NATIONAL LABOUR MARKET POLICIES
Basic Information Reports
2.4.1.10.Work permits and dispensation certificates
In certain circumstances, foreign workers who have been employed in Austria for a number of years and second-generation foreign youth are entitled to a work permit or dispensation certificate. Both of these permits are issued to the foreign workers ad personam. A work permit grants the foreign national freedom to work within a particular Land. A dispensation certificate grants him/her the same status on the labour market as Austrian nationals.
Applicants are eligible for a work permit if they have been legally employed in Austria for at least 52 weeks within the preceding 14 months; however, certain employment periods (e.g. holiday work and work experience) are not credited. The permit allows foreigners to work in a job of their choice in the Land in which it was issued; it is valid for two years (with the possibility of extension).
Second-generation foreign youth who grew up in Austria and persons who have been legally employed in Austria for at least five of the preceding eight years are entitled to a dispensation certificate, which licences them to engage in employment of their choice in the entire federal territory for a period of five years:
Foreigners who have divorced their Austrian spouse after at least five years of marriage and whose habitual residence is in Austria are also entitled to a dispensation certificate.
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