Travel to Austria for work

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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 business-related activities without needing a visa or permit, such as attend business meetings. It does not matter how many countries you visit in the Schengen area. Your total stay must be no more than 90 days in every 180 days. The 180-day period keeps ‘rolling’.

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

The 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 embassy or immigration authorities before you travel, to make sure you meet their legal requirements.

If you’re working in more than one country, you 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.

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

translated
‘legalised’ (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 do not need a visa or permit if you’re travelling to Austria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period 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
cannot charge the client for the meeting

These activities are usually allowed 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.

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.

Taking your family

For the short-term visa and permits listed in this guide your family will not 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 2 years and you can extend 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.

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

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

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.
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 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 year, 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. The permit is granted for 1 year. If you’re a manager or specialist you can extend it 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.

You complete a residence permit application using the related guidance ‘Aufenthaltsbewilligung – ICT (12)’ or ‘Aufenthaltsbewilligung – mobile ICT (13)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.
You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
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
birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
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 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:

a Red-White-Red Card – a points-based residence permit
an EU Blue Card – for highly skilled work in Austria for at least a year

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
language

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

Points required for:

highly qualified workers – minimum 70 points
skilled workers in a shortage occupation – minimum 55 points
other key workers – minimum 55 points
graduates of a university or college of higher education in Austria – no points required

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.

The Red-White-Red card can only be issued until the validity of your passport. 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.

You complete a residence permit application using the related guidance ‘Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (1)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.
You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
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 stating your salary signed by the Austrian employer
birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
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 six months in a related sector to your degree subject
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.

You complete a residence permit application using the related guidance ‘Blaue Karte EU (3)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.
You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
You 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 stating your salary signed by the Austrian employer
birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
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 will not 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.

The Austrian client submits your work permit application to the Public Employment Service (AMS).
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.
You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
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.

You complete a residence permit application using the related guidance ‘Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (1)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.
Your application will be forwarded to the Public Employment Service (AMS) who will evaluate whether your work is economically beneficial to Austria.
You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
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
birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
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.

You complete a residence permit application using the related guidance ‘Rot-Weiß-Rot – Karte (1)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.
Your application will be forwarded to the Public Employment Service (AMS) who will evaluate whether your work is economically beneficial to Austria.
You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
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
birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
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.

You complete a residence permit application using the related guidance ‘Niederlassungsbewilligung – Forscher (11)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy.
You register your address with your local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
You 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
birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
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 complete a residence permit application using the related guidance ‘Niederlassungsbewilligung – Künstler (9)’ and submit it to the Austrian embassy
You register your address with the local city hall in Austria within 3 business days of arriving.
You 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
birth certificate for you and any dependants (‘legalised’ with an apostille)
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.

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Travel to Austria for work

Entry requirements

Visa and permit documents

Check if you need a visa or permit

Attending business meetings

Border checks

Check Austria’s exemptions

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

Show proof of exemption

Further checks

Applying for a visa or permit

Taking your family

Short and long-term visa and permits

Short-term posting permit

How it works

Application documents

Short-term highly skilled key worker permit

How it works

Short-term freelancer visa

How it works

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

How it works

Application documents

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

Red-White-Red Card

How it works

Application documents

EU Blue Card

How it works

Application documents

Providing long term services to a client in Austria

How it works

Application documents

Self-employed work

How it works

Application documents

Start-up founders

How it works

Application documents

Research work

How it works

Application documents

Working as an artist

How it works

Application documents

Austrian government guidance

Check for business travel changes

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