EU nationals

Students who are EU, EEA or Swiss Nationals have no restrictions concerning working in Austria as long as the fiscal and national insurance regulations are met. However, students from Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic and Hungary  need a work permit before taking up gainful employment (see details below).

Foreign nationals

• Students who are not members of EU, EEA or Switzerland and wish to work need a work permit. The number of work permits however, are limited. This permit is to be obtained by the employer before the student starts working. The permit will only be granted for either marginal part time work (minimum income worker) or for a maximum of three months during holidays. Work in the field of science and research or on the basis of a contract for work and labor, (self-employment, ›Werkvertrag‹) (by which you are not fully employed and have to take care of your income tax and health insurance yourself), does not require a permit. Further information is available from the employment service (Arbeitsmarktservice). Please note that your stay in Austria cannot be financed exclusively by such employment and your work must not compromise your studies. Non-compliance with these regulations may lead to expulsion from Austria.
• In case your study plan recommends or requires the proof of a vocational internship (Berufspraktika) you will not need a working permit. A vocational internship in Austria is an employment (practical training) which is required by the study plan of an Austrian educational institution with public status. The employer has to notify (Anzeigebestätigung) the employment service Arbeitsmarktservice) and the competent authority for taxes (Abgabenbehörde) at least 2 weeks before the beginning of the employment.

Migration.gov provides detailed information on how to obtain a work permit to work in Austria and the work hours a student is allowed to work depending on your nationality.

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