Jobs in Austria – Work Permit, Visa, Salary & Hiring Guide

Austria is one of Europe's most desirable destinations for international workers. Consistently ranked among the highest quality-of-life countries in the world, with Vienna holding the global top position for multiple consecutive years, Austria combines exceptional living standards with a robust, well-structured labour market and competitive salaries that exceed the European Union average in most sectors.

Austria's labour market is under acute pressure. According to the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, 87% of Austrian companies are currently affected by labour shortages, with 272,000 positions unfilled nationwide. The Austrian government has responded by significantly expanding its official shortage occupation list, streamlining the Red-White-Red Card system, and actively encouraging international recruitment across healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, transport, and hospitality.

This guide covers everything you need to know about jobs in Austria — including 40 verified shortage occupations with salary data, and a complete, accurate guide to the Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card, work visa, and step-by-step application process based on official Austrian government sources. Whether you are a job seeker, an employer, or a recruitment agency, Moving2Europe.eu is here to connect you with verified opportunities across Austria and the wider European market.

Europe Job Market Overview

Europe is facing a structural and sustained labour shortage driven by ageing populations, declining birth rates, and continued economic growth that domestic workforces alone cannot support. Governments across the European Union are actively expanding shortage occupation lists, reforming immigration frameworks, and investing in international recruitment pipelines to sustain economic output.

Austria is one of the most proactive countries in this effort. With its working-age population projected to decline by 262,000 by 2040, Austria has recognised that international recruitment is not a short-term measure but a long-term structural necessity. The federal government issues an updated Skilled Workers Regulation every year, defining official shortage occupations that qualify for priority immigration through the Red-White-Red Card. The current list includes 64 nationwide and 66 regional shortage occupations — a figure that has grown significantly in recent years.

For international job seekers, this creates a clear, well-defined, and well-supported pathway into one of Europe's strongest economies. For employers, it means access to a motivated global talent pool through a transparent points-based system. For recruitment agencies, it represents a stable, long-term business opportunity backed by government policy.

Jobs in Austria – Market Overview

Austria's economy is one of the most stable and productive in Central Europe. The country is home to a world-class manufacturing sector, a major logistics and transport network, a healthcare system ranked among the best in Europe, a rapidly growing technology sector, and one of the continent's most important tourism industries.

Key industries actively hiring international workers in Austria include:

Healthcare and Social Care: Austria's healthcare sector faces one of the most acute shortages in the country. Nurses, doctors, caregivers, physiotherapists, and medical technicians are all on the national shortage occupation list and qualify for priority immigration processing. Healthcare demand has increased by 8% year-on-year, driven by an ageing population.

Construction and Infrastructure: Austria has a sustained and significant construction sector driven by urban development, infrastructure investment, and renovation. Electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, painters, and construction workers are all recognised shortage occupations both nationally and regionally.

Information Technology: Austria is a growing technology hub, with Vienna and Linz emerging as significant centres for software development, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Data-processing engineers are explicitly named on the national shortage occupation list. Nearly 45% of all job openings in Austria include a technology component.

Engineering and Manufacturing: Austria's precision manufacturing, automotive, and energy sectors consistently recruit mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers. The country is home to major industrial operations in Graz, Linz, and Steyr.

Transport and Logistics: Austria's central European position makes it a critical hub for freight and logistics corridors. Train drivers, bus drivers, and truck drivers are all officially recognised shortage occupations.

Tourism and Hospitality: Austria's tourism industry — anchored by the Alpine regions, Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck — generates sustained demand for chefs, servers, hotel staff, and hospitality managers. The hospitality sector is included on Austria's shortage occupation list.

Agriculture and Forestry: Seasonal and permanent roles are available across Austria's agricultural and forestry regions, with a streamlined seasonal worker programme for qualifying nationalities.

