Don’t miss this opportunity to Live and Work in Austria. This “Jobs in Austria” program being organized by the Austrian Government opens up huge opportunity for immigrants as they are presently in shortage of Workers.
Austria covers an area of 83,878 square kilometres with a population of 8,979,894 residents (as of 1 January 2022), including 1,587,251 foreign citizens (17.1 % of total population). In 2021, an average of 2,240.3 million people with migration background lived in Austria, that is 25.4% of the entire population.
Vienna is Austria’s most densely populated province with 4.657 residents per square kilometre and Carinthia the least densely populated province with 59.2 inhabitants per square kilometre. The average life expectancy is for woman 84.2 years and for man 79.5 years.
Austria is bordered by Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Italy.
Austria is a federal state comprised of nine provinces below; each province has its own capital:
- Burgenland
- Eisenstadt
- Carinthia
- Klagenfurt
- Lower Austria
- St. Pölten
- Upper Austria
- Linz
- Salzburg
- Styria
- Graz
- Tyrol
- Innsbruck
- Vorarlberg
- Bregenz
- Vienna
Economy
The Austrian economy is back on the rise again after the pandemic-induced historic decline in 2020. In 2021 the GDP rose by 4.5 % in real terms, according to preliminary calculations. The GDP at current prices was about € 403.4 bn in 2021, equalling a value of € 45,043 per inhabitant. (source: Statistik Austria).
The Austrian economic structure is mainly dominated by small and medium enterprises. The most important industrial branches are:
- Food industries
- Machine and steel industry
- Chemical and vehicle industry
- Electric and electronic industry
- Wood and paper industry
Climate
Austria has a typical central European transitional climate, i.e. warm summers, cold winters and adequate precipitation.
Additionally, there are two distinct climatic regions in Austria:
The east shows a Pannonian climate (warm to hot summers, relatively low precipitation and cold winters).
The central Alpine region has the characteristic features of the Alpine climate (more precipitation in summer compared to the east and long winters with heavy snowfall).
Languages
- German is the official language of Austria and an important prerequisite for participating in the working, economic and social life of the country.
- Croatian, Slovenian and Hungarian are recognised as official languages of autonomous population groups in some regions.
- English is taught as the first foreign language at most schools.
Culture and religion
There are all kinds of private registered societies and associations throughout Austria (culture, sports, social clubs, etc.). Information on associations can be found at municipal offices or the Magistrat offices (administration authority in cities) and on the website of the Ministry for the Interior.
All over Austria, you will find extensive cultural choices and sports facilities. Daily newspapers and special agendas provide information on current cultural and sporting events.
In recent years, Vienna was elected “Metropolis with the highest standard of living world-wide” several times in a row (Mercer study).
Austrian culture is greatly influenced by the centuries-long Catholic tradition. Daily life and legislation are however strictly secular. Social cohesion and tolerance are of the highest significance in Austrian society.
In Austria there is religious freedom. According to a population census in 2001, the larger part of the Austrian population professes to be of Roman Catholic faith (around three quarters). This group is followed by persons without religious faith, Protestants, Muslims and members of the Christian Orthodox faith.
