Work in Austria - Apply for an A1 certificate in advance

Planning to work in Austria? Pay special attention to the A1 certificate. It is crucial for legalizing your employment abroad.

The PD A1 form, known as the A1 certificate, is an official document that performs several important functions:

Confirmation of social contributions: the certificate serves as proof that you have duly paid contributions to the social security system of your home country.

For seconded workers: the document certifies the existence of permanent employment relations in your country of origin. This is especially important for those who are going on a foreign assignment.

For freelancers and self-employed: the A1 certificate confirms that you conduct entrepreneurial activity based on a trade license issued in your country. This is relevant for those planning to work abroad on a contract.

Timely issuance of the A1 certificate is your step towards trouble-free and legal work in Austria, whether you are a permanent employee on assignment or an independent professional.

The procedure for obtaining an A1 certificate for employment in Austria has its specifics. It is important to note that the rules for obtaining form A1 may vary depending on the country where the application is submitted.

Usually, the request to obtain the form is initiated by the employer, although in some situations the employee himself can do this. As for freelancers, they always apply independently. It should be considered that the application process may vary in different EU countries. To avoid mistakes and delays, we recommend applying through our visa agency: it's easier and faster, we guarantee no errors, which significantly increases the likelihood of accepting your documents.

When going abroad, both hired employees and freelancers need to have the original PD A1 form with them. This document may be required for social security checks at the workplace abroad to obtain an exemption. An important advantage: the form does not require translation, as it is standardized throughout the EU.

The absence of an application for the PD A1 form or not signing a contract for the payment of social security contributions abroad can lead to penalty sanctions. The amount of the fine is determined by the legislation of the specific EU country.

The validity of the A1 certificate is limited and depends on the duration of work abroad. The expiration date of the form coincides with the return date indicated in the statement. The maximum period of validity of the certificate is 24 months. After returning home, it is necessary to cancel the PD A1 form at the social security institution of the country of stay.

Yes, foreigners can work in Austria, but various requirements must be considered depending on your nationality. EU and EEA citizens can work without a separate permit, while citizens of non-EU and non-EEA countries usually require a work visa and residence permit, which depend on the type of work, duration, and qualifications.

If you are an EU or Swiss citizen, you can move freely within the EU. Although you do not need a work permit, you must meet several requirements to work in Austria:

* The A1 certificate helps avoid double taxation and the payment of double social security contributions. It must be obtained before starting work in Austria from the competent authority of your country, usually a social insurance institution or pension fund.

The validity of the A1 certificate depends on the duration of your work in Austria and can be issued for a period of up to 24 months.

For citizens of countries not part of the EU and EEA, the requirements to work in Austria are stricter. The main ones include:

Important: key workers are highly qualified professionals who are in high demand in the Austrian labor market.

In addition to their primary job, holders of the red-white-red card may engage in additional individual labor activities, provided they do not conflict with their primary job and meet legal requirements.

An application for the EU Blue Card can be submitted personally at the embassy or consulate of Austria in one's country, or through a potential employer to the competent authority on residency matters in Austria.

The Red-White-Red Card Plus (Red-White-Red Card Plus) — this document grants the right to temporary residence and work in Austria without being tied to a specific employer. The holder can work as an employee or engage in individual entrepreneurship.

Family members include spouses (from 21 years old), registered partners, and minor children (including adopted and foster children).

To obtain any of these permits, an application must be submitted and all necessary documents provided. Often, proof of German language knowledge is required (for example, a Goethe-Institut certificate at level A1 or higher).

It is important to remember that working without the appropriate permit can lead to serious fines. Therefore, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with all the requirements in advance and start the process of obtaining the necessary documents well in advance.

Remember, the process of obtaining a work permit can take several months, so it is better to start preparing documents and looking for work in advance. This will help you adapt faster and start earning in the new country.