Job Hunting In Austria: Easy Or Difficult?

Austria is known for its high quality of life and thriving work environment, making it a great option for working abroad. The country offers a secure and pleasant atmosphere, a robust social security system, and a strategic location in the heart of Europe. With its strong agricultural, green, service, and tourism sectors, as well as a growing foreign trade, Austria presents attractive job opportunities, especially in fields like ICT, metal technology, electrical engineering, and life sciences.

However, the ease of finding a job in Austria depends on several factors, including language skills, qualifications, work experience, and visa requirements. While English-speaking jobs are available, particularly in international companies, startups, research institutions, hospitality, and some tech fields, learning German can significantly improve one's job prospects. Additionally, Austria has specific requirements for work visas and residence permits, which vary for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and non-EU/EEA citizens.

Job requirements and language skills

Language Requirements

German is the official language of Austria, and proficiency in the language is a requirement for most employers. However, some employers may hire English-speaking employees for more specialised roles such as professors, English teachers, software developers, or marketing specialists.

German language proficiency is also a requirement for third-country nationals immigrating to Austria or looking to remain in the country. The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) is responsible for issuing German language certificates, which are divided into six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. German language skills up to a B2 level are relevant for immigration and residence in Austria.

Job Requirements

Austria has a strong agricultural, green, service, and tourism sector, as well as a growing foreign trade. Energy, financial services, telecoms, and real estate companies are among the country's top employers.

For the year 2025, there are several occupations deemed as shortage professions, including:

• Graduates in power engineering
• Technicians and engineers for power engineering technology
• Special power engineers
• Engineers for agricultural machinery
• Technicians with a higher level of training for mechanical engineering
• Roofers
• Graduates in weak-current and telecommunications engineering
• Milling machinists
• Cost accountants
• Technicians for fuel and gas technology
• Graduate nurses
• Metal turners
• Black toppers
• Graduate mechanical engineers
• Graduate engineers for data processing
• Electrical installers and electrical fitters
• Technicians for mechanical engineering
• Special graduate engineers
• Train drivers, locomotive drivers, and locomotive stokers
• Varnishers
• Motor vehicle mechanics
• Special technicians for low-voltage engineering and communication engineering
• Special technicians in business administration
• Medical technology specialists
• Certified public accountants
• Carpenters
• Technicians with a higher education for civil engineering
• Building plumbers
• Construction and furniture joiners
• Machine fitters
• Vehicle body and radiator sheet metal workers
• Blacksmiths and carriage builders
• Pavers
• Building fitters, sheet metal fitters, and construction fitters
• Concrete fitters
• Midwives
• Technicians for weak-current and telecommunications engineering
• Butchers
• Plastics processors
• Physical-technical special professions
• Accountants
• Restaurant chefs
• Special technicians for data processing
• Toolmakers, cutters, and punchmakers
• Floor and wall tilers
• Stove fitters, potters, and stove makers
• Procurement managers
• Construction joiners
• Civil engineering specialists
• Chimney sweepers
• Special technicians for civil engineering
• Automat and machine operators/adjusters
• Retailers and sales clerks of perfumes, washing and household articles, paints, and varnishes
• Florists and flower arrangers
• Wood machine workers
• Confectioners
• Special railroad professions
• Estate managers, other hotel and restaurant professionals, and residence managers
• Forwarding specialists
• Denture technicians
• Billing clerks and billing accountants
• Graduate engineers for engineering physics and physicists
• Special technicians for surveying
• Electric professions
• Professions in mechanical metal working
• Coffee product makers and other food manufacturers
• Graduate civil engineers
• Bricklayers
• Bakers
• Childcare workers
• Manufacturers of metal goods and assembly workers
• Non-graduate nurse practitioners and related professions
• Social scientists, economists, and scientific statisticians
• Glaziers
• Track layers
• Hairdressers and makeup artists
• Painters and house painters
• Technical draftsmen
• Cosmeticians, manicurists, and pedicurists
• Insurance agents/representatives
• Dietitians
• Stone masons and stone sculptors
• Conductors and train supervisors
• Masseurs and masseuses
• Furniture makers
• Warehouse and storage experts
• Business managers and administrators
• Graduate engineers for technical chemistry and chemists
• Welfare workers and social workers
• Bus drivers
• School bus drivers
• Professional truck drivers
• Tram drivers

Work Permits

According to the Austrian government, as of March 2023, the most common work visa that third-country nationals, including Indians, apply for is the Red-White-Red Card. It is a 12-month work visa for people belonging to one of the following groups:

• Very highly qualified workers: Those who score 70 points or more on Austria's eligibility criteria, including having a four-year degree, relevant work experience, and German or English language skills.
• Skilled workers in shortage occupations: A list of shortage occupations is created annually by the Federal Minister of Labour and Economics.
• Start-up founders: Applicants must have a company that can launch products, services, or processing methods in Austria and meet certain investment and equity requirements.
• Graduates of Austrian universities and universities of applied sciences: Student visa holders can renew their visa for another 12 months upon graduation to apply for relevant positions.
• Regular workers in tourism, agriculture, and forestry: Applicants must have at least seven months of recent experience in one of these industries and German language skills at an A2 level.
• Self-employed key workers: Those whose self-employed occupation creates macroeconomic benefits, such as investing a minimum of €100,000 in the Austrian economy.
• Other key workers: There are minimum earning requirements, which vary based on age.

