Implementation of the EU ICT directive in Austria.

Austria implements the EU Intra-Corporate Transferees Directive, introducing new categories of work permits and residence permits for citizens of non-EU countries when transferring employees from one company to another, but within the same corporate groups. The relevant legislative changes are planned to be introduced from October 1, 2017, although to date, the specified date has not yet been finalized by the authorities.

As soon as the new rules come into force, managers, specialists and interns transferred within the same corporate group of companies can apply for the appropriate ICT cards (work permits) in Austria. Managers, specialists and trainees with ICT cards (work permits) issued by another EU country can apply for Mobile ICT cards (provided that they envisage to work in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days within 180 days in the year).

These changes are aimed at increasing the mobility of qualified personnel within Europe, facilitating the transfer of highly qualified specialists from non-EU countries to companies registered in the EU.

It should be borne in mind that only managers and specialists with nine months of experience in their corporate group are entitled to apply for a work permit & residence permit. For interns, the appropriate period should be at least six months.

The term of transfer to Austria may not exceed three years for managers and specialists, one year for interns.

Many groups of companies with subsidiaries in Austria are interested in intra-corporate transfers, as this will allow for efficient personnel management. Certain expectations (with the new law) are associated with Russian businessmen, as a result of this will be an additional opportunity for business immigration to Austria.

Austria is historically of interest to people seeking to move to Europe, especially if one of the reasons for moving is business.