Working In Austria: Rights Of Croatian Citizens

Austria and Croatia have a long shared history, having been part of the same union for almost 400 years. In 2013, Croatia became a member of the European Union, and since then, all member countries have opened their labour markets to Croats except Austria, which kept restrictions in place until July 2020. This was due to a high unemployment rate among Croatian nationals living in Austria. However, even with the restrictions, Austrian employers could hire Croatian workers in over 60 professions where there was a shortage of employees. As of July 2020, Croatian nationals have full access to the Austrian labour market and no longer require work permits.

Croatian workers no longer need work permits to work in Austria

As of 1 July 2020, Croatian workers no longer need work permits to work in Austria. This change came seven years after Croatia joined the European Union as its 28th member state.

Before this, Croatian nationals faced restrictions on working in Austria, which were extended multiple times. Initially, the Austrian government restricted labour market access to Croatians for two years, after which they extended the period by three more years in 2015. In 2018, just before the seven-year maximum period was reached, they extended the restrictions by another two years.

The Austrian government justified these restrictions by citing the above-average number of unemployed Croatian nationals in the country. However, even during the restricted period, Austrian employers could hire Croatian workers in over 60 professions facing staff shortages.

Now, with the restrictions lifted, Croatian citizens have full access to the Austrian labour market and enjoy the freedom of movement for workers. They are employed in the same way as they are in Croatia and are entitled to certain rights, including time off and paid time off.

Austria was the last EU country to restrict Croatian citizens' access to its labour market

As of July 1, 2020, Croatian citizens have full access to the Austrian labour market. Prior to this date, Austria was the last EU country to restrict Croatian citizens' access to its labour market.

Croatia became the 28th member of the European Union on July 1, 2013. As with previous EU enlargements, numerous transition periods were agreed upon in the Treaty of Accession with Croatia, resulting in certain rights and freedoms becoming effective only several years after accession. The Treaty offered EU member states the possibility to temporarily restrict Croatian nationals' labour market access for a maximum period of seven years.

Austria was the only EU country to utilize this option and restrict Croatian citizens' full access to its labour market for the maximum period of seven years. Initially, the restriction was in place for two years, after which Austria extended it by three years in 2015 and by another two years in 2018. The Austrian government cited the high unemployment rate among Croatian nationals living in Austria as the reason for the extension.

During the restriction period, Croatian nationals needed individual permits to work in Austria. They first had to secure a job offer from an Austrian employer, who would then apply for their work permit. After one year of legal employment, they could obtain "confirmation of freedom of movement," granting them full access to the Austrian labour market. Additionally, Austrian employers could hire Croatian workers in over 60 professions facing staff shortages without these restrictions.

On July 1, 2020, these restrictions were lifted, and Croatian nationals gained full access to the Austrian labour market, no longer requiring any work permits. This marked a significant liberalization of the Austrian labour market for Croatian job seekers, making it easier for them to find employment in Austrian companies without the burden of extensive paperwork or work permits for certain jobs.

Austrian employers can hire Croatians in professions with staff shortages

The liberalization of the Austrian labour market has been a boon to Croatian workers and entrepreneurs who want to send their employees to work on projects that their companies have contracted with Austrian companies. It is now much easier for Croatian job seekers to find work in Austria, and they can be employed in the same way as they can in Croatia.

It is important to note that Croatian employers in Austria must comply with strict regulations. Austrian inspections are rigorous and will hand out fines and penalties for any offenses. This means that Croatian companies operating in Austria need to be familiar with the regulations to avoid facing financial consequences.

The removal of restrictions on Croatian citizens' access to the Austrian labour market is a positive development, fostering greater collaboration and exchange between the two countries.

Austria restricted Croatian labour market access due to high unemployment rates

The Austrian government justified this decision by pointing to the above-average number of unemployed Croatian nationals in the country. Austrian politicians also identified a migration wave from Croatia as a potential problem, fearing that opening the labour market would result in an influx of cheap workers from Eastern Europe and an increase in unemployment.

Croatia's Prime Minister blamed the delay in full access on the migration crisis, arguing that without it, Austria would have fully opened its labour market. Under the restrictions, Croatian nationals needed individual permits to work in Austria, requiring them to first find a job and then have their Austrian employer apply for a work permit. Despite these restrictions, the number of Croatian citizens working in Austria increased annually, with approximately 28,000 Croatian citizens employed in the country in 2018.

However, as of July 2020, these restrictions were lifted, and Croatian nationals gained full access to the Austrian labour market, enjoying the same freedom of movement for workers as other EU citizens.

Croatian workers can work for Croatian companies in Austria without seeking an Austrian employer

As of July 1, 2020, Croatian workers have had full access to the Austrian labour market. Croatian nationals can now seek employment in Austrian companies without the need for work permits or extensive paperwork. This means that Croatian workers can work for Croatian companies in Austria without seeking an Austrian employer. This arrangement allows Croatian workers to work in Austria on a temporary basis without relocating their entire families.

Previously, Croatian citizens faced restrictions in accessing the Austrian labour market. The Austrian government had utilised a seven-year transition period, permitted under the Treaty of Accession with Croatia, to restrict labour market access for Croatian nationals. This decision was based on the above-average number of unemployed Croatian nationals in Austria, with Austrian politicians expressing concerns about a potential migration wave from Croatia.

During this transition period, Croatian workers in certain sectors, such as tourism and hospitality, were able to obtain work permits to work seasonally in Austria. Additionally, Austrian employers could hire Croatian workers in over 60 professions experiencing staff shortages. Despite these exceptions, it was challenging to obtain work permits for other sectors, particularly construction trades, due to quota limitations.

With the restrictions lifted as of July 1, 2020, Croatian citizens can now work in Austria under the same conditions as Austrian citizens. They do not require any kind of work permit and enjoy full freedom of movement for workers. This change aligns with the principle of free movement of workers within the European Economic Area (EEA), which grants nationals of one EEA country the right to work in another EEA country on equal terms as its citizens.

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