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Austria – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Austria

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit to work legally in Austria. This requirement applies to all foreign nationals who wish to work in Austria, except for citizens of European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, who have the right to work in Austria without a work permit.

Who Must Make the Application?

The application for a work permit must be made by the foreign national’s employer. The employer must provide proof that they were unable to find a suitable Austrian or EU candidate for the position and that the foreign national is qualified for the job.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in Austria

There are several types of work permits for expats in Austria, including:


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  • Red-White-Red Card: This is a combined work and residence permit that allows highly-skilled workers, graduates of universities of applied sciences and self-employed key workers to work and live in Austria.

  • EU Blue Card: This is a combined work and residence permit for highly-skilled workers from non-EU countries. It requires a minimum salary of €53,600 per year and a recognized university degree.

  • Temporary Employment: This type of permit is for foreign workers who will be working in Austria for a limited period of time, typically up to one year.

  • Permanent Employment: This type of permit is for foreign workers who will be working in Austria on a permanent basis.

Work Permit Application Process in Austria

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Austria is as follows:

  1. The employer must submit a job offer to the Austrian Ministry of Labor, which will assess the offer to determine if the job can be filled by an Austrian or EU candidate.

  2. If the job cannot be filled by an Austrian or EU candidate, the employer can then apply for a work permit for the foreign national.

  3. The foreign national must apply for a visa at the Austrian embassy in their home country.

  4. The foreign national must then apply for a work permit at the Austrian immigration authorities upon arrival in Austria.

The length of time it takes to obtain a work permit in Austria varies, but the process typically takes several weeks.

Work Permit Documents in Austria

The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Austria:

  • Valid passport

  • Proof of qualifications and work experience

  • Job offer from an Austrian employer

  • Proof of health insurance

  • Proof of sufficient funds to support oneself during the stay in Austria

  • Criminal record check from home country

Work Permit Costs in Austria

The cost of applying for a work permit in Austria varies depending on the type of permit and the length of stay, but typically ranges from €100 to €300.

Reliable Information on Working Legally in Austria

Expats can go to the following organizations for reliable information on working legally in Austria:

  • Austrian Ministry of Labor: This is the government agency responsible for issuing work permits in Austria.

  • Austrian Embassy: The Austrian embassy in the foreign national’s home country can provide information on the process of obtaining a work permit in Austria.

  • International Organizations: Organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Employment Services (EURES) can provide information on working and living in Austria for foreign nationals.


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