Guidance

Travel to Austria for work

Check if you need a visa or permit to work in Austria and how to get one if you do.

This guide is for British citizens travelling for business or other work purposes. It explains what employers, employees, or the self-employed need to do if they need a visa or permit.

This information is provided as a guide only. You must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Austria’s embassy or immigration authorities.

Entry requirements

If you’re going to Austria to work (or any other EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein) you must make sure you meet passport and other travel requirements.

Austria is in the Schengen area. If you’re travelling for business for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you may be able to do some work-relatedbusiness-related thingsactivities without needing a visa or work permit, such as attend business meetings. TheseIt aredoes usuallynot coveredmatter byhow many countries you visit in the Schengen visaarea. waiver.Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

If you’re goingstaying for longer, or for other types of workwork, you may need a visa,visa work permit or residence permit.

Austria’sThe Austrian authorities are responsible for setting and enforcing entry rules. They decide which activities need a visa or permit, or which may be exempt.

You must always check with the with Austria’s governmentembassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one countrycountry, you’llyou need to check the entry rules of each country.

If you need a passport, visa or permit, you should apply well in advance of travel.

Visa and permit documents

This guide explains the general application process for some of the visa or permit types available in Austria. It includes a checklist of documents that you’ll usually need to include when applying.

It may not cover all scenarios so you must always check the exact application process and document requirements with Austria’s embassy or immigration authorities.authorities.

You must also check what format the documents should be presented in, including if they must be:

  • translated
  • ‘legalised’ (apostillised)(with an apostille) or notarised
  • originals, or if copies are acceptable
  • signed in ink (a wet signature), or if they can be signed electronically (an e-signature)
  • dated within a certain period of time, such as 30 days before you submit your application

Countries often use the terms visa, work permit and residence permit differently. For example, some may refer to a work permit as a visa.

This guide uses the same terms used in Austria, so you know which ones to use when speaking to Austria’s authorities.

Check if you need a visa or permit

You don’tdo not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Austria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period for:for specific business-related activities. Each trip must not be longer than 5 working days.

These activities can include:

  • running or attending job interviews
  • going to court as a witness
  • attending trade fairs
  • attending board meetings
  • meeting clients or customers (including entertainment like eating at a restaurant)
  • meeting colleagues, contractors or sellers
  • fact-finding visits
  • negotiating deals or contracts
  • attending conferences
  • team building activities
  • buying goods and services
  • accompanying a tour as a tour guide, tour operator or travel agent
  • leisure travel, such as holidays or visiting friends or family Or for these types of training, as long as it’s for the same company or group:
  • classroom-based training
  • on-the-job training

Attending business meetings

You should only attend business meetings if there isn’t a colleague in Austria who can do this on your behalf. If you have to attend you:

  • shouldn’t stay longer than a working week
  • can’t charge the client for the meeting

These activities are coveredusually byallowed while travelling under the Schengen visa waiver.

Border checks

At the border, you may be asked to show:

  • proof of return travel, such as plane or train tickets
  • health insurance that covers your entire stay
  • proof of accommodation for your entire stay
  • enough money for the duration of your trip

Check Austria’s exemptions

Certain types of work-related activities don’t require a visa or permit because they’re exempt.

All countries have their own exemptions. What may be exempt in one country may not be in another. You should always check with the country’s authorities.

You do not require a visa or permit if you’re a musician, performer or broadcaster and in Austria for up to 4 weeks.

This includes those involved in film, TV or radio, including the technical production team. Find out more about short-term artistic activity.

The organiser needs to notify the local public employment service no later than the first day of work in Austria.

EU intra-company transfer permits (EU ICT) from other countries

You don’t need a visa or permit if you have an EU intra-company transfer (EU ICT) from another country and you’re going to work for the Austrian branch for up to 90 days in a 180-day period.

Your employer has to notify the Zentrale Koordinationsstelle (ZKO) of the Federal Ministry of Finance before you travel.

Exemptions are covered by the Schengen visa waiver.

Show proof of exemption

You need to be able to show proof that you’re exempt to the authorities on request. This could be:

  • an assignment letter
  • employment confirmation
  • a contract
  • proof of required qualifications, such as a diploma or professional certificate, or proof of artistic activities

If you’re going for other work purposes for up to 3 to 6 months, you may need a short-term work permit.