Work visas and permits

If you are a citizen of a country within the EU/EEA, you can work in Austria without a visa for up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a registration certificate. Failure to do so could result in a 200 EUR fine.

If you are not an EU citizen, you will need a work visa to work in Austria. There are different types of visas available, depending on your situation.

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence and work permit for third-country nationals. It is issued for a period of up to 24 months and allows the holder to work for a specified employer. To be eligible, you must score a minimum of 70 points on a list of criteria, including qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age. You can apply for this card either before you arrive in Austria or after you have entered the country.

If you do not yet have a job offer, you can apply for a six-month Job-Seeker Visa. To be eligible, you must also score a minimum of 70 points on the criteria list.

For shorter stays, you can apply for a Travel Visa (Visa C) or a Residence Visa (Visa D). A Visa C is for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period, while a Visa D is for stays between 91 days and six months. In some cases, a Visa D may be issued for up to 12 months.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country that has reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, you are exempt from applying for a visa to enter Austria, but if you have been rejected from entering Austria or any other Schengen country visa-free, you will need to apply for a visa.

Citizens of non-EU countries can apply for work permits in three different ways: a restricted work permit (Beschäftigungsbewilligung), which lasts for one year; a two-year work permit (Arbeitserlaubnis); or an unrestricted five-year work permit (Befreiungsschein). These permits must be applied for in sequence.

For non-EU residents, a work permit will require a lot of supporting documentation, which must be submitted in German to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). The approval process typically takes about seven weeks. If approved, future employees are required to get a visa application from their usual country of residence. Work permits must be applied for by the prospective employer.

Job-seeking tips

Language skills

If you speak German, finding a job in Austria will be much easier. German is the official language of Austria, and most employers require candidates to be proficient in German. However, there are certain job sectors where English may be more commonly used, such as in international companies, startups, research institutions, hospitality, and some tech-related fields. Basic German proficiency will still be useful for your day-to-day life and can help streamline your job search.

Qualifications and skills

Austrian employers seek candidates with strong qualifications and skills that meet their requirements. If you are from an EU or EEA country, your qualifications will likely be recognized in Austria. If you are from a non-EU country, you may need to get a nostrification in Austria to validate your foreign degree. Additionally, consider assessing your strengths and weaknesses to determine if your skills align with the country's current shortages, as this can make it easier to obtain a work visa.

Job search strategy

To find job opportunities in Austria, start by exploring online job boards, social media channels, and printed publications. You can also attend job fairs and networking events to connect with potential employers. Utilize the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS), which offers web tools and an online platform to help you explore different career paths and find job vacancies. If you are an EU/EEA resident, you can also use the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) to view job vacancies before arriving in Austria.

Application process

When applying for jobs in Austria, ensure that your CV and cover letter are tailored to the specific job description. Austrian CVs typically include a professional photo, personal information, educational background, work experience, and relevant skills or qualifications. Keep your cover letter concise and emphasize your German language skills if applicable. If you are unsure about the structure of your application, consult the Austrian government website or use a CV builder.

Work permits and visas

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you can work in Austria without a separate work permit. However, if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will typically need a work visa and residence permit. The type of work permit or visa you need will depend on your country of origin, job type, duration, and qualifications. For highly qualified workers, the Red-White-Red Card is a common option. If you are unsure, consult the Austrian government website or seek advice from WORK in AUSTRIA, a free point of contact for specialists seeking employment in the country.

In-demand jobs

Austria's job market relies heavily on industries such as building and construction, tourism, motor vehicle production, electronics, food, and transportation. The country's economy is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, and there are several sectors that offer year-round employment opportunities. Here are some of the in-demand jobs in Austria:

Tourism Clerks

Austria's service-oriented economy has a constant demand for employees in the tourism and hospitality sectors, which are also major contributors to the country's economy. The average salary of a tourism clerk in Austria is €32,603 per year.

Chefs

Chefs are in high demand in Austria, with over 170 open job positions currently listed on LinkedIn. The average salary for a chef in Austria is €2,450 per month.

Software Engineers

Software engineering is a highly demanded occupation worldwide and is also one of the highest-paying jobs in Austria. Software engineers in Austria can earn an average salary of €50,246 per year.

