Working In Austria: A Guide To Getting Started

Austria is a highly desirable destination for job seekers, with its scenic landscapes, vibrant culture, and varied job market. The country boasts high wages, with a national minimum wage of €1,500 per month, and employees enjoy generous benefits such as five weeks of vacation time per year. In addition to its high quality of life and salaries, Austria is known for its beautiful natural scenery and multicultural environment. The country offers something for everyone, from culture enthusiasts to winter sports lovers.

However, to successfully gain employment in Austria, candidates need to be well-prepared. This includes meeting national requirements, such as holding the correct visa, and familiarising oneself with the German language, which is the country's working language. In this guide, we will explore the necessary requirements, visas, job market, and unique advantages of working in Austria.

Job market and sectors

Austria's job market relies on industries such as building and construction, tourism, motor vehicle production, electronics, food, and transportation. The textile industry is also key to the country's financial stability. Austria has the 12th largest economy in the world, although there are concerns about a potential worker shortage.

Vienna, the capital, has ample job opportunities in industries like research, IT, tourism, and the service sector. The demand for new talent is high, and companies have even held job fairs to attract refugees. Job opportunities for foreigners are in plentiful supply.

English speakers can find jobs in Austria, but German is the national language, and outside of the cities, English is little spoken. German is also the working language of many offices, so demonstrating proficiency in German will increase your chances of getting a job. German language skills are also needed for certain steps in the process of becoming self-employed in Austria.

The average monthly net salary in Austria is €1,848 EUR, and the average monthly gross salary is €2,688 EUR. There is no nationwide agreed-upon minimum wage, but in 2017, social partners agreed to implement a monthly gross minimum wage of €1,500 EUR for all sectors by 2020.

The most common jobs in Austria can be found in the service sector, although there is still a large industrial presence. The most common jobs for foreign workers are in the following sectors: building and construction, tourism, motor vehicle production, electronics, food, transportation, and textiles.

Visas and permits

The type of visa or permit you will need to work in Austria depends on your nationality and qualifications. If you are a citizen of the EU or EEA, you can live and work in Austria without a special work permit or visa. If you are from outside the EU or EEA, you are considered a third-country national and will need a Red-White-Red Card to work in Austria. This card allows qualified workers to stay and work for a specific company in Austria for 24 months. To get this card, you must have health insurance that covers all risks in Austria, proof of accommodation, and proof of a secure livelihood. You must also earn a minimum monthly salary, which varies depending on your family situation. For example, as of January 1, 2019, single persons must earn at least 933 EUR per month, while married couples must earn at least 1,399 EUR.

If you do not already have a job offer, you can apply for a job-seeker visa, which is valid for a maximum of six months. This visa is tailored to highly qualified workers and requires you to achieve 70 out of 100 points on a list of criteria, including factors such as higher education, language level, and special qualifications. The application process can take several months, and you must apply at the diplomatic mission in your country before arriving in Austria. If you are allowed to enter Austria without a visa, you do not need a job-seeker visa. If you find a job during your legal visa-free stay, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card while in Austria.

Another option for workers from outside the EU or EEA is the EU Blue Card. This card is assigned to applicants who already have a firm job offer from an Austrian company and a university degree. It is valid for up to two years and facilitates working in other EU countries. Like the Red-White-Red Card, it is tied to a specific job and company.

Language and culture

Austria is a German-speaking country, and while you may get by in English in the cities, it is highly recommended that you learn at least some German before you start looking for a job. German is the working language of many offices nationwide, and some companies will ask for German language skills as a requirement for employment.

If you are applying for a job in Austria, you will need to submit an application letter and a CV. It is customary to include a professional photo of yourself in the top right-hand corner of your CV, along with your signature at the end of the document. Your CV should be up to date, with accurate and concise descriptions of your work experience and qualifications. It is also advisable to have your CV in German if possible.

Austrians value punctuality and formality, so it is best to dress conservatively and arrive early for any interviews. The average working week is 40 hours, but this can go up to 48 hours. Lunch breaks are legally required, and employees are given a generous five weeks of vacation time per year.

Austria is known for its vibrant, multicultural environment and beautiful natural landscape. It is a hotspot for culture lovers and winter sports enthusiasts, with plenty to do in your downtime.

CV and applications

To apply for jobs in Austria, you can either look for a job directly or hire a recruitment agency. If you are applying for a specific position, you must submit your application documents, highlighting your experience and qualifications. Austrian companies typically require a CV and an application letter.

Your CV should be one or two pages long and include a professional photo of yourself in the top right corner, along with your signature at the end. Include your contact information, such as your home address, phone number, email address, and date of birth. It is also advisable to have your CV in German, although this is not necessary for every job. Ensure your CV is up-to-date, concise, and free of spelling mistakes.

Regarding the content of your CV, start by listing your educational background, including any college, university, or higher studies. Mention other relevant training, qualifications, and certificates. Then, outline your work experience, focusing on roles relevant to the position you're applying for. If you have limited work experience, you can include voluntary positions that demonstrate transferable skills. Additionally, you can briefly mention your hobbies and interests, especially those related to the job.

If you are an EU/EEA resident, you can utilise the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) to explore job vacancies in Austria before your arrival. The WORK in AUSTRIA TALENT HUB is another useful platform where you can create a profile with a CV in German and English to attract Austrian companies. This platform also advertises job opportunities specifically targeting international specialists.

Salary and benefits

There is no federal minimum wage in Austria, but a series of collective bargaining agreements have effectively established a base rate for salaries. This means that while there is no official minimum wage, workers in Austria are still protected. The Austrian government has also asked social partners to negotiate a minimum wage that would apply to all industries in the country. As a result, there is now effectively a minimum wage of €1,500 a month. This minimum wage covers basic salary, overtime payments, bonuses, and idle-time compensation.

The median salary in Austria is about €2,182 per month. The median income for full-time employees working all year round in 2020 was €40,415 for women and €46,292 for men. Salaries can vary greatly depending on your sector and where you live. For example, salaries in the agriculture sector average €2,041 per month, while those in banking average €2,983. Salaries in Vienna are lower than in other parts of Austria, with a median gross yearly salary of €28,511.

In addition to the monthly salary, many companies make special payments to their employees, including a 13th and 14th monthly salary, as well as holiday pay, holiday and Christmas bonuses. These special payments are based on collective wage agreements.

Social security contributions (including unemployment, health, and pension insurance) and income tax are paid jointly by employees and employers. The share of the gross salary paid by the employee is around 40%, while the employer pays 59.88%.

The holiday entitlement for full-time employees is 30 days for a 6-day working week and 25 days for a 5-day working week per working year. After completing 25 years of service, the holiday entitlement increases to 36 or 30 days. Employees are also entitled to paid leave in the event of illness, personal incapacity to work, or carer's leave if they need to care for a family member.

Frequently asked questions