The new cross-border commuter work permit will offer employers in border regions a valuable new immigration option. However, strict eligibility criteria for the new permit mean companies must establish robust processes to confirm that applicants hold the required residency status in the neighboring country to ensure they qualify for the permit.
A new work permit for cross-border commuters will be implemented in Austria on December 1, 2025. Following multiple cases of non-compliant residence in Austria by third-country national cross-border commuters, the Austrian labor authorities stopped accepting work permit applications from such commuters in December 2024. At the time, it had been announced that authorities were considering creating a special cross-border commuter work permit. The permit will now be implemented, with applications to be accepted from December 1, 2025.
The new Cross Border Commuter Work Permit will be restricted to third-country nationals fulfilling the following requirements:
- Residing in a neighboring country of Austria;
- Holding a permanent residence permit in that country of residence, providing unrestricted access to the labor market there;
- Entering Austria daily or regularly for the purpose of gainful employment; and
- Working in a company in a political district in Austria directly bordering their country of residence.
In addition, the Public Employment Service, or Arbeitsmarktservice (AMS) will need to have provided an expert opinion that no suitable candidate can be found for the open position.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
