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.

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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.