Working in Austria

Whether or not you are allowed to work in Austria depends on your nationality, the kind of work you would like to undertake and - for nationals of third countries - also on the kind of residence title:

EU/EEA countries

Nationals of Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden or Switzerland are allowed to work in Austria without any further permit (e.g. work permit) being required.

Non EU/EEA contries

Students from all other countries ("third countries") who are in possession of a residence permit for students ("Aufenthaltsbewilligung - Studierender") are allowed to work to a limited extent (for up to 20 hours/week - this permit will be granted without labour market check) and in accordance with the regulations set down in the Austrian Act Governing the 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 Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice/AMS) or at an advice organisation before taking up a job.

Types of employment

There are two different types of employment that you have to distinguish between but both must not affect your studies (your studies have to be the primary purpose of staying in Austria):

• Employment with employment contract (Unselbständige Beschäftigung mit Dienstvertrag)
• Self-employment with a contract for work and labour (Selbständige Erwerbstätigkeit mit Werkvertrag)