A positive decision: you can work like everyone else
Once you are recognized as a refugee, you have free access to the labor market: no AMS procedure, no permit, no restriction to certain sectors.[1] The same applies to subsidiary protection holders.[1] You can take a job — or work on your own account, with your own registered business, your own prices, and your own customers.
Self-employment means: no one has to hire you
How do you become self-employed with protection status?
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Register your business
Free of charge, online or at the trade authority. Your Convention travel document or your asylum/protection card serves as proof of identity. You also need a registration certificate (Meldezettel) — here is the step-by-step guide.[3] -
SVS insurance kicks in
Once your business is registered, you are covered for health, accident, and pension insurance — what SVS costs and what you get for it. If your income is small, the micro-entrepreneur exemption can help. -
Write invoices, document your income
Clean invoices matter twice over: for your customers — and as proof that you can support yourself, for example for benefits, finding housing, or later applications. -
Use free advice services
The Österreichischer Integrationsfonds (ÖIF), the AMS, and the Wirtschaftskammer offer free advice on work and starting a business — also in multiple languages.[4]
Asylum case still pending: what is allowed?
While your case is still being decided, access to the labor market is heavily restricted:[1][2]
- Working as an employee: only if your employer gets a work permit from the AMS — possible at the earliest 3 months after your case is admitted to the procedure.
- Self-employed activities: certain forms (for example on a contract-for-work basis) are generally possible, because the Aliens Employment Act only covers employment relationships. But the line is tricky — always get advice before you start.
- Charitable activities and seasonal work: these have their own, narrower rules run through municipalities or AMS quotas.
- Basic welfare support: your own income is counted against it and can reduce your support — ask your basic welfare office first.
No experiments while your case is pending
Displaced from Ukraine?
People displaced from Ukraine have their own protection status with the "displaced persons card" (Ausweis für Vertriebene). It gives you free access to the labor market, and you can also work as self-employed (as of July 2026).[1] The steps are the same as above: register your business, sort out SVS, write invoices.
Why the legal path pays off
Every legally earned year counts toward your pension, your insurance — and your future in Austria: when applying for long-term residence or citizenship, you need to show that you can support yourself financially. A cleanly run small business is the best proof of that. More on why registering always pays off: Working legally as a cleaner.
Who helps you with this?
bop explains business registration, SVS, and every letter from an authority in your language — Arabic, Farsi, Ukrainian, Turkish, and more. So paperwork is never the thing that holds you back. Sign up on the homepage with no obligation, and you will be there from the start.