Work Permit for Students & Interns

Who qualifies

• Third-country nationals with Residence Permit – Student
• Enrolled at Austrian university, university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), or accredited private university
• Completing at least 16 ECTS credits per year (studies remain primary purpose of stay

Work Authorization Rules

Up to 20 hours per week:

• Employer applies for employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung) with AMS
• No labour market test required
• Includes marginal employment (geringfügige Beschäftigung)
• Processing time: approximately 4-6 weeks

More than 20 hours per week:

• Employer applies for employment permit with AMS
• Labour market test may be conducted (AMS checks if equally qualified jobseekers are available)
• Only granted if no suitable candidates registered with AMS
• Processing time: several weeks

Anzeigebestätigung

Declaration Confirmation Required (Instead of Work Permit):

• Compulsory internships required by your curriculum (employer notifies AMS, receives confirmation within 2 weeks)
• EU exchange or research programs (e.g., Erasmus+)
• Scientific teaching or research activities
• Voluntary work up to 3 months per calendar year (AMS notification required)

After Graduation – Job Search Extension

If you’ve completed your studies at an Austrian university, you can extend your Residence Permit – Student for 12 months to search for employment in Austria.

During this period:

• Work up to 20 hours per week with employment permit (no labour market test)
• Transition to appropriate work permit when you find full-time employment matching your qualifications

Visa D for Interns

Who Qualifie:

• Currently studying toward university degree in third country, OR completed university degree no more than 2 years ago
• Internship in appropriately qualified job related to studies
• Study-related internship agreement with Austrian employer
• Duration: 91 to 180 days (3 to 6 months)

Process: Employer notifies AMS at least 3 weeks before internship starts. AMS issues confirmation of notification. Apply for Visa D at Austrian embassy/consulate.

Voluntary Traineeship (Volontariat)

Who Qualifies:

• Unpaid traineeship up to 3 months per calendar year
• Purpose: acquiring practical knowledge and skills only (no commitment to work, no entitlement to payment)
• Employer notifies AMS

Process: Employer notifies AMS. AMS issues confirmation of notification. No work permit required. Covered by accident insurance.