There are certain employed activities for which no work permit is required. These activities are therefore exempt from the Austrian Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals. 

In addition to the activities explained in the chapter on short-term artistic performances, there are also two other exceptions that are important for artists and cultural workers. Artists and cultural workers do not need a work permit if they teach or work in an artistic field. This includes the following activities:

  • Scientific, educational, cultural, or social activities at
    • an educational institution, or
    • an institution with a scientific/cultural/social character that was founded on the basis of an intergovernmental cultural agreement.
  • Scientific activity at a public or private institution or company. Spouses, registered partners, and children of these individuals are also covered by the settlement permit.
    • Research and teaching: all work that aims to gain new scientific knowledge within the framework of research and academic teaching. This includes basic research, applied research, and experimental development.
    • Development and furthering of the arts and teaching of the arts: these activities also relate to academic teaching and the creation of new artistic approaches, especially at universities and recognised private universities.

Purely pedagogical (e.g. at a primary school) and administrative work as well as artistic activities in arts and crafts businesses or at artistic events are not part of this exemption.