A Career Guide: Nursing In Austria

If you're a nurse looking to work in Austria, there are a few key steps you need to follow. Firstly, you'll need to obtain a Red-White-Red Card, which is a special work visa for skilled workers in shortage occupations, and nursing often falls under this category. Along with the visa, you'll need to demonstrate proficiency in German, typically at a B1 or B2 level, as it's the primary language in healthcare settings. Next, you'll need to register with the Austrian Health Professional Register, which is a formal acknowledgment of your compliance with Austrian healthcare standards. This step is crucial for both employers and patients, confirming that you meet the professional and ethical standards of the country. Additionally, you'll need to secure a job offer, which serves as proof of your professional capabilities and forms the basis for subsequent immigration and work permit applications. It's important to tailor your application to meet the specific requirements of Austrian healthcare employers, and online portals and recruitment agencies can be valuable resources in your job search. These steps will help set you on the path to working as a nurse in Austria, offering you a blend of professional growth and cultural enrichment in one of Europe's most beautiful settings.

Getting a Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence permit for third-country nationals (those outside the EU) who want to work as skilled employees in Austria and stay in the country on a permanent basis. There are seven subcategories of the Red-White-Red Card, each with its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Here are the details on getting the Red-White-Red Card as a nurse in Austria:

Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations

Nursing is considered a shortage occupation in Austria, and registered nurses, nursing assistant level 2, and nursing assistant level 1 are all eligible for this type of Red-White-Red Card. To apply, you will need to prove the following:

• Completed professional training as a registered nurse or nursing assistant.
• A binding job offer in Austria.
• A specified minimum number of points within the context of the point system ("Punkteschema").

Validation or Nostrification of Training Completed Abroad

If you completed your nursing training abroad, your qualifications will need to be recognised in Austria. The process of validation or nostrification will depend on the country where you obtained your training:

• For training from a third country (non-EU/EEA country), the universities of applied sciences are responsible for nostrification.
• The Office of the Provincial Government of the respective federal province in Austria is responsible for the validation process.
• If you completed your training in an EU member state or had your training recognised in an EU country, the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is the responsible body.

Application Process

Before applying for the Red-White-Red Card, you must decide where you want to live in Austria, as there are different branches of the Immigration Authority. This decision is important because changing your place of residence later on is complicated and not recommended. You will also need to find suitable accommodation and declare your main residence upon arriving in Austria and before picking up your residence permit.

To apply for the Red-White-Red Card, you will typically need to submit the following documents:

• Passport photo fulfilling EU criteria (not older than six months).
• Qualification-related documents: updated CV, proof of qualifications or education (university diploma, etc.), proof of professional experience (references, etc.), and language certificates if required.
• Employer documents: Employer's Declaration, detailed job description, and information on the skilled worker's classification according to the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
• Police Clearance Certificate ("Strafregisterbescheinigung"), not older than 3 months.

Please note that additional documents may be required, and the specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances. The processing time for the Red-White-Red Card can take several months, and the card is typically valid for up to 2 years.

German language proficiency

To work as a nurse in Austria, you must have proficiency in German as it is the primary language used in healthcare settings. The level of language proficiency you need depends on your role and responsibilities. For example, nursing assistants need to be at a B1 level, while registered nurses need to be at a B2 level.

German language skills are a regulatory requirement and are crucial for effective communication with patients and colleagues. To achieve this level of proficiency, you may need to attend language courses and pass a recognised language test. This ensures that you can immigrate to Austria as a nurse.

The website of the Vienna Healthcare Group states that:

> The faster you improve your German skills and pass the language tests, the sooner you can start your career as a registered nurse – and thus earn a higher salary.

The website also mentions that German language courses are included in their free training programmes for nurses.

Additionally, non-Austrian nurses must provide proof of German language proficiency at a B2 level when registering in the Austrian Health Professional Register. This register is a pivotal step for people wishing to immigrate to Austria as nurses.

Registration in the Health Professional Register

Registration in the Austrian Health Professional Register is a crucial step for anyone wishing to work as a nurse in Austria. This process can only begin once your nursing qualifications, whether acquired in Austria or abroad, have been recognised by the Austrian authorities. Registration is a formal acknowledgement of your compliance with Austrian healthcare standards and regulations. It is a significant marker of your qualification and eligibility to provide healthcare services in the country.

The registration process involves submitting your personal information, professional credentials, evidence of German language proficiency, and other necessary documentation to the Austrian health authorities. Being listed in this national database is essential for maintaining the quality of healthcare services, ensuring patient safety, and upholding high healthcare standards in Austria. This registration enhances nurses' professional standing and mobility within the Austrian healthcare sector.

For nurses who have trained outside of Austria, the recognition of qualifications is a separate process that must precede registration. The recognition process may involve additional tests or adaptation periods, depending on where and how you were trained. The validation of qualifications completed abroad falls under the responsibility of various bodies, including universities of applied sciences, the Office of the Provincial Government of the respective federal province, and the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection.

