Freedom of establishment, freedom to provide services, and freedom of movement all apply to workers in the European Union. EU citizens therefore have free market access in other EU countries. This means that they can participate in economic life in the same way as nationals and are not placed at a disadvantage compared to them. They therefore have the same rights in terms of access to the labour market and working conditions. 

As the European Union established the European Economic Area (EEA) with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, people from these countries are treated equally to EU citizens and also have free market access. The same applies to people from Switzerland. 

EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals are therefore entitled to the same conditions as Austrian nationals. These include

  • founding a company,
  • offering services,
  • working independently,
  • studying or attending school,
  • staying for a certain period to look for a job,
  • staying in the country for a certain period after leaving self-employment or employment,
  • employers posting their employees for a certain period, provided they comply with the labour and social regulations of the host country, and
  • self-employed persons seconding themselves for a certain period. 

Depending on how long you want to stay and work in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you must fulfil certain requirements.

How long do you want to stay?

...I would like to stay for up to 3 months

If you want to stay in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland for up to three months, you only need a valid identity card or passport.

You have free access to any gainful employment.

...I would like to stay for more than 3 months

If you want to stay in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland for more than 3 months, you still only need a valid identity card or passport. 

However, all EU/EEA member states and Switzerland are entitled to require registration. Whether and how you must register your stay in your host country depends on the respective country’s regulations. 

You can find out about Austria’s regulations in the chapter on Residence in Austria for EU/EEA and Swiss nationals.

...I would like to stay permanently

If you have already been residing in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland for five years, you can apply for permanent residence status in that country if you fulfil the criteria under EU law. 

Only then will you be on a completely equal footing with citizens in terms of social benefits and certain educational grants.