Austria is part of the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). 

This means that people from the EU or EEA have freedom of establishment, freedom to provide services, and freedom of movement for workers in Austria. EU/EEA citizens are free to live and work in Austria, regardless of whether they are self-employed or employed. 

Info: The European Economic Area is a community uniting the European Union and three other European countries: Liechtenstein, Norway, and Iceland. Citizens of the EEA are largely equal to EU citizens and enjoy the same labour law benefits. As a result of international treaties, Swiss citizens are largely equal to them, too. 

If you hold the nationality of an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you therefore do not need a work permit to work in Austria. The provisions of the Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals (AuslBG) therefore do not apply to you.

How long is your stay?

If you want to stay in Austria for up to three months, you only need a passport or valid identity card, irrespective of whether you are employed or not. 

If you want to stay in Austria for more than three months, you need a registration certificate. You can find out which requirements you need to fulfil in the chapter on visas and residence.

Attention: Self-employed individuals must always register with the tax office, regardless of the duration of their stay. See below for more information.