Here you can find the list of Austria-wide shortage professions/occupations for 2023:
1. Graduates in power engineering (DiplomingenieurInnen für Starkstromtechnik)
2. Engineers for agricultural machinery (LandmaschinenbauerInnen)
3. Special(ist) power engineers (TechnikerInnen für Starkstromtechnik)
4. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for power engineering technology (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für Starkstromtechnik)
5. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for data processing (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für Datenverarbeitung)
6. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for mechanical engineering (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für Maschinenbau)
7. Graduates in weak-current and telecommunications engineering (DiplomingenieurInnen für Schwachstrom- und Nachrichtentechnik)
8. Graduate engineers for data processing (DiplomingenieurInnen für Datenverarbeitung)
9. Roofers (DachdeckerInnen)
10. Black toppers (SchwarzdeckerInnen)
11. Metal turners (DreherInnen)
12. Cost accountants (Kalkulanten/Kalkulantinnen)
13. Graduate mechanical engineers (DiplomingenieurInnen für Maschinenbau)
14. Milling machinists (FräserInnen)
15. Ophthalmic opticians (AugenoptikerInnen)
16. Special graduate engineers (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.), soweit nicht anderweitig eingeordnet)
17. Graduate nurses (Diplomierte/r Gesundheits- und KrankenpflegerInnen)
18. Electrical installers, electrical fitters (Elektroinstallateure/Elektroinstallateurinnen, Elektromonteure/Elektromonteurinnen)
19. Welders, cutting torch operators (SchweißerInnen, SchneidbrennerInnen)
20. Specialist technicians for mechanical engineering (TechnikerInnen für Maschinenbau)
21. Technicians with a higher level of training (engineer) for technical chemistry, chemical engineers (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für technische Chemie, Chemotechniker)
22. Pipe installers, pipe fitters (Rohrinstallateure/Rohrinstallateurinnen, Rohrmonteure/Rohrmonteurinnen)
23. Carpenters (Zimmerer/Zimmerinnen)
24. Special fitters (SchlosserInnen)
25. Physicians (Ärzte/Ärztinnen)
26. Concrete fitters (BetonbauerInnen)
27. Special fitters (SpenglerInnen)
28. Graduate engineers – special professions (DiplomingenieurInnen, soweit nicht anderweitig eingeordnet)
29. Construction joiners (BautischlerInnen)
30. Technicians with a higher education (engineer) for civil engineering (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für Bauwesen)
31. Construction and furniture joiners (Bau- und MöbeltischlerInnen)
32. Varnishers (LackiererInnen)
33. Floor and wall tilers (Platten-, FliesenlegerInnen)
34. Technicians for fuel and gas technology (TechnikerInnen für Feuerungs- und Gastechnik)
35. Payroll accountants (Lohn-, GehaltsverrechnerInnen)
36. Special technicians for low voltage engineering and communication engineering (TechnikerInnen für Schwachstrom- und Nachrichtentechnik)
37. Pavers (Pflasterer/Pflasterinnen)
38. Certified public accountants (WirtschaftstreuhänderInnen)
39. Restaurant chefs (Gaststättenköche/Gaststättenköchinnen)
40. Special floor layers (BodenlegerInnen)
41. Motor vehicle mechanics (KraftfahrzeugmechanikerInnen)
42. Blacksmiths and carriage builders (Huf- und Wagenschmiede/Huf- und Wagenschmiedinnen)
43. Machine fitters (MaschinenschlosserInnen)
44. Special technicians (TechnikerInnen, soweit nicht anderweitig eingeordnet)
45. Special technicians in business administration (TechnikerInnen für Wirtschaftswesen)
46. Medical technology specialists (Medizinisch-technische Fachkräfte)
47. Dealers and sales clerks for iron and metal goods, domestic and kitchen appliances (HändlerInnen und VerkäuferInnen von Eisen- und Metallwaren, Maschinen, Haushalts- und Küchengeräte)
48. Engineers / technicians for rough mechanicals (GrobmechanikerInnen)
49. Building plumbers (BauspenglerInnen)
50. Building fitters, sheet metal fitters, construction fitters (Bau-, Blech-, KonstruktionsschlosserInnen)
51. Coffee product makers and other food manufacturers (Kaffeemittel-, andere NahrungsmittelherstellerInnen)
52. Technicians with a higher education (engineer) in business administration (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für Wirtschaftswesen)
53. Toolmakers, cutters and punchmakers (Werkzeug-, Schnitt- und StanzenmacherInnen)
54. Vehicle body and radiator sheet metal workers (Karosserie-, KühlerspenglerInnen)
55. Wood machine workers (HolzmaschinenarbeiterInnen)
56. Special(ist) technicians for data processing (TechnikerInnen für Datenverarbeitung)
57. Butchers (FleischerInnen)
58. Electrical mechanics (ElektromechanikerInnen)
59. Florists, flower arrangers (NaturblumenbinderInnen)
