Austria is part of the EU and the EEA. For this reason, as an EU/EEA citizen or Swiss national, you can work in Austria under the same conditions as Austrians. You can find out why this is the case in the subchapter on residence in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland. 

Example: You are an Italian artist looking for work in Austria. According to Austrian law, you have market access as if you were Austrian. If you get the job, you must be employed under the same conditions as other Austrian employees in the same sector. 

Although you have free market access, you must comply with certain regulations in order to be allowed to stay in Austria legally. These are presented in the next chapter.

How long do you want to stay?

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

If you want to stay in Austria for up to three months, you only need a valid identity card or passport.

 

 

 

 

 

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

If you want to stay in Austria for more than three months, you will need a registration certificate in addition to your passport or identity card. This will be issued to you if you fulfill one of the following options:

  1. You work in Austria as an employee (at least 5.5 hours per week—according to case law) or are self-employed;
  2. You can prove that you have sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses and that you have comprehensive health insurance;
  3. You are a pupil or student at a recognised educational institution and have comprehensive health insurance. In addition, you must prove that you or another person has sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses (e.g. proof of support from your parents). 

You must apply for the registration certificate in person at the settlement authority within 4 months of entering the country:

  • If you live in Vienna, the competent authority is municipal department 35 (MA35);
  • If you live in any other federal state, the competent authority is the respective district authority in your district of residence. In larger cities, the city magistrate is the responsible authority. Follow this link to enter your place of residence and find out which settlement authority is responsible in your case. 

EXAMPLE: You live in the federal state of Lower Austria, which is divided into various districts. Each district contains municipalities and towns and has a district administration. Maria Enzersdorf is situated in the district of Mödling. If you live in Maria Enzersdorf, your competent authority is therefore the district authority of Mödling.

You will need the following documents to apply for a registration certificate:

  • Completed application
  • Passport or identity card
  • Proof of
    • your self-employed activity (e.g. trade licence, tax number) or employed activity (confirmation from your employer), or
    • sufficient financial means (e.g. bank balance, pension withdrawal) and a sufficient health insurance certificate, or
    • admission to an educational institution, confirmation of health insurance, declarations, or other proof of financial means.

...I would like to stay permanently

You can only apply for a permanent residence permit after five years of uninterrupted legal residence in Austria. 

Bearing this title means that you have the same rights as Austrian citizens. As such, you are also entitled to social benefits (e.g. means-tested minimum income) and certain educational grants.