Recently, two legislative amendments were made when it comes to employing foreign employees in Austria (effective as of 21 April 2023). Those amendments are intended to facilitate the access of foreign employees to the Austrian labor market. In detail, the following legislative changes were made:

  • Ukrainian displaced persons who have a displaced person’s identity card are exempt from the Alien Employment Act (Ausländerbeschäftigungsgesetz). Therefore, an employment permit is no longer required for the employment of Ukrainian displaced persons. This facilitation shall further accelerate the labor market integration of Ukrainian displaced persons who are seeking to remain in the Austrian labor market on a permanent basis.
  • The points system under the Red-White-Red Card has been expanded so that points can now also be awarded for knowledge of French, Spanish and Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian. Previously, points were only awarded for language skills in German and English. As a rule, diplomas or course certificates are required as proof of language skills. Such diplomas or course certificates may not be older than five years.

We are happy to assist with all your questions regarding the employment of foreigners as well as with the application for the necessary permits for the employment of foreign employees in Austria.