Special requirements for a residence permit – artist

The following additional requirements apply for a residence permit - artist to be granted:

1. Artistic activity The person must exercise or plan to exercise an activity that is predominantly characterised by artistic creation.

For the following professions it is generally assumed that the activity is predominantly characterised by tasks of artistic creation: Sculptor, painter, graphic artist, conservator, restorer, set designer, production designer, interior designer, costume designer, fashion designer (excluding fashion consultant, model designer and producer), designer, artistic director and related professions (e.g. event manager), film director, stage director, choreographer, actor, audio and voice-over artists, singer, DJ, VJ, dancer (unless practiced as a sport, or as go-go dancing or table dancing), acrobatic artist, musician, photographer. 

Documents suitable as evidence: Proof of artistic education or description of previous artistic activities.

2. Secure livelihood through artistic work

 The income from artistic work must cover the livelihood during the stay.

 Documents suitable as evidence

 Proof of artistic education or description of previous artistic activities.

 For employed artistic activity

 Submission of a 

  • Contract on which the artistic activity is based
  • Employer’s Declaration under the Act on the Employment of Foreign Nationals (AuslBG): this is a written statement by the employer committing himself to comply with the terms and conditions of employment set out in the application.

 The artistic part in the intended employment must be predominant.

 For self-employed artistic activity

Submission of a written contract on the artistic activity which is to last longer than 6 months, e.g. contracts with galleries, theatres or concert halls. Secure livelihood must be proven by means of these agreements.

The artistic part must predominate in the self-employed activity, if livelihood is to be covered by the earnings generated by the artistic activity.

 A Declaration of Liability (see earlier) may be submitted.