Why Austria Is A Top Migration Destination

Migration is a key factor in the demographic makeup of Austria's population. In 2023, an average of 2.4 million people with a migration background lived in Austria, accounting for 26.7% of the total population. In the same year, the foreign population in Austria surged to 2.45 million, with Germans emerging as the most represented foreign nationality, with 1.8 million people living in Austria. Migration has been a salient issue in Austrian politics since the 1990s, and the country has been characterised by international migration, mobility and ethno-cultural diversity throughout much of its history. Austria's population is growing almost exclusively through immigration, with the number of people migrating to the country considerably outnumbering those emigrating.

Austria's population growth is almost exclusively due to immigration

Austria's population has been bolstered by immigration for several decades. In the 1980s, the number of foreign citizens in the country remained relatively stable, but increased immigration in the early 1990s led to a higher number and percentage of the population with foreign citizenship. By 1994, the number of foreigners totalled around 665,000, representing 8.4% of the total population. Since 2001, this figure has been on the rise again.

In 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Austria's population growth was driven primarily by net migration. Between 1 January 2011 and 1 January 2021, Austria's total population growth (+557,500 people) was largely attributable to net migration gains (+539,905). During this period, the surplus of births was comparatively low, and in 2020, the number of births was even lower than the number of deaths (-7,996). The net migration gain in 2020 (+40,064) was similar to the previous year (+40,613).

Austria's population growth is also influenced by its birth rate, which has been declining. In 2018, the total fertility rate was 1.48 children born per woman, and the average number of children per 100 women was 144. To replace the parent generation, slightly more than 200 children (2 children per woman) would be required. This trend is reflected in the population pyramid, which shows a comparatively narrow base due to the post-Baby Boom reduction in birth rates, only partially compensated by immigration.

In summary, Austria's population growth is predominantly driven by immigration, with foreign citizens accounting for a significant and growing proportion of the total population. While birth rates have declined, net migration gains have consistently contributed to the country's population growth, particularly in recent years.

Austria's migrant population largely reflects its history of international migration

Austria's migrant population is a reflection of the country's history of international migration, which has been a key feature of the nation for much of its history. The country's demographic makeup has been significantly influenced by migration, and it is predicted that without future immigration, Austria's population will experience a significant decline in the coming years.

Austria's history of international migration can be traced back to the 19th century, when internal population movement was a prominent characteristic of the Habsburg Empire. During this period, Vienna, the capital of the Empire, was a multicultural melting pot, with people from various nationalities, ethnicities, and languages coexisting. Following the fall of the Empire after World War I, the Austrian Republic was established in 1918, with a vision of an ethnically homogeneous nation. This, coupled with economic depression and political turmoil, led to further emigration from the country.

The annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in 1938 resulted in a significant exodus of Jews from the country, with approximately 128,000 fleeing between 1938 and 1941. During World War II, Austria also witnessed an influx of refugees from neighbouring communist countries, such as Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and Poland. This trend continued in the post-war years, with refugees fleeing to Austria due to political upheaval and martial law in their home countries. By 1989, a total of two million refugees had entered Austria, although many only stayed temporarily before moving on to other Western countries.

A pivotal moment in Austria's migration history came in the 1960s when the Austrian government actively recruited a significant number of labour migrants from Turkey and Yugoslavia through bilateral agreements. This marked the beginning of the country's transformation into an immigration nation. The number of foreign employees increased tenfold between 1963 and 1973, rising from 21,500 to nearly 227,000. However, the 1973 oil crisis and the stagnant economy that followed led to stricter immigration controls and a shift from circular migration to permanent immigration.

In recent years, Austria has continued to experience significant migration, particularly with the arrival of refugees. As of January 1, 2024, the foreign population in Austria reached 2.45 million, with Germans being the most represented foreign nationality, followed by Romanians, Turks, and Serbians. Additionally, the country has admitted over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees in the wake of the Russian war in Ukraine.

Austria's migrant population is diverse, with about 180 different nationalities represented in Vienna alone. The country's migration history has shaped its present-day demographic landscape, and migration will likely remain a prominent issue in the future due to demographic, economic, and political factors.