60. civil engineering specialists (TiefbauerInnen)
61. Graduates in business administration (DiplomingenieurInnen für Wirtschaftswesen)
62. Technicians for weak-current and telecommunications engineering (TechnikerInnen mit höherer Ausbildung (Ing.) für Schwachstrom- und Nachrichtentechnik)
63. Accountants (BuchhalterInnen)
64. Special technicians for civil engineering (TechnikerInnen für Bauwesen)
65. Bricklayers (MaurerInnen)
66. Procurement managers (EinkäuferInnen)
67. Technicians for agriculture, wine-growing and horticulture (TechnikerInnen f. Landwirtschaft, Wein- u. Gartenbau)
68. Plastics processors (KunststoffverarbeiterInnen)
69.Glaziers (GlaserInnen)
70. Estate managers, other hotel and restaurant professionals, residence managers (WirtschafterInnen, andere Hotel-, Gaststättenfachleute, HeimverwalterInnen)
71. Graduate civil engineers (DiplomingenieurInnen für Bauwesen)
72. Denture technicians (ZahnprothesenmacherInnen)
73. Department store sales clerks (WarenhausverkäuferInnen)
74. Forwarding specialists (Speditionsfachleute)
75. Stove fitters, potters, stove makers (HafnerInnen, TöpferInnen, OfensetzerInnen)
76. Confectioners (ZuckerbäckerInnen)
77. Graduate Engineers for Engineering Physics, Physicists (DiplomingenieurInnen für technische Physik, PhysikerInnen)
78. Physical-technical Special Professions (Physikalisch-technische Sonderberufe)
79. Automat and machine operators/adjusters (Automaten-, MaschineneinrichterInnen, -einstellerInnen)
80. Manufacturers of metal goods, assembly workers (MetallwarenmacherInnen, -montiererInnen)
81. Painters, house painters (MalerInnen, AnstreicherInnen)
82. Professions in mechanical metal working (Berufe der maschinellen Metallbearbeitung)
83. Billing clerks, billing accountants (FakturistInnen, AbrechnerInnen)
84. Bakers (BäckerInnen)
85. Technical draftsmen (Technische ZeichnerInnen)
86. Chimney sweepers (RauchfangkehrerInnen)
87. Furniture makers (MöbeltischlerInnen)
88. Special technicians for surveying (TechnikerInnen für Vermessungswesen)
89. Dealers and sales clerks of perfumes, washing and houshold articles, paints, varnishes (HändlerInnen und VerkäuferInnen von Parfümerien, Wasch-, Haushaltsartikeln, Farben, Lacken)
90. Non-Graduate Nurse Practitioners and Related Professions (Nicht diplomierte KrankenpflegerInnen und verwandte Berufe)
91. Graduate Engineers for Technical Chemistry, Chemists (DiplomingenieurInnen für technische Chemie, ChemikerInnen)
92. Waiters / Waitresses (KellnerInnen)
93. Electric professions (Elektroberufe)
94. Paperhangers, upholsters (TapeziererInnen, Polsterer/Polsterinnen)
95. Warehouse and storage experts, expedients (Magazin-, Lagerfachleute, Expedienten/Expedientinnen)
96. Masseurs, masseuses (Masseure/Masseurinnen)
97. Stucco plasterers (Stukkateure/Stukkatuerinnen)
98. Stone masons, stone sculptors (Steinmetzen/Steinmetzinnen, SteinbildhauerInnen).
Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
As a third-country citizen, you may apply for a Red-White-Red Card as a Skilled Worker in a Shortage Occupation valid for 24 months, if
- you are able to provide proof of completed training in a shortage occupation under the regulation
you have received a binding job offer in Austria and the prospective employer is willing to remunerate you with the minimum pay stipulated by law, regulation or collective agreement (in the event that overpay is customary in the respective company, it must also be granted to you)
you reach a minimum of 55 points according to the following list of criteria:
|
Eligibility criteria for skilled workers |
Points |
|
Qualification |
Maximum allowable points: 30 |
|
Completed vocational education/training in the shortage occupation |
30 |
|
Work experience matching one’s qualification |
Maximum allowable points: 20 |
|
Work experience (per half-year) |
1 |
| Work experience in Austria (per half-year) | 2 |
|
German language skills |
Maximum allowable points: 15 |
|
Elementary use of the German language on a basic level (A1 level) |
5 |
|
German language skills for the intensified elementary use of the language (A2 level) |
10 |
| German language skills for the independent use of the language (B1 level) | 15 |
| English language skills | Maximum allowable points: 10 |
| English language skills for the intensified elementary use of the language (A2 level) | 5 |
| English language skills for the independent use of the language (B1 level) | 10 |
|
Age |
Maximum allowable points: 15 |
|
Up to 30 years of age |
15 |
| Up to 40 years of age | 10 |
| Up to 50 years of age | 5 |
|
Sum total of maximum allowable points: |
90 |
| Additional points for English language skills, when English is the predominant language of the respective company | 5 |
|
Required minimum: |
55 |
Which professions are deemed shortage occupations?
