Austria has an unemployment rate of 5%, one of the lowest on the European continent. Its strong economy is based on tourism and industry, making the country the 12th richest in the world. And, if you have European citizenship, working in Austria is even easier! Here we explain the process:
Work and residence permit
As a rule, European Union citizens do not need authorization to work in Austria, as long as it is for a period of less than three months. However, if you plan to stay in the country for longer, you will need to meet some requirements and register in the country and city of your choice.
Requirements
EU citizens have the right to reside in Austria for more than three months if they meet the requirements below:
Are employed or self-employed in Austria, or
Have sufficient means of subsistence and comprehensive health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents so that during their stay they do not need to claim social benefits or compensatory allowances, or
The main purpose of your stay is to obtain a qualification. This may also include professional qualifications. They must have sufficient means of subsistence and comprehensive health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents, so that during their stay they do not need to claim social benefits or compensatory allowances.
Required documents
To be able to start the process , the following documents must be presented:
Valid identity document or passport;
Employment contract or proof of self-employment;
Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence (e.g. bank balance) and health insurance coverage;
Proof of accommodation, such as a rental agreement.
In the case of studies, proof of accreditation of a school or educational establishment and comprehensive health insurance coverage, as well as a declaration or other proof of sufficient means of subsistence.
Remember that if the documents were not issued in German, they must be translated and apostilled by sworn and licensed translators.
First step: registration in the city (Meldezettel)
Despite the complicated name, Meldezettel is nothing more than registration in the city you moved to. Once the requirements have been met and all documentation is in hand, you must request it in person. In addition to the required documents, you must fill out a form, which can be requested from the authority, or which you can find and fill out by clicking here .
There is no cost to issuing this document, and remember that you must carry out this process within the first three days of your stay.
Second step: registration in Austria (Anmeldebescheinigung)
Once you have registered in the city where you will live, now it is time to register in Austria and issue the Anmeldebescheinigung . To do this, you must go to the local immigration authority, which could be the Bezirkshauptmannschaft or the MA35 , if you are in Vienna. Don't forget to take your Meldezettel, as well as the other required documents.
Unlike the Meldezettel, the Anmeldebescheinigung is not free, it costs €15, and must be requested within 4 months of entering the country (however, we recommend that you do not wait and request it as soon as possible ). Here you can find the document.
Final stage: employer registration and start of work
With the process complete, your employer must now register you as an employee with the relevant authorities. With the contract signed and all documentation in hand, you can now start your work and start your life in Austria!
