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Working in Austria

Whether or not you are allowed to work in Austria depends on your nationality, the kind of work and - for nationals of third countries – also on the type of the residence title.

  • Nationals of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Finland, France, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Spain, Cyprus or Switzerland are allowed to work in Austria without any further permit (e.g. work permit) being required.

  • Nationals of Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia however, still need a work permit for gainful employment due to transitional arrangements. If you carry out a job that is not subject to the regulations of the Austrian Act Governing Employment of Foreign Nationals, you need no work permit.
    Activities which are not subject to the regulations of the Austrian Act Governing Employment of Foreign Nationals are: activities in the framework of exchange or research programmes of the European Union or activities in academic teaching and research.

  • Students from all other countries (“third countries”) who are in possession of a residence permit for study purposes (Aufenthaltsbewilligung "Studierender") are allowed to work to a limited extent and in accordance with the regulations of the Austrian Act Governing Employment of Foreign Nationals (Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz - AuslBG), which as a rule require a work permit. Please read the following regulations carefully. If you violate them you risk a hefty fine or even losing your residence permit! If you are in any doubt please make sure to enquire at the employment office (Arbeitsmarktservice/AMS) or at an advice organisation (see links on the right hand side) before taking up a job.

There are two different types of employment to be distinguished but both must not affect the study progress (the studies have to be the primary purpose of staying in Austria):