Working in Tyrol

If a highly qualified person wants to come to Tyrol to work for a Tyrolean employer, it is important to follow the correct formal-legal path. The same applies, of course, to accompanying family members.

For immigration of nationals of EU states, EEA states or Switzerland, see our website „Entry EU/EEA/Switzerland“.

If a person from a third country wants to live and work in Austria, he/she usually needs the right permit(s). Often the "Red-White-Red-Card" is the right choice. This card entitles third-country nationals both to stay in Austria and to work for a specific employer (a visa may also be required for entry). 

In particular, the following Red-White-Red Cards are available for third-country nationals who have a job offer from a company in Austria:

• Red-White-Red Card for Very Highly Qualified Workers
• Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
• Red-White-Red Card for Other Key Workers
• Red-White-Red Card for Graduates
• Red-White-Red Card for Regular Seasonal Workers

The Red-White-Red Card is valid for up to two years. However, if the requirements are met, it is possible to obtain further residence permits up to an unlimited stay (please feel free to contact us for more information). Apart from the "Red-White-Red Card", there are other permits that may be suitable for the long term stay of third-country nationals. Examples of these are the „Red-White-Red Card Plus“, the „EU Blue Card“, the residence permit "Family Member" or "Long-Term Resident EU" permit. For temporary stays for specific purposes, for example, stay permits („Aufenthaltsbewilligungen“) are available.

Professionals and other persons from third countries who are family members of EU, EEA oder Swiss citizens do not need a formal residence title if the relevant requirements are met. However, this must always be checked individually in advance, and if this is the case, special regulations must be observed. Please feel free to contact us for further information.

Whether an application for a specific residence permit is promising or which other application is to be chosen must always be assessed in the specific individual case. For family members, too, it is always necessary to clarify which legal steps are required for them. It is also important to note that the question of legal residence is fundamentally separate from the question of admission to the labor market, because legal residence in Austria does not always include admission to the labor market. 

Further information on this topic can also be found, for example, at Work in Austria (Austrian Business Agency).

We recommend to seek individual advice due to the complexity!

Please also note the registration requirement, according to which all persons must be registered with the authorities within three days after taking up accommodation in a dwelling (for stays in tourist accommodations the registration requirement must be checked individually, as this is regulated somewhat differently). If the dwelling is in the city of Innsbruck, the responsible registration authority is the "Stadtmagistrat Innbruck". Action should be taken in a timely manner in order to avoid a fine in any case. It is also important to notify the registration authority of all relevant changes within the statutory deadlines and in the correct form.

This is only a brief, general summary of the situation and does not claim to be complete. The legal situation of each person, including the question of their obligations, must always be examined individually and comprehensively.

Tip for getting ready for your start in Tyrol
It is advisable to also find out about other relevant topics before moving to Austria, e.g. regarding tax and social security issues. We are happy to answer your questions and help you find expert advice on specialist topics! Some initial information for people moving to Tyrol to work for a Tyrolean employer can also be found at “Your arrival in Tyrol - FAQs for employees”. Please note, however, that every situation is different and that other topics may be relevant for you.

Please feel free to contact us - together with our network, we will be happy to assist you free of charge!