Limited rights for certain freelancers introduced from January 2026

At a glance

• From 1 January 2026, Austria will implement changes affecting a limited category of 'employee-like' freelancers pursuant to Sec 4(4) ASVG who perform work personally and do not use their own equipment. Self-employed individuals, and those with their own trade licence or their own equipment are not affected.
• For these 'employee-like' freelancers, new statutory minimum notice periods apply: Four weeks in the first two years, increasing to six weeks thereafter. The first month of the engagement may serve as a probationary period. Existing contracts with different notice arrangements remain valid.
• The 'employee-like' freelancers may also be included in new collective bargaining agreements, but inclusion is not automatic, and collective agreements do not impose full employee rights such as holiday or working hours.
• Employers must update service statements (Dienstzettel) to indicate any applicable collective agreement or minimum standards, as well as where these rules can be consulted.