Whether or not you are allowed to work in Austria will depend on your nationality, the kind of work you would like to undertake and – for nationals of third countries (non-EU members) – also on the kind of residence permit. Here you can find an overview.
Please be aware that ALL contracts that predominantly include scientific activities are exempt from the Austrian Aliens Employment Act (“Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz”). This means that the employer need not to apply for a work permit at the AMS. However, you definitely need a valid residence permit within the next 6 months (types of residence permit OeAD) or a C/D visa with a note reading “ERWERB” to start working within the first 6 months in Austria. If you are not in the possession of an “Erwerb” visa, you will have to apply for a residence permit (usually “researcher residence permit”) either with the Austrian embassy abroad or in Austria at the competent authority (in Vienna: MA35). In that case, you will only be allowed to start working after a residence permit has been granted. The day you collect the permit from the authority is the first day on which are allowed to work (please see the “residence permit” chapter).
For an unpaid traineeship, vocational internship, freelance contract you also need a C or D visa bearing a note reading “ERWERB” from the first day of your contract (for the application procedure please see the “Visa – types of Visa” chapter).
For a guest researcher contract you only need a C/D visa including a “ERWERB” note if the duration of the contract is longer than a week, provided that the guest researcher contract is part of Erasmus+ Staff and Teaching Mobilities, CEEPUS and scientific-technical cooperation. Otherwise, you need also a C/D “ERWERB” visa from the first day of your contract.
The Austrian Agency for International Cooperation in Education and Research (OeAD) has compiled a database in order to help you find the right information. Please note, however, that the search results are general information that may not replace the possible need for detailed legal advice in specific cases. Despite use of all care in the design of the database the OeAD does not assume any liability for the accuracy and completeness of the search results or for whether they are up to date. When linking to other websites we do not assume any liability or guarantee for their contents.
Please start your query here.
If you have any further questions, please contact the EURAXESS Centre of OeAD: recht(at)oead.at.
If you have any further questions please contact the EURAXESS Centre OeAD: recht(at)oead.at.
How expensive is it to live in Austria and how do I find accommodation? In international comparison, Austria stands out with its good cost-benefit ratio as regards living. Here you can find information and further links about looking for accommodation, rent and ownership, and registration obligations .
Oesterreich.gv.at , is an internet platform provided by the Austrian authorities to support you with the administrative processes in Austria.