t lead to permanent status
- After 5 years with proper residence status and meeting language requirements (B1), you can apply for permanent residence and/or citizenship

**Family opportunities**

- Your spouse/partner and minor children can also receive RWR+ Cards
- Your children can also switch to their own RWR+ Card once they become adults

**Professional and financial stability**

- The RWR+ Card is recognized as a standard residence permit
- This can make it easier when applying for certain jobs, bank loans, or rental agreements
- Some employers and landlords are more familiar with regular immigration status than temporary protection

### Consider switching if:

- You’ve established stable employment or self-employment in Austria
- You plan to make Austria your home beyond March 2026
- You're looking to build a long-term future in Austria

The RWR+ Card represents a step toward integration and permanence in Austrian society, moving from emergency measures to standard immigration status.

- [What is the RWR+ Card](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/what-is-the-rwr-card?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Overview of the RWR+ Card](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/what-is-the-rwr-card?hsLang=en#overview-of-the-rwr-card)
    - [Who can apply?](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/what-is-the-rwr-card?hsLang=en#who-can-apply)
- [Eligibility](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/eligibility?hsLang=en#main-content)

    - [Employment & Insurance](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/eligibility?hsLang=en#employment-insurance)
    - [Financial Stability](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/eligibility?hsLang=en#financial-stability)
- [FAQs](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/faqs?hsLang=en)
- [Guide](https://kb.mypaperwork.ai/en/ukraine-austria-rwrplus-guide/guide?hsLang=en)

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