Working & Professional Qualifications – FAQs

Many British citizens originally moved to Austria for employment reasons, whether for Austrian companies, Austrian subsidiaries of foreign companies, international organisations and academic institutions. These FAQs are intended to help provide information about issues surrounding work and qualifications. In addition to those working in Austria, some may work across Austria’s EU borders (in Germany, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia or Italy) and EEAEEA The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of the 27 EU Member States as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The United Kingdom is not part of the EEA. borders (in Switzerland or Liechtenstein).

FAQs

I’ve always had a job here but now I’ve lost it due to the COVID-19 situation. How does this affect me regarding the application for the Article 50 EUV cardAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms.?

  1. If you have the Bescheinigung des DaueraufenthaltsBescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts für EWR Bürger This is the document you can apply for after 5 years' continuous and legal residency in Austria. It confirms that you have the right to permanent residency under EU rules as an EU citizen. It requires you to provide proof of residency, employment or sufficient financial resources, and all-risks medical and health insurance cover. Holders of this document are guaranteed the Article 50 EUV card via a quick and easy process in 2021. Note: British Citizens could only apply for the Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts until the end of the transition period (31.12.2020) then there is no problem – there is no income requirement.
  2. If you only have the AnmeldebescheinigungAnmeldebescheinigung Every EU citizen who intends to stay longer than 3 months, must apply for the Anmeldebescheinigung within 4 months of first arrival in Austria. This is essentially a snap-shot of your status at that time, and confirms you have fulfilled the conditions to stay in Austria for longer. Your residence is still subject to certain rules. Note: British Citizens could only apply for the Anmeldebescheinigung until the end of the transition period (31.12.2020) then:
    • You may wish to strategically choose a time to apply when you or a family member do have a job, hoping that the labour market situation will improve during 2021. See next point.
    • If one family member has a job (employed or self-employed; “real and genuine work”) for a minimum of 5.5 hours/week then there is no income requirement and you will all be able to obtain your Article 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. cards. See Current freedom of movement rules below (#29).
    • Again, it was stressed in the British Embassy meeting in October 2020 that this might seem harsh, but this is simply applying EU freedom of movement rules – it would also be the case without Brexit.
  3. A strategic application (timed to coincide with a period of work) when a person has found a job again, can help to speed up the process (as it is much easier for the authorities to prove entitlement to remain if somebody is currently employed).

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What is nostrification?

Nostrification (Nostrifizierung) is the accreditation process of deeming a foreign degree to be equivalent to an Austrian one. This not only includes checking that your concluding your course ties in with completing an Austrian degree course, but also relates to the rights and obligations arising from holding a specific course of studies or a degree (e.g. the right to use your academic title or an authorisation to practice in certain jobs).

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What is a regulated profession?

A regulated profession is one where a qualification or certificate of proficiency is required. These include e.g.: healthSozialministerium The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is responsible for the following fields: The health care system Initiatives for people with disabilities Consumer protection Public health and medical issues Care and support The rights of consumers and the protection of their health Senior citizens’ policy Social policy Social insurance professionals, architects, lawyers, doctors, or any of those professions performed on a commercial basis.

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Do I need to change/update my proof of residence if my employment/educational circumstances change?

§51 (2) of the Settlement and Residence Act (NAGNiederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz The Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residency and Settlement Act) is the Austrian law governing residency for foreign citizens in Austria.; Niederlassungs- und AufenthaltsgesetzNiederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz The Niederlassungs- und Aufenthaltsgesetz (Residency and Settlement Act) is the Austrian law governing residency for foreign citizens in Austria.) covers the situation of retaining a right to remain for citizens of EEAEEA The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of the 27 EU Member States as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The United Kingdom is not part of the EEA. signatory states in the event that their lose their job, so that if you obtain your AnmeldebescheinigungAnmeldebescheinigung Every EU citizen who intends to stay longer than 3 months, must apply for the Anmeldebescheinigung within 4 months of first arrival in Austria. This is essentially a snap-shot of your status at that time, and confirms you have fulfilled the conditions to stay in Austria for longer. Your residence is still subject to certain rules. Note: British Citizens could only apply for the Anmeldebescheinigung until the end of the transition period (31.12.2020) as an employee or self-employed that you remain “erwerbstätig” (i.e. having employed status) under certain circumstances:

  • Due to incapacitation due to an accident or illness
  • Due to being laid off (your employment terminated) after being employed for over one year (provided that you sign on with the unemployment office (AMSArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance.)
  • You commence vocational training related to the previously held position.

