Visa & Residence
Artists and cultural workers often work internationally: they take part in exhibitions, have international clients, work at trade fairs, concerts and festivals, or move to another country permanently. But what requirements must artists and cultural workers fulfil in order to be able to work across borders? They must always consider whether they
- need a permit to stay in another country, or
- need a permit to work in another country.
Whether and which licence you need depends on the following factors:
- Nationality
- Destination country
- Length of stay
- Type of employment
When it comes to cross-border living and working in Europe, standardised rules apply to those people who hold the nationality of a European Union country, a country in the European Economic Area, or Switzerland.
In the following chapter, artists and cultural workers will find out what they need to consider in order to be able to work internationally. In some areas, special regulations apply to artists to make it easier for them to work internationally.
Click here to go directly to the subpage “General requirements for all residence permits” ,where you can also find out what financial resources you need!
Checklist
Travelling in the EU as an EU citizen
- Check whether you must register your stay of more than three months in your EU country of residence. For Austria, you need a registration certificate for stays of three months or more.
As a third-country national in the EU/EEA/Switzerland
- Check whether you need a visa to enter the country. Check the regulations of your destination country.
- How long do you want to stay? Check whether a visa is sufficient (for a stay of up to 6 months) or whether you need a residence permit.
- What job would you like to do? Check which different residence permits your EU country offers and whether you need to prove your language skills.
As a third-country national in Austria
- Check whether you need a visa to enter the country or whether you can enter visa-free.
- How long do you want to stay? Check whether a visa is sufficient (for a stay of up to 6 months) or whether you need a residence permit.
- What job would you like to do? Will you be self-employed or employed? Will you be an artist or cultural worker? Check which residence title is suitable for you.
- Would you like to stay in Austria permanently? Don't forget that you need to provide proof of German language skills.
Important links
In the following section, you will find links that will provide you with further information on visas & residence.
Websites of government agencies:
- The Chamber of Labour legally represents all salaried employees in Austria. Visit this section of their website to get further information on the requirements for working as a foreigner in Austria.
- You can find detailed information on the various residence titles in Austria by following this link to the Federal Government’s Information Website on Migration to Austria
- Austria’s Public Employment Service (AMS) provides information on work permits and hiring foreign workers here.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior provide information on legal entry into Austria and the different visas.
- Click on this link to the Ministry of the Interior’s website to find information on long-term settlement and residence in Austria.
- The Austrian Government’s multi-agency platform provides an overview of all the things you need to consider during your stay in Austria (e.g. bringing family members, taxes, pets...).
- The Chamber of Commerce, which represents the interests of entrepreneurs, provides information on the employment of foreign workers under this link.
- You can enter your place of residence here to find out which settlement authority is responsible in your case.
However: only the information (texts of laws and ordinances as well as relevant case law) on ris.bka.gv.at is legally binding.
Public stakeholders’ websites:
- The Interessengemeinschaft Bildende Kunst association’s website informs you about residence and entry for artists, and lists FAQs.
Important forms
- Follow this link to find the form that needs to be completed by EU/EEA and Swiss citizens to certify a stay of more than 3 months in Austria.
- This link leads you to all the application forms for Austrian residence permits.