Wie viele Stunden darf ich als Student arbeiten?

Bis 20 Wochenstunden entfällt die Arbeitsmarktprüfung (§ 4 Abs 7 Z 2 AuslBG). Eine Beschäftigungsbewilligung braucht es trotzdem.

Wer beantragt die Bewilligung?

Der Arbeitgeber, beim AMS. Für einen neuen Job braucht es eine neue Bewilligung.

Darf ich arbeiten, wenn mein Titel abgelaufen ist?

Ohne gültigen Aufenthaltstitel nicht. Stellen Sie den Verlängerungsantrag rechtzeitig vor Ablauf.

Working as a Student | Immigration Lawyer Vienna

In short

Students from third countries may work, as a rule up to 20 hours per week.
The employer applies to the Public Employment Service (AMS) for the employment permit.
The permit is valid only for this employer and only for a limited period.
For the extension of your residence permit, your academic progress counts.

Studies and work

Work: yes, but with a permit

Students from third countries may work alongside their studies, as a rule up to 20 hours per week. For this, the employer applies to the Public Employment Service (AMS) for an employment permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung). Your studies must remain the main focus: for the extension of your residence permit, your academic progress counts.

Requirements

What you need

a valid residence permit as a student (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender)
an employer who applies to the AMS for the employment permit
for marginal employment (geringfügige Beschäftigung), some simplifications apply in certain cases: we clarify this in your individual case

Important

Rules for the permit

The permit is valid only for the employer who applied for it. A new job requires a new permit.
It is valid for a limited period and must be extended before it expires.
For the extension, you need a valid residence permit. Without one, you may not continue to work.

Questions we get asked

Working as a student: short answers

How many hours may I work as a student?

Up to 20 hours per week, there is no labour market test (§ 4 Abs 7 Z 2 AuslBG). An employment permit is still required.

Who applies for the permit?

The employer, at the AMS. A new job requires a new permit.

May I work if my residence permit has expired?

Not without a valid residence permit. Submit your application for extension in good time before it expires.

Initial consultation at a flat fee

We check whether your job fits your residence permit and help you and your employer with the permit.

Book an initial consultation →

Academic progress

Is your academic progress enough for the extension?

Choose your type of institution and enter what you passed in the last academic year.

Where do you study?

UniversityDegree programme at a public university.

University college of teacher educationFor example, a teacher training programme.

University of applied sciences or private universityFor example, a bachelor's programme at a university of applied sciences.

University preparation courseOr another non-degree programme.

For guidance only. This is not legal advice. For the extension, you must submit proof of academic progress (§ 64 Abs 2 NAG, § 8 Z 8 lit b NAG-DV). Universities and university colleges of teacher education issue it if you passed exams worth at least 16 ECTS or 8 semester hours in the previous academic year (§ 74 Abs 6 UG, § 46 Abs 7 HG). As of October 2026, source: RIS.