Engineers

Austria is a great destination for engineers, particularly those in mechanical and industrial manufacturing. Engineers in Austria can expect to earn an average salary of €59,793 per year.

Doctors

Healthcare is among the highest-paying jobs in Austria and is one of the most in-demand occupations in the nation. Doctors in Austria can expect an average annual salary between €60,000 and €130,000.

Marketing Managers

Austria is a prime trade destination in Europe, with thriving trade and e-commerce businesses. Marketing managers in Austria can expect an average annual salary of €59,723.

Advertising and Public Relations

The media, culture, and entertainment sectors are becoming increasingly significant in the Austrian economy, leading to a rise in employment in the online media sector. Professionals in advertising and public relations can expect an average annual salary of €78,984.

Nurses

Nursing is one of the most in-demand occupations in Austria, second only to doctors. Registered nurses in Austria earn an average annual salary between €45,817 and €80,000.

Technicians

Technicians are in high demand across various sectors in Austria. The average annual salary for technicians is €56,047.

Administrative Assistants

Administrative assistants are important in Austria, with vacancies available in various organizations, industries, and workplaces. However, fluency in German may be required for these positions. The average annual salary for administrative assistants is €35,000.

Work culture and conditions

Austria is a nation that prides itself on a solid work-life balance. With a high proportion of public holidays and generous holiday schemes, the country is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. The country's employment law is extremely well-structured and easy to understand.

Work Culture

Austrians are very pragmatic when it comes to business communication. The form or language of the communication is not as important as the meaning and message of the communication itself. Austrians prefer collaboration instead of bossing. The opinion of every stakeholder should be heard and seriously considered.

Austrians prefer to do their job without the hassle and hate stress. If there is a solution to the problem or challenge that requires a longer time to be applied, then why make the stress? It will be done anyway.

Austrians are also very open to communication and almost every company, including small ones, organizes various celebrations throughout the year, such as summer festivals, Christmas or end-of-the-year parties.

Working Hours

The average working week in Austria is around 40 hours, with a maximum of 48 hours as per federal regulations. The working day is typically from 9 am to 5 pm, with an hour for lunch. Austrians often start earlier, with many sitting at their desks by 8 am. An eight-hour workday is standard, and lunch breaks are given by law.

Work-Life Balance

The family forms the basis of the Austrian social structure. Weekends are devoted to family activities and Sundays are usually marked for visiting grandparents for dinner or enjoying a hike in the country together. Eating dinner together in the evening is very much the norm in Austrian families. Therefore, a key issue for Austrians is flexible working time.

Some companies like IBM offer activities in the workplace, such as yoga or massage, to help employees find their inner balance and be relaxed at work. Furthermore, the government supports maternity/paternity leave or reduced working hours to fit in with family commitments.

Business Culture

The business community in Austria is very political. Everyone is careful about what they say to or about anyone else. Business is conducted at a slow pace, and in more traditional companies, everything is run by committees, and things are discussed at great length.

Austria has a well-defined and strictly observed hierarchy, with clear responsibilities and distinctions between roles and departments. Professional rank and status are generally based on an individual's achievement and expertise in a given field. Academic titles and backgrounds are important and convey an individual's expertise and knowledge of their particular area of work.

Employment Contracts

Interestingly, a written employment contract or statement of employment terms is not necessary to secure a job in Austria. An oral agreement is acceptable between two parties. In Austria, collective agreements are legally binding contracts that represent both the employer and the employee. They create a balance of interests between employees and employers by establishing minimum working conditions.

Wages and Salaries

Austria has no national minimum wage. Instead, the minimum salary for employees is set out in the respective collective agreements, which depend on the industry. The average annual salary in Austria is approximately €48,000. The average gross annual income of workers in full-time employment in 2022 was €32,834.

Leave and Benefits

Under Austrian employment law, employees get the benefit of one of the most generous annual leave entitlements in the world. Workers get 25 days' paid holiday per year, which rises to 30 days after 25 years of service. There are also 13 paid public holidays every year. Furthermore, employers must pay employees their holiday pay before the holiday period begins.

In addition, Austria offers a high-level, contribution-based social security system that supports everyone who is gainfully employed, as well as their dependents. Social security covers areas such as maternity/paternity/parental benefits and disability/work accident/survivors benefits.

Health and Safety

As per the ArbeitnehmerInnenschutzgesetz (Safety and Protection of Health at Work Act), employers are responsible for preventative measures for health and safety in the workplace. When necessary, an employer should consult a health and safety expert or occupational physician. The Labor Inspectorate oversees compliance.

Under Austrian employment law, in a workplace with more than 10 employees, a company must appoint a health and safety representative. In workplaces with more than 100 employees, a health and safety committee should also be set up.

Frequently asked questions