Austria implements new residency and work rules for non-EU workers

Austria has implemented new regulations regarding residency and employment for non-EU workers, following the transposition of European Directive 2024/1233 into national law. These changes specifically affect citizens from non-EU countries, including a significant number of workers from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Under the updated Settlement and Residence Act (NAG) and the Foreign Employment Act (AuslBG), authorities can no longer revoke a combined residence and work permit solely due to unemployment during the first six months after a job loss, with some cases allowing for longer periods. The new rules also facilitate changing employers; workers must notify authorities of their intent to switch, and if a decision is not reached within 45 days, they may temporarily begin working for the new employer under specific conditions.

Administrative procedures have been streamlined, with a standard 90-day deadline for decisions on combined permit applications, extendable by 30 days in complex cases. Additionally, family members holding 'Familiengemeinschaft' residency permits may now obtain combined residence and work permits if they meet specific employment requirements. The reforms aim to increase labor market flexibility and prevent worker exploitation by reducing total dependency on a single employer.