Learn the work permit and registration rules for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens looking to work in Germany and Austria under freedom of movement laws.
As an EU citizen, EEA citizen from Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway, or a Swiss national, you have the right to enter Germany without a visa. This right is guaranteed under the principle of freedom of movement. You do not need a residence permit to travel to the country.
Under this freedom of movement principle, you can stay in Germany for up to three months. This period requires no special conditions or permits. If you decide to stay longer, you will need to follow the standard local registration procedures that apply to all residents.
As an EU citizen, you have the right to work in Germany without any restrictions. This rule applies to both regular employment and self-employment. Your family members also share this unrestricted access to the German labor market.
You do not need to apply for a residence permit to work or live in Germany. Since the Freedom of Movement Act/EU took effect on January 1, 2005, the requirement for a residence permit has been abolished for EU citizens. This change simplifies the administrative process for all incoming EU workers.
As an EU citizen, you do not need a visa or a residence permit to live and work in Germany. However, you must still register your new address when you move to the country. This rule applies to everyone living in Germany, including German citizens.
You must complete this registration at the local residents' registration office, known as the Einwohnermeldeamt. EU citizens in Germany must register with this office just like German citizens. This registration is a standard administrative requirement for all new residents.
Austria does not require a work permit for citizens of the European Union. This rule also applies to EEA citizens from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, as well as Swiss nationals. You can enter the Austrian labor market immediately and start working without administrative delays.
You have the right to work as an employee or establish yourself as a self-employed individual. You do not need to secure a job offer before entering the country to look for work. This freedom allows you to search for employment opportunities directly on site.
As an EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen, you have the right to reside in Austria for up to three months without any conditions. During this initial period, you do not need to engage in any economic activity to stay in the country. This allows you time to search for work or settle in.
If you plan to stay in Austria for longer than three months, specific legal requirements apply. You must be employed or self-employed in the country. Alternatively, you must prove you have sufficient financial resources and comprehensive sickness insurance, or that you are pursuing a qualification.
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens staying in Austria for longer than three months must apply for a registration certificate. This document is known as an Anmeldebescheinigung. It officially confirms your right of residence in the country.
You must submit your application for the registration certificate within four months of your arrival in Austria. This step is mandatory for anyone planning a longer stay. Failure to apply within this timeframe can lead to complications with local authorities.
Anyone who takes up accommodation in Austria must register with the competent registration authority. This requirement is regulated under the Austrian Registration Act, also known as the Meldegesetz. You must also de-register with the authority when you leave your accommodation.
EU citizens automatically acquire the right to permanent residence in another EU country after five years of uninterrupted legal residence. In Austria, you can receive a certificate of permanent residence upon request after completing this five-year period of legal and continuous stay. This certificate confirms your long-term status under EU law.
Welders, electricians, locksmiths, pipefitters and general-labour teams — vetted, licensed, and ready to deploy across Europe.
Find WorkersLegal contracts, on-time payroll, full social insurance, and placements with companies that respect the work.
Find a Job