Note: for employment relationships of under one year but over six months, a shorter employment relationship (of at least 6 months) will be considered on a pro rata basis.

If this occurs, you should inform the AMS as well as also the residency authorities (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or MA35Magistratsabteilung 35 Residency and citizenship issues in Vienna are handled by Magistratsabteilung 35 (MA35). It has several offices in Vienna and where you need to go depends on whether or not you are an EU citizen (you go to one or other of its EU Referat offices depending on the district you live in), or its premises for third country nationals. (Vienna)) as soon as possible after the change in circumstances.

If you change from being employed to studying full-time (and have the means to support yourself and the necessary healthSozialministerium The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is responsible for the following fields: The health care system Initiatives for people with disabilities Consumer protection Public health and medical issues Care and support The rights of consumers and the protection of their health Senior citizens’ policy Social policy Social insurance insurance coverage), you are deemed to be changing from one eligible group to another one, you should inform the residency authorities of this. This would ensure that there are no doubts that your right to remain in Austria was legal both at the point of your receiving your Anmeldebescheinigung as well as currently following changes in personal circumstances, in say the event of applying for a “Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthaltes” (you would probably be asked to prove your student status as well as your situation in terms of finances and insurance coverage).

Thanks to staff from Vienna Business Agency’s Expat Center for their assistance in providing this answer.

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I am a lawyer and Austrian law does not permit me to practice law as a third country national. What should I do?

Amendments of the Rechtsanwaltsordnung and the EIRAG (the law that allows “passporting” of lawyers) are currently in public consultation. The main thing to do at this time is to check that you are entered into the Liste der Rechtsanwälte or Liste der Rechtsänwaltsanwärter through your local Rechtanwaltskammer. Subject to a trade deal being signed between the UK and the EU, British citizens will remain equivalent for the purposes of these laws.

Information on the gov.uk Living in Austria site

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I live in a neighbouring EU country and commute to Austria for work, what will I have to do?

British citizens holding permanent residence in a neighbouring country and working in Austria, commuting on a daily/weekly basis, in particular on cross-border contracts already classed as EU cross-border commuters, will continue to be recognised as such and won’t need work permits to continue this arrangement after 31 December 2020 as UK cross-border or “frontier” workers covered by the Withdrawal AgreementWithdrawal Agreement The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020.   If you are resident in Austria at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Austria.   Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-withdrawal-agreement-and-political-declaration  . However they will not be entitled to an Aufenthaltstitel Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms., but may apply for a certificate “Bestätigung gemäß § 3 Absatz 8 Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz für “Artikel 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms.GrenzgängerFrontier worker In the EU context, any worker who is employed in the frontier zone of an EU Member State but who returns each day or at least once a week to the frontier zone of a neighbouring country in which they reside and of which they are nationals as called frontier workers. German uses the terms "Grenzarbeitnehmer" and "Grenzgänger". und Grenzgängerinnen” at the regional office of the Austrian Public Employment ServiceArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance. (AMSArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance.; ArbeitsmarktserviceArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance.), certifying their frontier workerFrontier worker In the EU context, any worker who is employed in the frontier zone of an EU Member State but who returns each day or at least once a week to the frontier zone of a neighbouring country in which they reside and of which they are nationals as called frontier workers. German uses the terms "Grenzarbeitnehmer" and "Grenzgänger". status under Article 26 of the Withdrawal Agreement.

Further information: https://www.bundeskanzleramt.gv.at/en/topics/brexit/residency-and-access-to-the-labour-market.html

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Do I need to nostrify / convert UK degrees and/or professional qualifications?

The recognition of academic degrees is not affected by the UK leaving the EU.
If you didn’t apply before the end of 2020 for recognition of any professional qualifications in regulated professions (such as teaching, law, nursing, etc), it is probably too late.

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I am a resident in Austria since before 31.12.2020. I recently lost my job and am looking for work. Do I have to leave Austria?