Austria's immigration policy is based on a quota system

The Red-White-Red Card is a type of residence permit issued to qualified third-country workers, allowing them and their family members to live and work permanently in Austria. To be eligible for this card, applicants must fall into one of the following groups: Very Highly Qualified Workers, Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupitations, Graduates of Austrian Universities and Colleges of Higher Education, Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry, or Self-employed Key Workers.

The Red-White-Red Card is valid for 24 months and entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment with the employer specified in their application. To obtain this card, applicants must meet general requirements, including having adequate means of subsistence, health insurance coverage, and adequate accommodation. Additionally, their stay must not be contrary to public order, security, or Austria's relations with other countries.

Another type of residence permit is the EU Blue Card, which provides an Austrian residence and the right to work for two years. This card is issued to citizens of non-EU countries who meet certain conditions, such as having a recognised university diploma and an agreement with a local employer.

The Austrian "red-white-red plus" card is issued to family members of Red-White-Red and Blue Card holders or foreigners with Austrian permanent residence. Residence permits with the right to work can also be obtained by shift and seasonal workers, the self-employed, and people on long-term business trips to Austria.

Austria also offers a special residence permit for financially independent individuals who can demonstrate financial independence and meet other conditions, such as an income of €2,000 per month for each family member and a bank account with a minimum deposit. However, this type of permit has a limited quota, and the availability varies across different federal states.

Austria's population would shrink without immigration

Austria's population has been on the rise for years, fuelled by immigration. The country's population growth between January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2021, can be largely attributed to net migration gains. In fact, 97% of the total population growth during this period was due to more people migrating to Austria than leaving. The number of births, on the other hand, has been relatively low and has even fallen below the number of deaths in certain years, resulting in a birth deficit.

The impact of immigration on Austria's population is evident when comparing the number of residents over time. Around 1900, approximately 6 million people lived in Austria within its present-day borders. This number increased over the years, surpassing 8 million in 2000 and reaching 9.1 million in 2024. The municipality with the largest population is Vienna, with 1.92 million residents as of 2021, constituting a fifth of the country's total population.

However, if immigration were to cease, Austria's population would experience a significant decline. By 2080, the population is projected to decrease to the levels seen in the 1950s. This projection takes into account the country's declining birth rates and ageing population, which have contributed to the annual number of births falling below the number of deaths since 2020.

The impact of immigration on Austria's population is further highlighted by the number of residents with a migration background. In 2023, one in four people in Austria had a migration background, with the number of residents reaching 2.45 million, or over 27% of the total population. Germans constituted the largest foreign nationality, with more than 1.8 million people, followed by Romanians, Turks, and Serbians.

In summary, immigration has been a crucial factor in the growth of Austria's population. Without it, the country would face a significant population decline in the coming decades. The effects of immigration are particularly noticeable when considering the birth deficit and the increasing proportion of residents with a migration background. As a result, Austria's population is expected to shrink to 1950s levels by 2080 if immigration were to cease.

Most immigrants feel positively connected to Austria

Austria has seen a notable increase in its foreign population in recent years, with one in four people having a migration background. The number of residents with a migration background reached 2.45 million in 2023, accounting for over 27% of the total population. This represents a 35% increase compared to 2015, when the number of foreign residents stood at 1.81 million.

Despite concerns about the country's ability to integrate migrants, most immigrants feel positively connected to Austria. A survey by Statistics Austria revealed that over 72% of migrants feel a sense of belonging to the country, with individuals born in Syria, Iran, and Bosnia and Herzegovina showing a particularly strong bond. This sense of belonging is also reflected in the perception of living together with Austrians. While 23.2% of Austrians rate coexistence with migrants as "very good" or "fairly good", 55.8% of immigrants rate the coexistence between the two groups as "very good" or "rather good".

Austria's growing population due to immigration has had a positive impact on the country's economy and labour market. Immigrants contribute to various industries, including machine and steel, chemical and vehicle, electric and electronic, and wood and paper. The increase in the foreign population has also helped address the issue of an ageing population and declining birth rates. According to Director General of Statistics Austria, Tobias Thomas, without immigration, the country's population in 2080 would decrease to the levels recorded in the 1950s.

The positive connection felt by most immigrants towards Austria is a testament to the country's efforts in integrating migrants and creating a sense of belonging for individuals from diverse backgrounds. This sense of belonging is an essential aspect of social cohesion and can contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous society.

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