Top Cities for Jobs in Austria

Jobs in Vienna

Vienna is Austria's capital and its economic engine. The city is home to the country's highest concentration of international companies, government institutions, financial services firms, technology companies, and healthcare facilities. Average gross salaries in Vienna range from €50,000 to €56,980 annually — significantly higher than the national average — and the city offers the widest range of employment opportunities for both blue-collar and white-collar international workers.

IT professionals in Vienna earn €55,000–€100,000 annually. Healthcare professionals earn €36,000–€80,000. Construction supervisors and skilled tradespeople earn €35,000–€55,000. The city's large, well-established expatriate community and excellent public infrastructure make it a highly practical destination for international workers.

Jobs in Graz

Graz is Austria's second-largest city and a major centre for automotive engineering, manufacturing, and technology. It is home to significant operations in the automotive supply chain, electronics, and research and development. Engineers, software developers, and skilled manufacturing workers find strong employment in Graz. Average salaries in Graz are competitive, typically ranging from €42,000 to €70,000 annually, depending on the sector and experience level.

Jobs in Salzburg and Innsbruck

Salzburg and Innsbruck are Austria's primary tourism and alpine economy hubs, generating consistent and high demand for hospitality workers, chefs, hotel managers, and seasonal tourism staff. Winter tourism regions in Tyrol and Salzburg offer some of the highest seasonal earnings in Austria, and many employers provide accommodation and meals as part of the employment package — a significant practical benefit for international workers relocating.

Job Opportunities in Austria

Blue-Collar Jobs in Demand in Austria

The following 20 blue-collar roles are drawn directly from Austria's official national and regional shortage occupation list, as published under the Skilled Workers Regulation by the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism. All 20 qualify for priority processing under the Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations.

Register as a Truck Driver → Browse Welder Opportunities →

White-Collar Jobs in Demand in Austria

The following 20 white-collar roles represent Austria's most critical shortage occupations in professional and skilled sectors, drawn from the official national shortage occupation list and verified labour market data from the Austrian Public Employment Service.

Register as a Healthcare Worker → Explore All Opportunities →

Salary in Austria

Austria offers some of the most competitive salaries in Central Europe. Unlike most European countries, Austria does not have a single statutory national minimum wage. Instead, wages across virtually all sectors are set through collective bargaining agreements, which cover more than 95% of all Austrian workers. The standard collective bargaining minimum is approximately €1,800 gross per month, though many sectors offer higher starting rates.

The average gross annual salary in Austria is approximately €52,000–€55,000 — around €3,200–€3,600 per month — making Austria one of the highest-paying countries in Central Europe. Most Austrian employees also receive a 13th and 14th monthly salary payment — paid as holiday and Christmas bonuses — which significantly increases total annual compensation.

Salaries in Vienna consistently exceed the national average. The average gross annual salary in Vienna is approximately €51,000–€57,000. At the same time, cities such as Graz, Linz, and Salzburg offer slightly lower nominal salaries with a proportionally lower cost of living.

Work Permit Process in Austria

Austria's work permit system for non-EU nationals is primarily structured around the Red-White-Red Card — a combined residence and work permit issued under the Settlement and Residence Act and the Employment of Foreign Nationals Act. The system is transparent, points-based, and designed to attract qualified workers for occupations in shortage.

Types of Permits for International Workers

• Red-White-Red Card: Austria's flagship permit for skilled non-EU nationals. Issued for 24 months. Ties the holder to a specific employer during the initial period. Available across several sub-categories based on the applicant's qualifications and the nature of the role.
• Red-White-Red Card Plus: Issued after 21 months of employment under the initial Red-White-Red Card. Grants unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market — the holder may change employers freely.
• EU Blue Card: For highly qualified professionals with a recognised university degree and a qualifying gross annual salary of at least €47,855. Valid for 24 months.
• Seasonal Work Permit: For employment in agriculture, tourism, or forestry for up to six months per calendar year.
• Job Seeker Visa: A six-month visa for very highly qualified non-EU nationals wishing to enter Austria to search for suitable employment.

