Basic regulations

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Recognized refugees

Persons entitled to asylum, subsidiary protection and persons with residence status Plus (Red-White-Red Card/Rights of abode) may work without restriction. In this context they have all rights and obligations like Austrian employees or EU citizens, they do not need an employment permit and can apply Austria-wide.

Young asylum seekers

The possibility for young asylum seekers up to the age of 25 to start an apprenticeship in a profession where there is a shortage of apprentices was abolished again in 2018. Refugees who have already started an apprenticeship can continue and complete it, provided they have not received a legally binding negative asylum decision in the meantime.

Source and further information (June 2019): https://www.asyl.at/de/themen/arbeitsmarkt

Asylum seekers

Asylum seekers are subject to an unrestricted ban on employment during the first three months of the asylum procedure. In general, access to the labour market for persons in basic care is considerably restricted in Austria.

Asylum seekers may work with restrictions three months after they have been admitted to the asylum procedure. The additional income limits must be observed at all costs: The following types of employment are possible:

Non-profit activity

Asylum seekers may be called upon „for auxiliary activities directly related to their accommodation, such as cleaning, kitchen operation, transport, maintenance and for charitable auxiliary activities for the Federal Government, the State, the municipality, for example landscape conservation and design, care of parks and sports facilities, administrative support“.

Independent work

Asylum seekers in the current procedure can also become self-employed. They lose the right to basic care if they register a trade. Self-employment must be reported to the authorities and a trade license for free trades must be applied for. Access to protected trades is not possible.

It should be noted that there is an allowance of 110 euros per month for the basic service. This means that asylum seekers may earn a maximum of 110 euros per month in order not to lose their entitlement to basic care. This allowance increases by 80 euros per month for each spouse or minor child.

Voluntary work free of charge

Asylum seekers can also complete voluntary work. A traineeship lasts a maximum of three months and serves to expand and apply knowledge or acquire practical skills. They will not be paid for it.