If you’re going for longer than 6 months days you may need a long-term permit.

Further checks

If you’re not sure if you need a visa or permit to travel you can get advice from Austria’s embassy or immigration authorities.authorities.

Applying for a visa or permit

This guide outlines the steps required for each visa or permit to help you prepare, but you’ll need to check the exact rules and processes with Austria’s embassy or immigration authorities.authorities.

Taking your family

For the short-term visa and permits listed in this guide your family won’t be able to get dependant visas. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver.

There may be different rules for taking families if you have a long-term permit. Find out about family reunification.

Short and long-term visa and permits

You need a short-term visa or posting permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung/Entsendebewilligung) if you’re providing short-term services to a client in Austria.

You need to apply for one of these permit types:

You need to apply for a long-term residence and work permit if you’re working in Austria because you’re:

They are valid for up to 32 years dependingand onyou whichcan oneextend you need.them.

Short-term posting permit

You need a posting permit if your UK employer has a contract or work order with an Austrian company for up to 6 months.

To qualify for a posting permit you must:

  • be paid a salary at an equivalent level to a similar position in Austria
  • have relevant professional experience or a university degree
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

It takes 4 to 10 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 4 months and you can extend it.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. The Austrian client applies for your posting permit at the Public Employment Service (AMS).

  2. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You apply for a C visa: Erwerb (Schengen visa) if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You apply for a D visa: Erwerb if you’re working for up to 4 months.

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • completed permit application form
  • UK passport, valid for 3 months (6 recommended) from the date you intend to leave Austria
  • degree or other qualification certificate (if you have one)
  • employment contract or confirmation from your UK employer
  • assignment agreement with the Austrian company
  • contract or work order between your UK employer and the Austrian company
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificate
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)

Short-term highly skilled key worker permit

If your UK employer provides a contractual service to an Austrian end user you may be able to get a highly skilled key worker permit.

To qualify you must:

  • be working in a profession listed in annex servin 4 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which includes accountants and tax advisers
  • have a university degree or equivalent qualification
  • have at least 3 years’ professional experience
  • have worked with your employer in the UK for at least 12 months
  • keep your employment in the UK
  • stay on UK payroll

You must not get paid in Austria.

It’s valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. The Austrian client applies for your posting permit or work permit at the Public Employment Service (AMS).

  2. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You apply for a C visa: Erwerb (Schengen visa) if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You apply for a D visa: Erwerb if you’re working for up to 6 months.

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

It’s not yet clear how long it takes to get as it’s a new permit type and the exact details are still being confirmed by the Austrian authorities.

Make sure you apply well in advance of travel.

Short-term freelancer visa

If you’re a UK-based freelancer and want to work in Austria you can apply for a short-term freelancer visa.

To qualify you must:

  • be based in the UK and not be established in the EU
  • be providing a service listed in annex servin 4 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which includes research and development services, market research and telecommunications
  • have a degree or equivalent qualifications
  • have professional qualifications required for your trade
  • have at least 6 years’ relevant professional experience

It’s valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy. You apply for a C visa: Erwerb (Schengen visa) if you’re working for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. You apply for a D visa: Erwerb if you’re working for up to 6 months.

  2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

It’s not yet clear how long it takes to get as it’s a new permit category and the exact details are still being confirmed by the Austrian authorities.

Make sure you apply well in advance of travel.

Transferring long term from a UK-based company to a branch in Austria

You need an EU ICT residence permit if your UK-based employer moves you to a branch in Austria to work for:

  • up to 3 years (with an extension), if you’re a manager or specialist
  • 1 yearyear, if you’re a trainee

To qualify you must:

  • be a manager, specialist or trainee
  • have worked for the UK company for at least 12 months, or 6 months if you’re a trainee
  • earn a salary that’s in line with Austrian requirements for the position (collective bargaining agreement)
  • have a bachelor’s level degree or proof of relevant experience
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. ItThe can’tpermit beis extendedgranted beyondfor 31 years,year. If you’re a manager or 1specialist yearyou ifcan you’reextend ait trainee.to 3 years.

If you have a family, they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit an ICT residence permit application (04) and the necessary documents to the Austrian embassy.