From information published by the BMIBundesministerium für Inneres The Bundesministerium für Inneres (BMI) / Ministry for the Interior (UK counterparty: the Home Office) is competent for public security, policing, border control as well as residency and citizenships. It is also responsible for elections and direct democracy instruments as well as the civil service in the respective provinces, as well as municipal level where they are not covered by the Federal Chancellery. on 17.12.2020 – No, you do not have to leave Austria. From 01.01.2021 it will be necessary to apply for the “Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms.”. As was the case as a citizen of an EU Member State, in the case that you are not in employment you and your family must be able to afford to live in Austria without recourse to social assistance (money received from the AMSArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance. are not considered as social assistance, but as insurance-based funds) and have healthSozialministerium The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is responsible for the following fields: The health care system Initiatives for people with disabilities Consumer protection Public health and medical issues Care and support The rights of consumers and the protection of their health Senior citizens’ policy Social policy Social insurance insurance coverage. Unemployment benefit is also considered as means to support yourself since it is insurance-based funds rather than social assistance.

You can apply for the Art 50 EUV card until 31.12.2021, so it is possible to first of all find a job and then apply for the “Art 50 EUV” residency title. You are entitled to remain in Austria for the time until you make your application for the Art 50 EUV card.

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What will the “Art 50 EUV” residency title allow me to do? What will I be able to do in the future?

The “Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms.” residency title authorises you to stay and work in Austria. It will allow you, for example to change from working as an employee in fixed employment to being self-employed or vice versa.

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I am currently employed on a short-term contract ending soon? Can I apply for my Art 50 EUV card?

Original question to Embassy Q&A in November 2020 – response January 2021. “Can a contract as proof of employment be accepted when applying for the Aufenthaltstitel Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. card even where the contract is issued with an end date only a short time in the future?”

A temporary contract is proof of being employed (right now). However the authority has to take into account the future situation of the applicant to an extent. If this is a person who has been living in Austria for a while and has always held temporary jobs, that should not be a concern. On the other hand, if a person moved to Austria only recently and has only worked for a short time (eg a few months) and no further contracts for employment yet, that person will most likely have to show sufficient income and comprehensive healthSozialministerium The Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is responsible for the following fields: The health care system Initiatives for people with disabilities Consumer protection Public health and medical issues Care and support The rights of consumers and the protection of their health Senior citizens’ policy Social policy Social insurance insurance. It really depends on the individual circumstances, which will be taken into account by the offices. The best advice in this situation is still to apply once the person has a job/binding job offer as that makes the process much easier for all concerned. Application is possible until the end of 2021.

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How can periods of unemployment affect A50 residency status?

Some applicants for the Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. card have been requested to provide additional proof of insurance or employment for periods where they were between jobs (a frequent issue for seasonal workers, who are not employed year-round and where there is a shoulder season between the winter and summer seasons). While it is not possible to rectify previous uninsured periods, there is usually a period after the end of a contract that you continue to be insured for, but the onus is on you to contact the AMSArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance. to ensure you are registered with them for such periods.

Some periods might be relatively short (e.g. a number or days through to a couple of weeks) and not pose a problem in this regard, but it can become more difficult if the period between jobs is longer (even if you have the funds to tide you over and a job due to start soon), which is why it is essential to register with the AMS.

Such a gap could end up constituting an interruption of your continuous legal residence, meaning that if you have been living and working in Austria for over five years, but with a gap classed as an interruption, your period of residence would only count from the date your coverage was resumed.

This would possibly prevent you from qualifying for the 10 year Art 50 EUV card until you again reach the threshold of five years continuous legal residence.

Provided that your previous employment was for at least 26 weeks in the last twelve months cover extends for a period of up to six weeks after the end of the employment relationship. Beware that periods of longer than six weeks could be considered to have interrupted “continuous legal residence”. (Legal basis: Article 122 para. 2 no. 2 ASVG).

H/T: Friedrich BrucknerVienna Business Agency Expat Center

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What is the procedure for hiring a third country national in Austria?

Flowchart about employment of 3CNs
Flowchart provided by Keith Hill – please note disclaimer.

Where an employer has non-resident, non-Austrian, non-EU candidates for vacancies, they have to do a number of things before they are actually able to employ from this group:

  1. They are required to place a job ad for all vacancies with the AMSArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance. for at least 2 weeks.
  2. All Austrian/EU applicants applying through the AMS must be interviewed.
  3. The employer must provide the AMS with justification why the Austrian/EU applicants are not suitable for being employed (lack of qualifications/experience etc.).

At this point the Austrian authorities, typically but not exclusively the AMS, Arbeiterkammer, Wirtschaftskammer, Gewerkschaft, are required to review the employer’s justification not to employ EU citizens. In the case that the justification is accepted then a check is done about whether the visa quotas have been exceeded. If they have then the advertise/interview cycle is required to be resumed.