Red-White-Red Card Sub-Categories

• Very Highly Qualified Workers: Minimum 70 points on the official assessment scale.
• Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: Minimum 55 points. The role must appear on the current official shortage occupation list at migration.gv.at.
• Other Key Workers: Minimum 55 points and a minimum monthly gross salary of €3,465.
• Graduates of Austrian Universities: Eligible without a minimum points requirement if the role matches the qualification.
• Self-Employed Key Workers: For entrepreneurs and business founders.

Step-by-Step Work Permit and Visa Process

Step 1 – Secure a Confirmed Job Offer. The process begins with a binding employment offer from a registered Austrian employer. The role must match your qualifications and must offer at least the minimum salary stipulated by the relevant collective bargaining agreement. The employer must be willing to remunerate you at least at the collectively agreed rate.

Step 2 – Assess Your Points Score Use the official points calculator at migration.gv.at to estimate your eligibility before applying. For shortage occupations, a minimum of 55 points is required. For very highly qualified workers, a minimum of 70 points is required. Points are assessed across qualifications, professional experience, age, language skills, and salary level.

Step 3 – Check the Shortage Occupation List. If applying under the Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations sub-category, verify that your role appears on the current official nationwide or regional shortage occupation list at migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/austria-wide-shortage-occupations.

Step 4 – Submit the Application. Either you or your employer submits the application to the competent Austrian residence authority (Regional Administrative Authority/Bezirkshauptmannschaft, or in Vienna, the MA 35). The application includes the employer declaration, proof of qualifications, language certificates, and all supporting documents. Alternatively, the application may be submitted at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Step 5 – AMS Assessment The residence authority forwards the application to the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). The AMS verifies your points score, confirms that your vocational training matches the shortage occupation, and checks that your salary meets the collective agreement threshold. If the requirements are met, the AMS issues a positive confirmation to the residence authority.

Step 6 – Residence Authority Decision: The residence authority issues the Red-White-Red Card decision. If approved, you receive an invitation from the Austrian representative authority — an embassy or consulate — in your home country to apply for a Visa D within three months.

Step 7 – Apply for a Visa D and Travel to Austria. Apply for the D visa at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. Processing for the Visa D typically takes approximately two weeks. Once your Visa D is issued, travel to Austria and present yourself at the Immigration Authority to have your fingerprints taken and your permit card printed.

Step 8 – Begin Employment: You may begin working as soon as you receive your Red-White-Red Card. Register your main residence in Austria before collecting your permit.

Employers ready to begin the international hiring process can register here →

Work Visa Process in Austria

Most non-EU nationals require a Visa D to enter Austria for the purpose of taking up employment. This visa is obtained from the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country, typically in conjunction with the Red-White-Red Card application. Full visa and residency information is published by the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior at migration.gv.at.

Step 1 – Confirm Whether You Require a visa. Visit migration.gv.at to confirm whether your nationality requires a visa to enter Austria. Citizens of some countries may enter Austria under a visa-free regime and apply for the Red-White-Red Card directly from within Austria during their lawful visa-free stay.

Step 2 – Receive Your Invitation from the Austrian Representative Authority. Once your Red-White-Red Card application is approved, the Austrian residence authority will notify the competent Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country, which will then send you a formal invitation to apply for a Visa D within three months.

Step 3 – Submit Your Visa D Application.n Apply for the Visa D at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country. During the application, you will need to submit your passport, the invitation letter, the approval from the Austrian Immigration Authority, travel insurance with coverage of at least €30,000, and a confirmed flight reservation.

Step 4 – Passport Retention During Processi.ng The Austrian embassy or consulate will retain your passport during Visa D processing. Processing typically takes approximately two weeks. Plan your travel accordingly and ensure you have alternative identity documents available during this period.

Step 5 – Travel to Austria and Collect Your Permit. Once your Visa D is issued and your passport is returned, travel to Austria. Present yourself at the Immigration Authority with your personal documents — passport, birth certificate, and police clearance certificate. Your fingerprints will be taken, and your Red-White-Red Card will be printed. You may begin working immediately upon receiving your Card.