  2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

  3. You collect your ICT permit from the local immigration office.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave Austria
  • degree or other qualification certificate
  • employment contract or confirmation from your UK employer
  • assignment agreement with the Austrian company
  • employment declaration signed by the Austrian company
  • organisational charts or documents showing the relationship between your UK employer and the host company in Austria
  • legalised birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • legalised marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • police clearance certificate novalid olderfor than 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificate
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservation
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)
  • proof of enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 months
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applying

Working for an Austrian company on a long-term Austrian contract

If you have an offer of employment with a company in Austria, you need to apply for one of these permit types:

Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card (RWR) has a points-based system which takes into account factors such as your:

  • level of education
  • age
  • work experience

Each factor is given points. You need a certain number of points depending on the type of work you’re doing.

Points required for:

If you’re highly qualified, a skilled worker in a shortage occupation, or a key worker you must:

  • have a bachelor’s level or vocational degree, be eligible for admission to university or have proof of relevant work experience
  • have an offer of employment with a company in Austria
  • be placed on Austria’s payroll

If you’re a key worker check how much you need to be earning to qualify.

Your salary must be paid in 14 monthly instalments a year (Austria makes 2 payments in 2 of the months).

Your Austrian employer will need to complete a labour market test.

Self-employed workers and start-up founders can also apply for this permit.

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get a Red-White-Red Card. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. This permit type could lead to permanent residence after 5 years if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit a Red-White-Red Card application (11) to the Austrian embassy.

  2. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

  3. You collect your RWR Card.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave Austria
  • degree or other qualification certificate
  • signed employment contract with an Austrian employer
  • employer declaration signed by the Austrian employer
  • legalised birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • legalised marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • police clearance certificate valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservation
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)
  • proof of enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 months
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applying

EU Blue Card

To qualify for an EU Blue Card residence permit you must:

  • have at least 3 years’ education at bachelor’s degree level
  • have an offer of employment from an Austrian company for at least 1 year
  • be placed on Austria’s payroll
  • meet gross annual salary requirements

Your employer must complete a labour market test to make sure you’re not taking work that could be carried out by a jobseeker in Austria who is equally qualified for the role.

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. It could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Submit a EU Blue Card application (15) to the Austrian embassy.

  2. Register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

  3. Collect your EU Blue Card from the local immigration office.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave Austria
  • degree or other qualification certificate
  • signed employment contract with an Austrian employer
  • employer declaration signed by the Austrian employer
  • legalised birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • legalised marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • police clearance certificate valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservation
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)
  • proof you have enough money to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the previous 3 months
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applying

Providing long term services to a client in Austria

You can apply for a work permit to provide services (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) if your UK employer has a service agreement with an Austrian company.

To qualify you must:

  • have relevant professional experience or university degree
  • keep your UK employment contract
  • stay on UK payroll
  • be paid a salary that is equivalent to the Austrian standard salary for a similar position

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It allows you to work for more than 4 months up to 1 year and you can extend it.

You won’t be able to get dependant visas for any family members if you have a work permit to provide services. They may be able to join you for up to 90 days under the Schengen visa waiver or if they have their own permit.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. The Austrian client submits your work permit application to the Public Employment Service (AMS).

  2. You apply for a D visa: Erwerb if you’re staying for up to 6 months. If you’re working for more than 6 months you’ll need to apply for a residence permit at the Austrian embassy. This is in addition to the permit your employer applies for.

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

  4. You collect your residence permit card if you’re staying for more than 6 months.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • UK passport valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave Austria
  • degree or other qualification certificate (if you have one)
  • UK employment contract
  • assignment agreement with the Austrian company
  • contract or work order between your UK employer and the Austrian company
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria or a social security waiver certificate
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arriving in Austria)

Self-employed work

You can apply for a Red-White-Red (RWR) Card as a self-employed key worker if your self-employed occupation is economically beneficial to Austria.

There are no point requirements.

To qualify you must:

  • intend to make a substantial financial investment in Austria
  • create new jobs or secure existing jobs in Austria
  • work in an occupation that is of considerable importance for a region of Austria

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit a Red-White-Red Card application (11) to the Austrian embassy.

  2. Your application will be forwarded to the Public Employment Service (AMS) who will evaluate whether your work is economically beneficial to Austria.