In the case that the visa quotas have not been exceeded, then the employer informs the candidate to apply for a visa. At this point the candidate should apply to the Austrian Embassy for a D type visa with a stamp granting permission to work.

H/T Keith Hill for the flowchart

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My employer is nervous as I don’t have my Art 50 EUV card yet. What should I do?

We have had several people who had applied back in the summer for their Art 50 EUVAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms. card and it has yet to come through, and who have been chased up by HR at work or line managers who are unaware of the situation surrounding the Article 50 card.

We would advise furnishing the following two items (texts both in German) for your employer and providing them with a copy of the Bestätigung über die Antragstellung (confirmation that you have applied) for your Article 50 EUV cardAufenthaltstitel "Artikel 50 EUV" The Aufenthaltstitel "Art 50 EUV" is a residency title to be issued to British citizens from the end of the transition period. Its name is derived from Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union. The "Titel" refers to the document or card itself, and not the right, or permission that it confirms..

  1. The ArbeitsmarktserviceArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance. (AMSArbeitsmarktservice The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is Austria’s leading provider of labour-market related services, and matches candidates with job openings and assists jobseekers and companies by providing advice, information, qualification opportunities and financial assistance.) has an information page, and this page has already helped a number of Article 50 EUV card applicants assuage any fears. Importantly it states that you are only required to have applied for the card by 31.12.2021 – and that the Bestätigung über die Antragstellung remains valid until the conclusion of your procedure (and any appeal, in the event a card is not granted) https://www.ams.at/unternehmen/service-zur-personalsuche/beschaeftigung-auslaendischer-arbeitskraefte/brexit-informationen-fuer-staatsangehoerige-und-familienangehoerige
  2. The secondary legislation – the Brexit Implementation Regulation (Brexit-DVBrexit Durchführungsverordnung The Brexit Durchführungsverordnung (Brexit Implementation Regulation) is the Regulation/ordinance in Austrian law that will cover issues about residency for British citizens after the end of the transition period.; Brexit-Durchführungsverordnung) enacted by the Ministry of the InteriorBMI The Bundesministerium für Inneres (BMI) - Austria's Ministry for the Interior - is the competent ministry for issues related to residency and citizenship. (BMIBundesministerium für Inneres The Bundesministerium für Inneres (BMI) / Ministry for the Interior (UK counterparty: the Home Office) is competent for public security, policing, border control as well as residency and citizenships. It is also responsible for elections and direct democracy instruments as well as the civil service in the respective provinces, as well as municipal level where they are not covered by the Federal Chancellery.) clarifies the legal conditions for the application for the card and §3 (1) should be enough to satisfy your employer. https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=20011419

Once you receive your card, submit copies of both sides of the card to your HR department and/or line manager. The reverse (back) of the card contains a remark that you have free access to the employment market.

Reverse of the Article 50 card – the Remarks at the top explain that you have “free access to the employment market under Article 18 (1) of the Withdrawal AgreementWithdrawal Agreement The Withdrawal Agreement sets out the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU and provides for a deal on citizens’ rights. It sets out a transition period which lasts until 31 December 2020. During this time you can continue to live, work and study in the EU broadly as you did before 31 January 2020.   If you are resident in Austria at the end of the transition period, you will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and your rights will be protected for as long as you remain resident in Austria.   Any rights that are not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement will be the subject of future negotiations.   https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-withdrawal-agreement-and-political-declaration  

In case they ask for Article 18 of the Withdrawal Agreement – a side-by-side version is available on EUR-LEX at: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN-DE/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A12019W%2FTXT%2802%29


In 2021, 9,458 applications were made for the Article 50 EUV card (a figure that includes non-British Angehörige who have also applied). As of 01.01.2021 there were 11,529 UK Citizens resident in Austria.

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Which professions are considered to have shortages?

A Regulation (Fachkräfteverordnung) defining occupations where there are shortages in the number of skilled workers is issued each year by the Federal Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs. Which occupations are considered shortage occupations is based on current conditions in the Austrian labour market.

The list of Austria-wide shortage occupations and regional shortage occupations for 2022 can be found here.

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Recognition of Qualifications

The website berufsanerkennung.at has English-language information about the recognition of qualifications – which might prove a quicker route than nostrification that is also frequently suggested.

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