Austria Needs Thousands of Foreign Workers in These 110 Professions

Austria is opening more pathways for skilled professionals by adding 110 new occupations to its skill shortage list for 2025.

The announcement from the Austrian Immigration Department in November 2024 highlights the government’s strategy to address labor gaps across a range of sectors, from healthcare to engineering.

This expansion offers an excellent opportunity for skilled professionals worldwide, with simplified visa processes and competitive salaries for those interested in working in Austria.

Addressing Austria’s Skills Gap

While Austria is known for its scenic beauty and quality of life, its need for skilled labor has led to adjustments in immigration policy. To fill this gap, Austria has expanded its skill shortage list by 110 occupations, making it easier for global professionals to secure work permits, often with attractive salary packages.

The demand for skilled workers in Austria is on the rise, as reflected in a 35% increase in applications for the Red-White-Red Card compared to last year. Labor Minister Martin Kocher predicts approvals could reach 13,500 in 2025.

Key Sectors in the Expanded Shortage List

The Austrian Immigration Department’s updated shortage list includes roles across sectors like healthcare, engineering, transportation, education, and creative fields. Key occupations added include:

Healthcare: Midwives, nurses, dietitians
Transport: Train and bus drivers, conductors
Engineering: Mechanical and electrical engineers, data processing specialists
Education: Childcare workers, social workers
Service and Creative Fields: Chefs, cosmeticians, florists, hairdressers

These updates coincide with changes to Austria’s Employment of Foreign Nationals Act and the Settlement and Residence Act, streamlining entry for skilled foreign workers.

Highlighted Roles in Austria’s 110 New Shortage Occupations

Below is an overview of Austria’s newly expanded shortage occupation list:

No. Occupation
1 Graduates in power engineering
2 Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for power engineering technology
3 Special(ist) power engineers
4 Engineers for agricultural machinery
5 Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) in power engineering technology
6 Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) for data processing
7 Roofers
8 Graduates in weak-current and telecommunications engineering
9 Milling machinists
10 Cost accountants
11 Technicians for fuel and gas technology
12 Graduate nurses
13 Metal turners
14 Black toppers
15 Graduate mechanical engineers
16 Graduate engineers for data processing
17 Electrical installers, electrical fitters
18 Specialist technicians for mechanical engineering
19 Special graduate engineers (Ing.), unless otherwise classified)
20 Welders, cutting torch operators
21 Special fitters
22 Technicians with a higher level of training (engineers) in mechanical engineering
23 Ophthalmic opticians
24 Special fitters
25 Physicians
26 Graduate engineers – special professions (Graduate Engineers, unless otherwise classified)
27 Train drivers, locomotive drivers, locomotive stokers
28 Varnishers (painters)
29 Motor vehicle mechanics
30 Pipe installers, pipefitters
31 Special technicians in business administration
32 Medical technology specialists
33 Certified public accountants
34 Carpenters
35 Technicians with a higher education (engineer) for civil engineering
36 Special technicians, unless otherwise classified
37 Payroll accountants
38 Construction joiners
39 Building plumbers
40 Construction and furniture joiners
41 Machine fitters
42 Vehicle body and radiator sheet metal workers
43 Blacksmiths and carriage builders
44 Pavers (Pavers)
45 Technicians with a higher education (engineer) in business administration
46 Retailers and sales clerks for iron and metal goods, domestic and kitchen appliances
47 Special technicians for low-voltage engineering and communication engineering
48 Engineers/technicians for rough mechanicals
49 Graduates in business administration
50 Building fitters, sheet metal fitters, construction fitters
51 Concrete fitters
52 Midwives (midwives)
53 Technicians for weak-current and telecommunications engineering
54 Butchers
55 Plastics processors
56 Physical-technical Special Professions
57 Accountants
58 Restaurant chefs
59 Special(ist) technicians for data processing
60 Electrical Mechanics
61 Floor and wall tilers
62 Stove fitters, potters, stove makers
63 Procurement managers
64 Construction joiners
65 Department store sales clerks
66 civil engineering specialists
67 Chimney sweepers
68 Special technicians for civil engineering
69 Automat and machine operators/adjusters
70 Toolmakers, cutters and punch makers
71 Florists, flower arrangers
72 Wood machine workers
73 Confectioners
74 Special railroad professions
75 Estate managers, other hotel and restaurant professionals, residence managers
76 Forwarding specialists
77 Denture technicians
78 Billing clerks, billing accountants
79 Graduate Engineers for Engineering Physics, Physicists
80 Special technicians for surveying
81 Electric professions
82 Professions in mechanical metal working
83 Coffee product makers and other food manufacturers
84 Graduate civil engineers
85 Bricklayers
86 Bakers (Bakers)
87 Childcare workers
88 Manufacturers of metal goods, assembly workers
89 Non-Graduate Nurse Practitioners and Related Professions
90 Social scientists, economists, scientific statisticians
91 Glaziers
92 Track layers
93 Hairdressers, make-up artists
94 Painters, house painters
95 Technical draftsmen
96 Cosmeticians, manicurists and pedicurists
97 Insurance agents /representatives
98 Dietitian (dieticians)
99 Stone masons, stone sculptors
100 Conductors and train supervisors
101 Masseurs, masseuses
102 Furniture makers
103 Warehouse and storage experts, expedients
104 Retailers and sales clerks of perfumes, washing and household articles, paints, varnishes
105 Graduate Engineers for Technical Chemistry, Chemists
106 Welfare workers, social workers
107 Bus drivers
108 School bus drivers
109 Professional truck drivers
110 Tram drivers