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

  4. You collect your Red-White-Red Card from the local immigration office.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process.

Usually, they need to see documents that relate to the economic benefits of your work, such as:

  • business plans
  • evidence of transfer of investment capital and intention to create new jobs or secure existing ones
  • professional qualification certificates

They will also need to see:

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months after your intended return date
  • diploma or other qualification certificate
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria
  • proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips or investment capital

  • legalised birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • legalised marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • police clearance certificate valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservation
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applying

Start-up founders

Founders of a start-up in Austria can apply for a Red-White-Red Card.

To qualify you must:

  • establish a company for ‘innovative products, services, processing methods or technologies’
  • create a detailed business plan
  • have a controlling influence on the management board of the company
  • meet capital and equity requirements
  • score at least 50 points

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for up to 2 years and you can extend it. It could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

To extend it you must go through another examination process with the Public Employment Service (AMS).

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. You submit a Red-White-Red Card application (11) to the Austrian embassy.

  2. Your application will be forwarded to the Public Employment Service (AMS) who will evaluate whether your work is economically beneficial to Austria.

  3. You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

  4. You collect your RWR Card.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave Austria
  • degree or other qualification certificate
  • business plan detailing your innovative business idea
  • evidence of special skills, such as testimonials and certificates
  • evidence of investment capital
  • evidence that you have controlling influence on the company (at least 50% equity share)
  • evidence of funding for start-up companies in Austria or admission to a business incubator
  • language certificates for English or German
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria
  • proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 months
  • legalised birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • legalised marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • police clearance certificate valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservation
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applying

Research work

You can apply for a settlement permit for research if you work for a recognised research institution.

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 2 years and you can renew it. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

  1. Submit a settlement permit for research application (21) to the Austrian embassy.

  2. Register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.

  3. Collect your permit from the local immigration office.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave Austria
  • hosting agreement with a research institution
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria
  • proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 months
  • legalised birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • legalised marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • police clearance certificate valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservation
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applying

Working as an artist

If you want to work in Austria as an employed or self-employed artist you can apply for a settlement permit for artists.

You need to provide one of the following:

  • a declaration from your employer confirming that you will comply with the conditions of your employment
  • a contract for self-employed work for a minimum of 6 months

It takes 8 to 12 weeks to get. It’s valid for 1 year and can be renewed. This permit could lead to permanent residence if you meet the criteria.

If you have a family they can join you as dependants with this permit type. Find out about family reunification.

How it works

You need to check with Austria’s authorities on the exact process. This is a rough guide to help you prepare.

You:

  • submit a work permit application (19) to the Austrian embassy.
  • register your address with the local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
  • collect your work and residence permit card from the local immigration office.

Application documents

Austria’s authorities may request different documents at different stages of the process. Usually, they need:

  • UK passport for you and any dependants valid for 3 months (6 recommended) after you intend to leave Austria
  • proof of artistic qualifications or description of previous work
  • employer declaration in line with the ‘Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz’ for employed artists
  • contract for self-employed work for a minimum of 6 months
  • language certificates for German
  • health insurance covering your stay in Austria
  • proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself, such as bank statements, contracts, payslips for the past 3 months
  • legalised birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • legalised marriage certificate (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • police clearance certificate valid for 3 months from the date of applying (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
  • proof of accommodation in Austria, such as a hotel reservation
  • registration form signed by your landlord in Austria (required after arrival in Austria)
  • a 45 x 35mm photo taken within 6 months of applying

Austrian government guidance

Read official Austrian government information on visas, work permits, and residence permits.

Check for business travel changes

European governments may update or change their rules without notice.

You should always check general travel advice for Austria for updates on issues, such as safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings before travelling, or planning to travel.

Published 21 May 2021
Last updated 830 MarchNovember 2022 + show all updates
  1. Updated the section 'Check if you need a visa or permit'. If you're doing travelling for of the business-related activities listed here, each trip must be no longer than 5 working days. The information provided is up-to-date as of 23 September 2022.

  2. You'll no longer be asked to show an invitation letter explaining your trip at border checks. The information provided is up-to-date as of 30 November 2021.

  3. Added information on how to apply for the new 'Short-term highly skilled key worker permit' and 'Short-term freelancer visa'.

  4. First published.