According to the Austrian Statistical Office, there is a noticeable increase in the number of vacancies in Austria. In the first quarter of 2024, an average of 196,400 vacancies were not filled.

This is an increase of 8.5% compared to the 181,000 vacancies in the previous quarter. This points to a growing demand for labor, especially in the service sector.

The distribution of job vacancies in Austria includes 113,200 vacancies in the service sector, 46,100 vacancies in the manufacturing sector and 37,100 vacancies in the public sector.

This increase in job vacancies presents a significant opportunity for foreign professionals, particularly in key positions such as nurses, plumbers and carpenters.

The demands of the Austrian Workers’ Party

The Austrian labour market is facing major shortages in various sectors, but offers plenty of opportunities for foreign professionals.

The latest EURES report shows that there are several professions that are in high demand:

• Service sector: Nurses and cooks.

• Production and technology: Electromechanics, automotive mechanics, welders and cutting torches.

• Construction and crafts: plumbers, pipe fitters, carpenters and joiners.

• Technology and Engineering: Electronics engineers and systems analysts.

Austria offers several visa options for non-EU citizens who wish to work in the country. These visas meet different work needs, each with specific purposes, durations, and criteria.

• The D visa (long-term visa) is intended for non-EU citizens who plan to work in Austria for more than 90 days.

• This requires an employment contract or job offer from an Austrian employer, as well as proof of housing, sufficient financial resources and health insurance.

• The Red-White-Red Card visa is popular among highly educated workers from countries outside the EU.

• It combines a residence permit and a work permit, valid for up to two years. Applicants are assessed based on qualifications, work experience, age and language skills.

• The European Union (EU) Blue Card is intended for highly qualified citizens from outside the EU. The Blue Card allows individuals to work in Austria and other EU member states.

• This requires a high educational qualification, an employment contract with a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Austria and proof of adequate health insurance and housing.

• The job seeker visa allows highly qualified non-EU citizens to stay in Austria for six months to look for work.

• Applicants must demonstrate that they have the following qualifications, relevant professional experience, financial resources and health insurance:

What you need to know

Austria offers competitive salaries, making it an attractive destination for skilled professionals. Average annual salaries for high-demand positions include:

• General practitioners: € 162,974

• Registered nurses: €69,552

• Electrical engineers: €75,384

• Car mechanics: € 43,001

Despite its competitive wages, Austria is known for its relatively high cost of living, ranking it as the 19th most expensive country in the world and 7th in Europe.

Monthly expenses vary significantly by location. For example, accommodations in the city center are more expensive than accommodations outside the city center.