Austria is introducing a new work permit for cross-border workers from December 2025. Find out who can apply, how the scheme works and what the rules are for workers' families

From 1 December 2025, Austria will introduce a new special work permit for people who live in neighbouring countries and regularly cross the border to work in Austria. The new scheme aims to facilitate the employment of cross-border workers and optimise the workforce needs in border regions.

Who can get the new permit and what the requirements for applicants are, we explain in this article.

What is an Austrian cross-border worker permit?

The new permit allows people to live in their home country and work in Austria without moving there permanently. Such workers are called “border workers” because they cross the border every day or every week to work.

In simpler terms, the scheme works as follows:

- You continue to live in your home country, close to the border.

- You regularly cross the border to work in Austria.

After a working day or week, you return home instead of moving to Austria permanently.

This permit makes working in Austria legal and convenient, especially for those living in border regions and looking for work with lower moving costs.

Countries eligible for a work permit in Austria's border regions

Initially, the new work permit in border regions will be available to residents of the following neighboring countries:

- Slovenia

- Hungary

- Czech Republic

- Slovakia

These countries were chosen because of their proximity to Austria, which allows residents to cross the border regularly for work. Border regions are important for meeting the needs of the Austrian labor market, especially in areas with labor shortages.

Who can apply for a permit for cross-border workers in Austria?

To obtain a new permit, the applicant must meet several conditions:

- Have the right to permanent residence in a country bordering Austria, such as Slovenia, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia,

- Confirm full access to the labor market of his country.

- Find a job in the Austrian border region bordering the employee's country of residence.

- Regularly enter Austria for the purpose of performing work duties.

- Receive confirmation from the AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service) that there is no suitable local candidate for the position.

What check must every cross-border worker in Austria undergo from the AMS?

Foreigners can only obtain an Austrian cross-border worker permit after a labor market check and confirmation from the AMS.

Before approving the permit, the AMS checks whether there is a local candidate in Austria who is suitable for the position. This step ensures:

- Priority for local workers;

- Legal and fair recruitment of foreign workers;

- Effective management of labour needs.

Rules for family members of cross-border workers in Austria

It is worth remembering that family members of cross-border workers do not automatically receive a residence permit in Austria.

If they want to stay in the country for a longer period, they need to apply for a residence permit separately.

How will the border worker permit affect the Austrian labour market?

The new work permit in Austria will help the country solve a number of problems:

- Fill the labour shortage in Austria's border regions.

- Maintain clear rules for local and foreign workers.

- Make it easier for those living close to the border to find work without having to move.

In this way, Austria is creating a transparent and efficient system for attracting cross-border workers, while supporting the local labour market.

From December 2025, Austria is taking an important step towards optimising the labour market and supporting border regions by introducing a new work permit for cross-border workers. This scheme allows residents of neighbouring countries to work legally in Austria without having to move to permanent residence, while at the same time guaranteeing priority to local candidates. For workers, this is an opportunity to find work close to home with minimal relocation costs, and for Austria, it is an effective way to fill the shortage of skilled labour in border areas.

If you have any questions about obtaining a new work permit in Austria or would like to know how to properly apply for a cross-border worker, our migration experts are ready to help.

Book a consultation and receive professional support at every stage of the application process so that the permit is processed quickly and without errors.

Working Guide for Nationals of Other Countries

For nationals of other countries, including Nepal, Romania and Cameroon, the employment rules in Austria remain the same. To find out all the details and avoid mistakes, you can use the “Working Guide” guide from Visit World.

What is included in the guide:

- Step-by-step instructions for applying for a short-term or long-term work visa: from filling out the application form to registering with the local authorities.

- Step-by-step instructions for applying for a work permit: from filling out the application form to registering with the authorities.

- A complete list of documents required to obtain a visa.

- A complete list of documents required to obtain a work permit.

- Information on visa fees and processing times.

- Life hacks and practical tips for visiting the country.

- Rules for filling out the visa application form to avoid mistakes.

Having received the guide, you will be able to prepare all the documents step by step and ensure legal employment without unnecessary problems.

Let us remind you! Are you planning to work in Europe in 2026? We have already told you which EU countries offer the cheapest work visas, the cost of permits, validity periods and for which specialists each program is best suited.

Photo – Freepik

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