 

For full details, please visit Austria’s immigration website.

Opportunities for 2025 Applicants

With this expanded list, 2025 is an ideal year for skilled professionals seeking to relocate to Austria. The updated policies are designed to streamline the application process, drawing a diverse range of talent to the country.

Average Salaries in Austria: What Skilled Workers Can Expect

Austria’s high salaries make it a desirable destination for skilled foreign workers. Here are average salary expectations by industry:

Occupation Annual Salary (EUR)
Engineers 50,000–70,000
Healthcare Workers 40,000–60,000
Bus and Train Drivers 35,000–50,000
Cosmeticians & Hairdressers 25,000–35,000
Chefs 30,000–45,000

 

Work Permits/Visas in Austria

Austria offers four main work permit/visa options for skilled non-EU professionals:

1. D Visa (Long-Term Visa): For non-EU citizens working in Austria for over 90 days.
2. Red-White-Red Card: For skilled workers in shortage occupations.
3. EU Blue Card: Requires a minimum gross salary of EUR 47,855.
4. Job Seeker Visa: A six-month visa for highly qualified non-EU citizens.

These permits enable qualified professionals to work and reside in Austria, making it an appealing option for global talent.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Austria

To apply for a work permit in Austria, candidates must verify occupation eligibility, prepare documentation, and submit their application through the Austrian Embassy. Once approved, applicants activate their permit upon arrival in Austria.

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  • Do not believe a word of this article—a bundle of lies. No European nation is willing to give jobs to Pakistanis in any sector except for high-end engineering roles that require at least 10 years of experience.

    The reality is that Austria hates non-EU citizens. They would rather starve Pakistanis/Indians than give them something. I have been there. Tou AB BACH KE REHNA!

  • Hello dear I AM Muhammad Wasim from Afghanistan. 24 years old i am ungraded. The student of pharmacy category ( B)

  • If u have any real job offer then tell me your real number otherwise plz don’t waste your time and also my time

  • Assalamu alaikum sir
    I’m professional drivers I have 19 years old driving experience in Pakistan and KSA I’ve both countries licences Pakistan and KSA.

  • I’m heavy machinery operator like excavator, shawel, boom loader and backo operator also have valid united Arab Emirates heavy machinery Licence

  • Hello Sir,
    I’m professional Electrical engineer I have 5 years old electrical experience in government sector at Pakistan.

  • Waheed Aslam from Lahore Pakistan I am bus driver my Driving experience is 10 year in Pakistan and 2 year experience in Saudi Arabia

  • I’m syed Mazhar Ali from Karachi Pakistan and I am electrical wire man licence holder and DAE electrical and my experience is 15 years of electrical

  • I want to come in austria
    I am CEO Diamond Furniture Centre & want to do business i ausria.
    I have export in europe as well.
    But want permanent business in astria with jointventure .

  • Central and Eastern Europeans are some of the most racist people in the world. Good luck working there as a brown person.

  • I am BTech electrical engineer I have 16 year experience and my wife is professional Liberian in college we want to come

  • I’m an electrician and telecommunication technician in New Zealand from long time I have good knowledge about electrical and telecommunication

  • I am ac technician as a plumber and electrician I have been working for 13 years and also have a diploma

  • Interesting to move in Austria with 34 year experience in Sales and Marketing Production and operation in the field of Corrugated and Printing die cutting Case making Plants from Pakistan


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