New application fees: What foreigners now need to know about employment

New application fees: What foreigners now need to know about employment

Österreich - On June 1, 2025, there were significant changes to the labor market service (AMS) in Austria, which affect the foreignership law (AngerbG). As reported 5min.at, new regulations for fees were introduced for applications according to the Foreign employment law.

One of the most important changes is the introduction of application fees that are now paid for applying for an employment permit. There are also fees when an application is withdrawn. However, there is an exception for Turkish citizens: they do not have to pay an application fee, but only a "settlement fee" that arises when the exemption and employment permit is positive.

regulations for employment

The foreign work law regulates the employment of foreigners in Austria. Only people with a valid residence permit may work in this country. It should be noted that not every residence permit automatically entitles you to work; Some require a special employment permit that must be granted by the AMS. Wko.at explains that the approval to the employer is issued for a specific activity and at a maximum for one year.

The application for an employment permit must be submitted to the responsible AMS office by the employer. The corresponding application forms on the AMS website are available for this. A license is only granted if no suitable domestic workers are available; Otherwise it can be rejected. The examination is no longer necessary for student jobs with a scope of less than 20 hours per week.

Conditions for the granting of the approval

In order to receive an employment permit, various requirements must be met. For example, employers must comply with wages and working conditions, and there must be an explanation that the works council has been informed. In addition, employment must not have come about through unauthorized employment agencies. In the event of violations of the foreign work law in the past 12 months, the granting of the approval can also be rejected.

Another aspect that is taken into account when applying is the replacement power process. Here, it is preferred to first employ the same qualified domestic, EEA citizens and third-country nationals in Austria. The AMS checks the availability of suitable workers and conveys them. An exact description of the area of ​​responsibility increases the chances of finding suitable replacement forces. The requirements must also be appropriate and understandable in order to avoid rejection. Companies also have to react to mediated substitute for the approval as soon as possible, according to [ams.at] (https://www.ams.at/unternehüren/service-zur-persensuche/beschaftligung-ausla-auslischer-arbeitskraefte/das- Efferretkraft-proceedings).

Overall, the new regulations show an increased examination of the labor market situation and more responsible handling of the employment of foreigners in Austria. Employers are invited to take closer attention to the new provisions so that they do not have to count on high penalties that can be up to 50,000 euros if they employ foreigners without a valid approval.