Shortage occupations are promulgated each year in a regulation (Fachkräfteverordnung) issued by the Federal Minister of Labour and Economics (Arbeits- und Wirschaftsminister). Which occupations are considered shortage occupations depends on the development of the Austrian labour market.
Here you can find the list of Austria-wide shortage occupations and regional shortage occupations for 2023:
PLEASE NOTE:
The AMS Profession Information System (Berufsinformationssystem – BIS) offers detailed information on each profession (e.g. job description, salary, training).
Where to file the application?
Either you can personally file the application for the Red-White-Red Card with the Austrian representation (embassy or consulate) of your home country or your country of residence, or your potential employer can do so with the competent residence authority in Austria (Provincial Governor/Landeshauptmann/Landeshauptfrau, authorised Regional Administrative Authority/Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Local Administrative Authority /Magistrat). An employer’s declaration (Arbeitgebererklärung) with the specific details concerning your future place of employment has to be submitted along with the application.
After legal entry and during legal stay you may file your application directly with the competent residence authority in Austria (Provincial Governor, authorised Regional Administrative Authority, Local Administrative Authority).
PLEASE NOTE:
If you want to make use of a legal representation in your legal procedure, please make sure that your Austrian representative is licensed to do so. Otherwise your representative cannot be accepted by the Austrian authorities.
Which documents to submit?
- Valid travel document (e.g. passport)
- Photo (dimensions: 45x35mm) which is not older than six months
- Evidence of health insurance covering all risks (compulsory health insurance or equivalent insurance policy)
The authority may also require you to submit other documents on a case by case basis.
For example, many authorities require the submission of an extract from police records (or a certificate of good standing) in case of first time applications. If this is submitted with the application it can help to speed up the application procedure.
You have to submit the following documents for examination of the individual criteria under the points system (see above):
1. Qualification
Vocational education/training
- Certificate or diploma of completed vocational education/training
Proof of eligibility for admission to university (Matura, Abitur, matriculation certificate)
- Certificate furnishing proof of general eligibility for admission to university
Graduation
- Document furnishing proof of successful completion of a three-year programme at a university or another institution of tertiary education
- Document reflecting the status of the university or other institution of tertiary education
2. Work experience
- Testimonials and work certificates
3. Language skills
- For German: Language diploma or language course certificate (at least A1 levels) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
- For English: Language diploma or language course certificate (at least A2)
German language diplomas and certificates may in particular be obtained from the following institutions: ÖSD, Goethe-Institut, Telc GmbH, Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF)
The following diplomas and certificates in particular are recognised as evidence of proficiency in English: Cambridge Certificate, TELC, IELTS diploma, TOEIC diploma, TOEFL diploma.
PLEASE NOTE:
You have to submit originals and copies of the above-mentioned documents. If the documents are not available in German or English, translations into German or English must be provided. For review purposes, the authority may eventually require legalized versions of the documents.
When will a Red-White-Red Card be issued?
The Austrian representation or residence authority will send your application and supporting documents to the Public Employment service (AMS), which will then examine if you reached the required number of points, if you completed vocational training in the shortage occupation and if you will be paid adequately.
If you meet all requirements, the AMS will send confirmation to the residence authority, which will then issue the Red-White-Red Card, provided that the other requirements under Austrian settlement and residence law are met as well (health insurance coverage). The residence authority will notify you if your application is approved. If you are subject to visa requirements you have to apply for a category D visa for the purpose of entering and collecting your residence title.
As a holder of a Red-White-Red Card, you are entitled to fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specificied in your application. The Red-White-Red Card is generally issued for a period of 24 months. You can also work self-employed, if this employment is subsidiary and all other legal requirements are fulfilled.
When will a Red-White-Red Card plus be issued?
As a holder of a Red-White-Red Card plus, you are entitled to fixed-term settlement and unlimited labour market access. You can find more information here.
Application Fees
- Application: € 120
- Granting: € 20
- Costs of personalisation (fingerprints, scan of photography and signature): € 20
Visa, Employment and Immigration Requirements
- Settlement and Residence Act (German)
- Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals (pdf – 649 KB; English)
- Visa requirements (German)
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