Austria Jobs for Immigrants, Work in Austria 2025

Austria, known for its scenic landscapes, vibrant cities, and robust economy, has become a popular destination for immigrants seeking employment and better living standards. In 2025, Austria continues to experience labor shortages in critical sectors such as healthcare, IT, construction, tourism, and skilled trades. As a member of the European Union, Austria offers immigrants not just job opportunities but also access to quality healthcare, education, and a high standard of living.

This guide explores the top jobs for immigrants in Austria, visa and work permit options, the best cities to work in, and tips to help foreign nationals secure employment in Austria in 2025.

Why Austria Is Hiring Immigrants in 2025

Austria’s economy has rebounded strongly after the pandemic and is seeing increasing demand for workers across various sectors. The government has made it clear that immigrant labor is essential for sustaining economic growth, especially as the country grapples with an aging population and skill shortages in both urban and rural regions.

Key Factors:

• Aging population: Increasing need for healthcare and elderly care workers.

• Skills shortage: Demand for qualified professionals in tech, construction, and engineering.

• Economic growth: Expanding industries such as green energy and digital services.

• Tourism boom: High demand for hospitality staff in hotels, restaurants, and ski resorts.

Top Industries Hiring Immigrants in Austria (2025)

1. Healthcare and Nursing

Austria’s healthcare sector is experiencing a critical shortage of professionals. Both public and private institutions are recruiting foreign-trained workers, especially nurses and caregivers.

In-demand roles:

• Registered Nurse

• Healthcare Assistant

• Geriatric Caregiver

• Physiotherapist

Average salary: €35,000 – €60,000/year
Visa option: Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers in shortage occupations

2. Information Technology (IT)

Austria’s tech sector is booming, with Vienna becoming a startup hub in Central Europe. Software developers, system administrators, and cybersecurity experts are highly sought after.

In-demand roles:

• Software Engineer

• Web Developer

• Data Analyst

• IT Security Specialist

Average salary: €45,000 – €80,000/year
Visa option: EU Blue Card, Red-White-Red Card for highly qualified workers

3. Construction and Skilled Trades

Due to housing projects and infrastructure development, Austria is in need of construction workers, electricians, plumbers, and other tradespeople.

In-demand roles:

• Construction Worker

• Welder

• Electrician

• Crane Operator

Average salary: €30,000 – €50,000/year
Visa option: Red-White-Red Card for shortage occupations

4. Tourism and Hospitality

Austria’s tourism industry continues to thrive, especially in alpine regions and Vienna. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants are consistently hiring foreign workers to meet demand.

In-demand roles:

• Chef/Cook

• Housekeeper

• Hotel Receptionist

• Bartender

Average salary: €25,000 – €40,000/year
Visa option: Seasonal Work Visa, Red-White-Red Card

5. Logistics and Transport

Austria’s position as a logistics hub in Europe creates high demand for truck drivers, warehouse workers, and logistics managers.

In-demand roles:

• Truck Driver

• Warehouse Clerk

• Delivery Driver

Average salary: €30,000 – €55,000/year
Visa option: Red-White-Red Card, EU Blue Card

Work and Residence Permits for Immigrants in Austria

Austria has streamlined its immigration policies to make it easier for skilled foreign workers to live and work in the country.

Red-White-Red Card

The primary work and residence permit for non-EU immigrants.

• For highly qualified workers, shortage occupations, self-employed key workers, and start-up founders.

• Valid for 24 months and tied to a specific employer.

• After two years, eligible for a Red-White-Red Card Plus, which allows free access to the labor market.

EU Blue Card

For highly skilled professionals with a university degree and a valid job offer.

• Must earn at least €45,595/year (as of 2025).

• Offers permanent residency pathway.

Seasonal Work Visa

For temporary work (up to 6 months) in agriculture, hospitality, or tourism.

• Typically available to workers from countries with bilateral agreements.

• No long-term residency rights.

Job Seeker Visa

For highly qualified individuals who want to search for a job in Austria.

• Valid for 6 months.

• Requires proof of qualifications and financial means.

How to Apply for Jobs in Austria as an Immigrant

 Step 1: Recognize Your Qualifications

Foreign degrees and certifications may need to be recognized in Austria, especially for regulated professions such as healthcare, engineering, and teaching.

• Use https://www.anerkennung-in-oesterreich.at for help with recognition.

 Step 2: Build a Strong CV (Lebenslauf)

Follow Austrian standards:

• Include a photo

• List work experience, education, and skills in reverse chronological order

• Use Europass format if applying to multiple EU countries

 Step 3: Use Trusted Job Portals

• https://www.ams.at – Austrian Public Employment Service

• https://www.karriere.at

• https://www.stepstone.at

• https://www.job.at

• https://www.jobalpin.at – tourism/hospitality

 Step 4: Apply for Positions with Sponsorship

Look for job posts that mention:

• “Visa support available”

• “Red-White-Red Card holders welcome”

• “Skilled foreign applicants accepted”

Best Cities in Austria for Immigrant Workers

1. Full-Time Permanent (Vollzeit unbefristet):

   • Standard employment, social security included.

2. Part-Time (Teilzeit):

   • For students or secondary earners.

3. Fixed-Term (Befristet):

   • Often used in hospitality or seasonal roles.

4. Seasonal (Saisonarbeit):

   • For tourism/agriculture with time-limited contracts.

Immigrant Rights and Protections

As a worker in Austria, you are legally entitled to:

• Minimum wage and fair pay

• Safe and healthy working conditions

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• Maternity/paternity leave

• Protection against unfair dismissal

• Equal treatment regardless of nationality

For more, visit:
👉 https://www.arbeiterkammer.at

Language and Integration Tips

Language:

• German is the official language. Most jobs require at least A2–B1 level.

• For healthcare and teaching roles, B2 or higher is often mandatory.

Free German courses for immigrants:
https://sprachportal.integrationsfonds.at

Integration Support:

• Austria Integration Fund (ÖIF) offers:

  • Language courses

  • Civic orientation

  • Job coaching

  • Housing advice

Tips for Successful Job Hunting in Austria

1. Start with jobs on the shortage list – Higher visa approval chances.

2. Learn German – Even basic proficiency helps immensely.

3. Verify your qualifications early – Saves time in the application process.

4. Customize your CV and cover letter – Show interest in Austrian work culture.

5. Prepare for online interviews – Especially for tech or global companies.

Challenges Immigrants May Face

• Language barrier: Most employers expect at least some German.

• Recognition of qualifications: May take time for validation.

• Cultural differences: Understanding workplace etiquette is key.

• Housing in major cities: Can be competitive and expensive.

Solutions include:

• Government integration programs

• Language support classes

• Networking within immigrant communities

Success Stories

Elena from Romania – Nurse in Linz:
Moved with a Red-White-Red Card after getting her Romanian nursing degree recognized. Now a permanent resident with her family.

Samuel from Nigeria – IT Consultant in Vienna:
Came through the EU Blue Card program. Works remotely for international clients and runs a local tech meetup.

Luis from Brazil – Chef in Salzburg:
Started as a seasonal worker in a hotel, got employer sponsorship, and now owns a small restaurant.

Conclusion

Austria in 2025 presents excellent job opportunities for immigrants across various sectors. With well-defined visa programs, strong worker protections, and a high quality of life, Austria is one of Europe’s top destinations for foreign workers.

Whether you’re a nurse, software engineer, hotel worker, or truck driver, there’s a job waiting for you in Austria. By learning the language, following the legal pathways, and actively applying, you can build a successful and fulfilling life in this beautiful European country.