Step 6 – Register Your Main Residence Register your main residence with the local registration authority (Meldezettel) in Austria before collecting your permit card.

Embassy Guidance

Use the Official Austrian Immigration Portal: All Red-White-Red Card information, the official shortage occupation list, the points calculator, and application checklists are published by the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior at migration.gv.at. This is the authoritative source for all permit-related information and must be consulted before preparing any application.

Use the Official workinaustria.com Resource: The Austrian Business Agency operates the official workinaustria.com portal as a free government-backed resource for skilled workers and employers navigating the Red-White-Red Card process. It includes detailed guides, document checklists, and direct contact with immigration support specialists.

Book Your Embassy Appointment Without Delay: Austrian embassy appointment slots in countries with high application volumes fill quickly. Book as soon as your Red-White-Red Card approval is confirmed and you receive your invitation letter.

Submit a Complete Application at the First Attempt: Residence authorities will request missing documents, but incomplete files cause delays. Prepare a thorough checklist against the requirements at migration.gv.at and verify every item before submission.

Ensure All Documents Are Legalised and Officially Translated: Personal documents must be specially legalised to be officially recognised in Austria. A certified translation must accompany all documents not in German. Confirm the exact legalisation requirements with the Austrian embassy in your country.

Register Your Residence Before Collecting Your Permit: You must register your main residence in Austria before you can collect your Red-White-Red Card. Arrange confirmed accommodation before your arrival.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for a Red-White-Red Card application and a Visa D, as published on migration.gv.at.

Always verify the exact, current document requirements for your specific Red-White-Red Card sub-category on migration.gv.at and with the Austrian embassy in your country.

How to Avoid Rejection

Failure to Meet the Minimum Points Score: For shortage occupation applications, a minimum of 55 points is required. For applications from very highly qualified workers, a minimum of 70 points is required. Use the official points calculator at migration.gv.at to verify your score before applying.

Role Not on the Current Shortage Occupation List: Verify that your specific role appears on the current nationwide or regional shortage occupation list published at migration.gv.at before submitting a shortage occupation application. The list is updated annually.

Salary Below the Collective Agreement Threshold: Your employment offer must meet the minimum salary set by the relevant collective bargaining agreement for the role. Confirm the applicable agreement and minimum rate with your employer before applying.

Unrecognised or Unlegitimized Qualifications: Austria regulates many professions. Ensure your qualifications are recognised, and your documents are officially legalised before applying. Some professions require formal credential evaluation by the relevant Austrian professional body.

Incomplete or Non-Compliant Documents: Missing documents, documents not translated into German, or documents not properly legalised are the most common causes of delays and rejections. Prepare a complete checklist against the requirements at migration.gv.at and verify every item.

Expired Language Certificates: Language certificates must be no more than five years old at the time of application. Ensure all certificates are within their validity period.

Insufficient Health Insurance Coverage: Your health insurance must cover all risks in Austria,  with a minimum coverage amount well above €30,000. Policies with lower coverage or restricted terms will not be accepted.

Previous Immigration Violations: Overstays, visa breaches, or deportation records in any country will negatively affect your Austrian application. Maintain a clean and compliant immigration history at all times.

Hiring Foreign Workers in Austria

Austria's labour market is one of the most active in Central Europe for international recruitment. With 87% of Austrian companies affected by shortages and 272,000 positions unfilled, employers who invest in international hiring through Austria's transparent, structured permit system gain an immediate and lasting competitive advantage.

Why Hire International Workers in Austria? The domestic labour pool for specific roles has been effectively exhausted in many sectors. Austria's Red-White-Red Card system is specifically designed to make international hiring accessible, transparent, and structured. The government actively supports employers in shortage sectors with priority permit processing and streamlined AMS evaluations.