Once your qualifications have been recognised, you can proceed with the registration in the Health Professional Register. This registration is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years. If the registration is not renewed, the nurse loses their right to work in Austria. After successful registration, you will receive an identification card confirming your eligibility to work as a nurse in Austria, which also serves as a valid form of identification.

For non-Austrian nurses, the following documents must be submitted for registration with the relevant authority:

• Proof of professional qualification as a nurse (e.g. nursing diploma, bachelor's certificate). This document must be translated and notarised.
• Nostrification decisions or certificates of recognition.
• Proof of completion of special or specialised training (e.g. critical care diploma). These documents must be translated and notarised.
• Proof of identity (e.g. passport, identity card).
• Proof of trustworthiness (e.g. a criminal record certificate), not older than three months at the time of application.
• Proof of health status (medical certificate), not older than three months at the time of application.
• Proof of German language skills at level B2.

Temporary work permission

The temporary work permission is part of the overall process of obtaining a work visa and immigrating to Austria as a nurse. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Secure a Job Offer

Obtaining a job offer is critical when deciding to immigrate to Austria as a nurse. This involves a proactive job search, targeting healthcare institutions where your skills are most needed. Since nursing is often recognised as a shortage occupation in Austria, skilled nurses are in high demand. A job offer not only proves your professional capabilities but also forms the basis for subsequent immigration and work permit applications.

For your job search, you can utilise online portals such as Karriere.at, StepStone Austria, and Indeed Austria, which frequently list nursing positions. Healthcare recruitment agencies like EPSN Workforce, Trenkwalder, and Headcount Solutions are valuable resources. It is essential to tailor your application to meet the specific requirements of Austrian healthcare employers.

Step 2: Red-White-Red Card Application

The Red-White-Red Card is a special work visa issued by the Public Employment Service (Arbeitsmarktservice, AMS) for skilled workers in shortage occupations, including nursing. To apply, you must present a binding job offer in Austria and meet the criteria set out in the Austrian points system, which assesses factors like professional experience and language skills.

Step 3: German Language Proficiency

Proficiency in German is essential for nursing professionals in Austria, as it is the primary language in healthcare settings. Depending on your role and responsibilities, you must demonstrate language competence, typically at a B1 or B2 level. Achieving this level of proficiency may require attending language courses and passing a recognised language test.

Step 4: Registration in the Health Professional Register

Registration in the Austrian Health Professional Register is pivotal for people wishing to immigrate to Austria as nurses. This process commences once your nursing qualifications, whether acquired in Austria or abroad, are recognised. The registration formally acknowledges your compliance with Austrian healthcare standards and regulations and confirms to employers and patients that you meet the professional and ethical standards expected in the country.

Step 5: Temporary Work Permission

With temporary work permission, you can work in a supervised role within the Austrian healthcare system. This permission is granted while you await the full recognition of your qualifications by the Austrian authorities. It allows you to gain practical experience and integrate into the local healthcare environment, showcasing your adaptability and commitment to potential employers.

Additional Information

• The salary of nurses in Austria can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, the type of healthcare facility, and the region. The average salary typically ranges from approximately €30,000 to €45,000 per year.
• Foreign-trained nurses must have their qualifications recognised by Austrian authorities and typically need to demonstrate German proficiency.
• Non-EU/EEA citizens require a work permit and visa, usually sponsored by an Austrian employer, and professional registration with the Austrian Health Professionals Association.
• The recognition process for foreign qualifications has been streamlined, and nurses now have easier access to the Red-White-Red Card for work permits.
• The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection is a key body responsible for recognising training completed abroad.
• The website "Nursing in Austria" is a useful resource for nurses/nursing assistants who completed their education abroad and wish to work in Austria.

Finding a job offer

To find a job offer as a nurse in Austria, you must first ensure that you meet the necessary requirements. These include having your professional qualifications recognised and registered by the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection in the Health Professions Register ("Gesundheitsberuferegister"). Additionally, you will need a residence permit in Austria, known as the Red-White-Red Card, and German language skills at levels B1 or B2, depending on your role.

Once you have ensured that you meet these requirements, you can begin your job search. A proactive approach is best, targeting healthcare institutions where your skills are most needed. Online portals such as Karriere.at, StepStone Austria, and Indeed Austria frequently list nursing positions, and healthcare recruitment agencies like EPSN Workforce, Trenkwalder, and Headcount Solutions can also be valuable resources. Networking, attending job fairs, and connecting with professional associations are also effective strategies.

When applying for positions, it is essential to tailor your application to meet the specific requirements of Austrian healthcare employers. This may include highlighting your relevant qualifications, experience, and language skills.

It is worth noting that nursing is often recognised as a shortage occupation in Austria, and skilled nurses are in high demand. This means that finding a job offer is not usually difficult for those who meet the necessary requirements. However, it is still important to put time and effort into your job search and application process to maximise your chances of success.

Overall, by following these steps and staying persistent, you should be able to successfully find a job offer as a nurse in Austria.

Frequently asked questions