Austria to Launch New Work Permit for Cross-Border Workers from December 2025

Starting December 1, 2025, Austria will introduce a new work permit for individuals residing in neighbouring countries who frequently travel to Austria for work purposes. These workers, known as “frontier workers,” typically reside near the Austrian border and commute daily or weekly to their jobs.

Frontier Worker Permit

A Frontier Worker Permit allows people to live in one country and work regularly in another. In Austria’s case, this applies to those living in countries that border Austria, such as Germany, Italy, or the Czech Republic, while holding a job in Austria.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

• You keep living in your home country.
• You cross the border regularly to work in Austria.
• You go back home after work instead of moving to Austria permanently.

This permit allows you to legally work in Austria without having to live there. It’s especially useful for people who live close to the border and want to take up jobs nearby in Austria.

Who Can Apply

To qualify for the new work permit, applicants must meet several conditions:

• The person must have a permanent right to stay in a country that borders Austria, such as Germany, Switzerland, or the Czech Republic.
• They must also have full access to that country’s job market.
• The workplace must be located in an Austrian district that directly borders the country where the worker lives.
• The worker must regularly enter Austria for employment purposes.

Additionally, Austria’s Public Employment Service (AMS) must confirm that there is no suitable local worker available for the position. Only after this review can the Frontier Worker Permit be granted.

Labour Market Check

Before the permit is approved, Austria’s Public Employment Service (AMS) must confirm that no suitable worker within Austria can fill the role. This step ensures that local workers are given priority before hiring from across the border.

Rules for Family Members

Family members of these cross-border workers are not automatically allowed to live in Austria. They must apply separately for their own residence permit if they want to stay there.

What This Means

This new rule aims to make it easier for people living close to Austria’s borders to take up jobs there, especially in regions that need more workers. It could help fill labour shortages while keeping clear rules for both local and foreign employees.