Working as a Student in Austria

Residence Permit

The type of residence permit you hold as a student in Austria defines how many hours you can work and whether you need an additional permit.

Non-EU/EEA Students – “Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student”

For Non-EU/EEA international students, with the RP 'Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Student' (Residence Permit – Student):

• This residence permit allows you to stay in Austria for the purpose of studying.

• To work, you often need an additional work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) from the AMS (Public Employment Service). This must be applied directly by your employer using basic documents provided by you.

• The maximum permitted working hours is usually up to 20 hours/week during the semester (part-time), although full-time work is often possible during semester breaks (check your permit conditions).

Other Cases

• Residence Permit – Family Member (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Familienangehöriger):
  Allows more flexible work rights, often without the strict hour limits of student permits.
  
  

• Settlement Permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung):
  In rare cases, mostly for PhD and postdoc researchers positions, students may have this instead of a student permit, which grants broader access to the labor market.

• RWR – Red-White-Red Card (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte):
  A residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU workers, key professionals, or university graduates in shortage occupations. It is employer-specific for the first two years — you can only work for the employer named on the card. This is not typically issued for standard students but can be an option for graduates who meet qualification and salary thresholds, or in case you got a full- time job you can then apply for it.
  
  

• RWR+ – Red-White-Red Card Plus (Rot-Weiß-Rot Karte Plus):
  Usually granted after holding an RWR for two years or to family members of RWR holders. It offers unrestricted access to the Austrian labor market, allowing you to work for any employer in any sector without hour limits.

For more details, check here.

EU/EEA & Swiss Students

• You don’t need a residence permit — your right of residence under EU freedom of movement allows you to work freely.

• No work permit is required, and there are no limits on working hours.

• Your employer must still register you for social insurance.