Home / Work Permit / Austria to Introduce New Cross-Border Work Permit Starting December 2025

Austria to Introduce New Cross-Border Work Permit Starting December 2025

November 18, 2025 6:44 am

Austria to Introduce New Cross-Border Work Permit Starting December 2025

Starting December 1, 2025, Austria will introduce a new work permit designed for individuals residing in neighboring countries who work in Austria. This initiative provides clear eligibility criteria and labor assessments to address workforce demands effectively.

Overview: The Frontier Worker Permit

The Frontier Worker Permit enables individuals to maintain residency in one country while regularly working in another. In this case, it applies to those living in countries like Germany, Italy, or the Czech Republic who frequently travel to work in Austria. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

You continue residing in your home country.
You regularly commute to Austria for work.
You return home after completing your work shift, rather than relocating to Austria permanently.

This permit allows for legal employment in Austria without requiring a change of residence. It is particularly beneficial for those living close to the border who seek jobs in Austria.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for the new work permit:

Permanent Residency: The individual must have permanent residency in a country that borders Austria, such as Germany, Switzerland, or the Czech Republic.
Job Market Access: They must have unrestricted access to that country’s labor market.
Proximity to Workplace: The job must be located in an Austrian district that directly borders the country of residence.
Regular Commuting: The applicant must consistently travel to Austria for work.
Labor Market Verification: Austria’s Public Employment Service (AMS) must verify that no suitable local candidates are available for the position. Only after this assessment can the Frontier Worker Permit be issued.

Labor Market Assessment

Before granting the permit, the AMS will closely examine the labor market to ensure local candidates are prioritized for available jobs. This step aims to maintain fairness and support local workers before recruiting from neighboring countries.

Rules for Family Members

It’s important to note that family members of these cross-border workers cannot automatically reside in Austria. If they wish to stay, they must apply for their own residence permits.

Conclusion

This forthcoming permit seeks to simplify the process for individuals living near Austria’s borders to secure employment in the country. By targeting regions with labor shortages, the initiative benefits both foreign and local workers while establishing clear operational guidelines.

The introduction of this permit marks a significant step in fostering cross-border employment opportunities, ensuring that the labor market remains robust and efficient.