How to Begin the Hiring Process

Step 1 – Register as an Employer on Moving2Europe.eu Create your employer profile, specify your sector, required roles, and workforce needs. Register as an Employer →

Step 2 – Verify the Role Against the Shortage Occupation List. Check the current shortage occupation list at migration.gv.at to confirm whether your vacancy qualifies for priority Red-White-Red Card processing. If the role is listed, the AMS evaluation is significantly faster.

Step 3 – Confirm the Applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement.t Identify the collective agreement that applies to the role and confirm the minimum gross monthly salary threshold. Your employment offer must meet or exceed this threshold.

Step 4 – Select Your Candidate and Issue a Formal Employment Off. er Review shortlisted candidates, conduct interviews, and issue a binding employer declaration confirming the role, salary, and employment conditions. This declaration is a core document in the Red-White-Red Card application.

Step 5 – Submit the Application to the Residence Authority. Submit the complete Red-White-Red Card application to the competent residence authority. The authority forwards the application to the AMS for points assessment. If approved, the residence authority issues the decision on the case and notifies the relevant Austrian embassy.

Step 6 – Support Arrival and Registration: Assist your new employee with accommodation, local registration, and workplace onboarding. Workers who feel supported from day one integrate faster, perform better, and remain with the organisation longer.

How Job Seekers Can Apply

Step 1 – Check the Official Shortage Occupation List and Points Calculator Visit migration.gv.at to check whether your occupation appears on the current shortage occupation list and use the official points calculator to estimate your eligibility for the Red-White-Red Card.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Documents. Gather your passport, qualification certificates — which must be officially legalised and translated into German — language certificates, employment references, police clearance certificate, and health insurance. Ensure all documents are current, valid, and meet Austrian requirements.

Step 3 – Register on Moving2Europe.eu

• Register as a Truck Driver →
• Register as a Welder →
• Register as a Healthcare Worker →
• Explore All Opportunities →

Step 4 – Apply for Available Positions Browse verified job listings and apply to positions that match your qualifications and shortage occupation eligibility. Ensure every application is complete, accurate, and honest.

Step 5 – Receive Your Binding Job Offer.er Once you receive a confirmed, binding employment offer from an Austrian employer, the Red-White-Red Card application process can begin.

Step 6 – Submit the Red-White-Red Card Application. Either you or your employer submits the application to the relevant residence authority or the Austrian embassy. The AMS will assess your points and confirm your eligibility.

Step 7 – Apply for Your Visa D Upon receiving your Red-White-Red Card approval and the invitation from the Austrian embassy in your home country, apply for your Visa D. Processing takes approximately two weeks.

Step 8 – Travel to Austria and Begin Work. Travel to Austria with your Visa D, register your residence, and collect your Red-White-Red Card from the Immigration Authority. You may begin working immediately upon receiving your Card.

Recruitment Agencies & Partnerships

Moving2Europe.eu collaborates with international recruitment agencies, workforce supply companies, and staffing partners to build a consistent, reliable pipeline of pre-screened, work-ready candidates for employers across Austria and the wider European region.

For agencies operating in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, or Eastern Europe, a partnership with Moving2Europe.eu provides direct access to a growing network of verified Austrian employers actively seeking international talent across multiple high-demand sectors.

Why Partner with Moving2Europe.eu?

• Access to a verified network of Austrian employers actively hiring across healthcare, construction, IT, logistics, and engineering
• A structured, transparent matching process that reduces time-to-placement significantly
• Compliance support aligned with Austria's current Red-White-Red Card requirements
• Long-term business development opportunities as demand for international workers in Austria continues to grow
• A trusted, professional platform built on transparency and accountability

Register as a Recruitment Partner →

Declaration

Moving2Europe.eu provides information on jobs, work permits, visas, and international hiring strictly for guidance purposes. We do not guarantee job placement, work permit approval, or visa issuance under any circumstances.

All applications, hiring decisions, and approvals are subject to individual employer requirements, applicable immigration laws, and the final decision of the respective country's embassy or government authorities.

Users are strongly advised to independently verify all information, ensure the accuracy of their documents, and follow official procedures before submitting any application.