Citizens from the EEA area (EU countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein) work on the same conditions as Austrian citizens. They do not require special permits to work in Austria. Citizens from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary still require permits in accordance with the act governing employment of foreigners (AuslBG).
For non EU citizens to take up legal gainful employment in Austria a valid certificate of residence: a settlement permit, a temporary residence permit is required.
For questions regarding residence regulations in Austria, please contact the customer service centre of Municipal Department 35 - Immigration and Citizenship, Registry Offices (MA 35).
Employment permits are granted to individual foreigners following application by the prospective employer.
Employment permits entitle their holders to take up legal gainful employment at a clearly defined workplace in Austria. As of January 1, 2003 employment permits are only granted to integrated foreigners already in possession of a certificate of residence.
Persons who have been legally employed with employment permits for 52 weeks may apply for a work permit.
These are non-transferrable permits and are issued for a specific province, allowing holders to choose their employer and type of employment.
The employer merely has to report commencement (including main wage and working conditions) and termination of a person’s employment to the relevant regional Public Employment Service (AMS).
Work permits are valid for a period of two years and may be extended under certain conditions (for instance number of employment periods). For extensions please apply with the relevant regional labour market service.
Foreigners who have been issued certificates of exemption (Befreiungsschein) are put on an equal status with Austrian employees.
To apply for a certificate of exemption the following requirements must be met:
Certificates of exemption are non-transferrable permits and are valid for five years for all of Austria. Holders may choose their employers, the type of employment and location anywhere in Austria. Employers merely have to report commencement and termination of employment.
Employers need not apply for employment permits.
Certificates of exemption are issued by the relevant regional labour market service.
Certificates of freedom of movement are non-transferrable permits allowing holders to choose their employers, type of employment and location anywhere in Austria.
Certificates of freedom of movement are issued:
Spouses and children of new EU citizens living in the same household (before May 1, 2004) are also entitled to a certificate of freedom of movement. Family members who move to Austria at a later point must live in the same household for a minimum of 18 months before applying.
The certificate of freedom of movement is valid for an unlimited period of time. It becomes invalid once a person moves their main residence to another country. Certificates of freedom of movement are issued by the relevant regional labour market service.
This article has been submitted by Wien.at .