Working in Austria

The legal basis for the admission of foreign nationals to the Austrian labour market is the Austrian Act Governing Employment of Foreign Nationals (Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz). Its objective is to maintain a balance between offer and demand on the Austrian job market.

Tourist visas do not give the right to seek employment. Immigrants working illegally might be deported immediately and will not be allowed to reenter Austria for up to ten years.

Non EU - Nationals who intend to to seek legal employment in Austria, require a domicile permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung) for one year or a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) valid for up to a total stay of six months.

In order to be granted one of the permits mentioned, a work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis) is required. The work permit must be applied for by the employer in the name of the employee. Domicile permits and residence permits are allocated on an annual and contigent basis by a regulation of the Austrian Government.