Jobs

Austria Job Openings: Austria Welcomes Foreign Talents

Posted on by Chidiebere Onuoha

The country of Austria is experiencing an increase in job openings. They reported an average of 196,400 unoccupied positions in the first quarter of 2024. According to Statistics, this development represents an 8.5% rise from the previous quarter’s 181,000 vacancies. It indicates a growing demand for labor, especially in the service sector. The surge in job vacancies presents an opportunity for foreign professionals, especially in crucial roles such as nursing, plumbing, and carpentry.

Foreign professionals have significant opportunities in Austria’s labor market, which faces shortages in various sectors. The analysis of job vacancies in the country includes 113,200 openings in the service sector, 46,100 openings in the manufacturing sector, and 37,100 openings in the public sector.

The latest EURES publication highlights several high-demand occupations which includes:

  • Service sector: Nursing professionals and cooks. 
  • Manufacturing and engineering: Electrical mechanics, motor vehicle mechanics, welders, and flame cutters. 
  • Construction and trades: Plumbers, pipefitters, carpenters, and joiners. 
  • Technical and engineering: Electronics engineering technicians and systems analysts. 

Visa Options for Nigerians and Other EU Countries

Austria is offering several visa options for non-EU citizens like Nigeria and other African countries. These visas cater to various employment needs, each with specific purposes, durations, and criteria. The required visa needed to work in Austria as a foreigner is the Job-seeker visa.

  • The D Visa (Long-term visa) is designed for non-EU citizens planning to work in Austria for more than 90 days. It requires an employment contract or job offer from an Austrian employer, proof of accommodation, sufficient financial means, and health insurance coverage. 
  • Highly skilled workers from non-EU countries find the Red-White-Red card visa popular. It is a combination of a residence permit and a work permit, valid for up to two years. The committee assesses applicants based on their qualifications, work experience, age, and language skills.
  • The EU aims the Blue Card at highly qualified non-EU citizens, allowing them to work in Austria and other EU member states. It requires high educational qualifications, an employment contract with a salary 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 while seeking employment. Applicants must demonstrate their qualifications, relevant professional experience, financial means, and health insurance. 

Skilled professionals salary range

Austria offers competitive salaries, which makes it an attractive destination for skilled professionals. The average annual salaries for high-demand roles include: 

  • General Practitioners: €162,974 
  • Registered Nurses: €69,552 
  • Electrical Engineers: €75,384 
  • Automotive Mechanics: €43,001 
  • Plumbers: €53,688 

Other sectors for job openings available for foreigners in Austria includes:

  • Tourism and gastronomy
  • IT
  • Retail, trade, and e-commerce
  • Media, culture, and entertainment

Document Requirements for Non-EU citizens Willing to Work in Austria

The requirements necessary from Non EU citizens who are willing to work include:

  • Work visa/residence permit: You can apply for a work visa at the Austian consulate in your home country.
  • Health insurance: A very important document you must possess if you wish to work in Austria. Upon employment, your employer will register you for social security. This will give you access to public healthcare services in Austria.
  • Employer sponsorship: Your employer will be required to provide necessary documents and confirm your job offer.
  • Accommodation proof: This document is also required including the length of your stay.
  • Proof of funds: You must have enough funds to cover your needs before getting an employment.
  • Job market access: They may require you to prove that an EU/EEA citizen cannot occupy the position you are offered. This requirement depends on the type of job though.
  • Language certificates

Where To Find Jobs in Austria

You can find jobs in Austria from different online sources, social media platforms and a good network.

 English-speaking jobs in Austria:

German-speaking jobs in Austria:

Get Employed In Austria With These Tips

Getting any job requires good preparation and understanding of the job seeker market. These tips will help you streamline your job search in the right direction.

  • Make thorough research: Jobs are available, but you are not available for all jobs. Keep your search on jobs that match your skills and experience closely to be a great fit.
  • Prepare thoroughly for interviews: Before going in for your next interview, ensure you have excellent knowledge about the company. Learn practice interview questions and how to answer them,
  • Highlight your relevant skills: It is very important to include your relevant skills in your CV. Employers need to know that you will be an asset to the organization.
  • Update your CV: Your CV must be in alignment to the Austrian CV standard. Additionally, your CV must be updated once you attain a new accomplishment.
  • Learn Deutsch: This will help you to be open to a large pool of opportunities too.
  • Network: One of the best ways to get jobs is through networking. Try to meet new people, go to new places and attend job fairs.