New regulations have been implemented in Austria that make it easier for foreign workers to switch jobs, maintain their work permits once they are no longer employed and have their applications processed faster.
The changes will be implemented on August 7, 2026, with a focus on offering increased flexibility for foreign workers and employers.
The new regulations allow those with a single permit to transfer their employer with the permission of authorities.
If, however, the authorities do not make or communicate a decision within 45 days of receipt of an application, then the worker may go to work with their new employer without waiting for a decision.
Existing rules for EU Blue Card permit holders remain unchanged with regards to the changes, and the changes will not apply to intracompany transfer (ICT) permit holders.
An additional change is a six-month grace period for qualified foreign employees who are out of work. During this period they may be able to keep their work permits as they look for new jobs. This has previously only been offered for EU Blue Card holders.
The employment is deemed to have ended when employees are notified to the appropriate authorities as a result of a job loss. The grace period can be extended in specific cases, but is not applicable to intracompany transferees, posted workers or certain other permit holders.
In addition, Austria has shortened the processing time for immigration applications to 90 days following complete applications. But there are some exceptions.
The current processing times for Red-White-Red Cards and EU Blue Cards will remain the same. In some cases with posted workers and the self-employed, it may be necessary to wait longer.
The reforms will facilitate the stay of foreign workers in Austria if they find a new job, and will minimize the need for foreign workers to leave Austria immediately after losing a job.
The adjustments may also improve the ability of employers to keep skilled foreign employees by easing the process of recruiting and transitioning to a new position.
But more flexibility for employees could make the competition among Austrian employers to recruit and keep foreign workers even tougher.