Austria Expands List of In-Demand Jobs for 2025 Work Permits with 110 New Occupations

With 110 new positions added for 2025, Austria has broadened its list of occupations with a skills deficit, opening up new work permit chances for qualified workers. Learn how Austria’s revised immigration laws facilitate international professionals’ ability to live and work in one of Europe’s most sought-after locations, whether they are in the medical field or the engineering field.

Austria’s 2025 skill deficit list now includes 110 additional occupations, expanding its pool of competent people. The Austrian Immigration Department’s November 2024 report highlights the nation’s dedication to meeting its labor demands in a range of industries.

For international experts hoping to work in Austria, where visa procedures are simpler and wages are competitive, this expansion offers an attractive opportunity.

Addressing Austria’s Skills Gap

Austria is a well-liked travel destination because of its beautiful scenery and excellent standard of living. However, the government is being forced to modernize its immigration laws due to an increasing demand for skilled labor. Austria has increased the number of occupations on its list of skill shortages to 110 to address the labor shortfall. This program offers competitive pay packages and facilitates the process of obtaining work permits for foreign experts.

Austria has seen a 35% increase in Red-White-Red Card applications compared to the previous year, indicating a jump in demand for skilled workers. In 2025, Labor Minister Martin Kocher anticipates 13,500 approvals.

Important Industries on the Extended Shortage List

New positions in important industries like healthcare, engineering, transportation, education, and more were announced by the Austrian Immigration Department. Important additions consist of:

• Medical professionals: nutritionists, nurses, and midwives
• Transportation: Conductors and drivers of buses and trains
• Engineering: Data processing specialists, mechanical and electrical engineers
• Education: Social workers and childcare providers
• Service and Innovation Careers: Hairdressers, florists, chefs, and cosmeticians

These modifications are in line with revisions to Austria’s Settlement and Residence Act and Employment of Foreign Nationals Act, which collectively streamline the admissions procedure for foreign workers.

Highlighted Positions in 110 New Shortage Occupations in Austria

An overview of the range of positions currently included in Austria’s enlarged shortage occupation list is provided here:

• Power engineering graduates
• Higher-level trained technicians (engineers) in power engineering technologies.
• Specialist power engineers
• Agricultural machinery engineers
• Higher-trained technicians in power engineering technology (engineers)
• Data processing technicians who have received more advanced training (engineers)
• Roofers
• Graduates in telecommunications and weak-current engineering
• Milling machinists
• Cost accountants
• Fuel and gas technology technicians
• Graduate nurses
• Metal turners
• Black toppers
• Graduate mechanical engineers
• Graduate engineers for data processing
• Electrical installers and electrical fitters
• Mechanical engineering specialist technicians
• Special graduate engineers (Ing.), unless otherwise classified)
• Welders and cutting torch operators
• Special fitters
• More highly qualified technicians (engineers) in mechanical engineering
• Ophthalmic opticians
• Special fitters
• Physicians
• The special occupations of graduate engineers (unless otherwise designated)
• Train drivers, locomotive drivers, locomotive stokers
• Varnishers (painters)
• Motor vehicle mechanics
• Pipe installers, pipefitters
• Special technicians in business administration
• Medical technology specialists
• Certified public accountants
• Carpenters
• Higher-educated civil engineering technicians (engineers)
• Special technicians, unless otherwise classified
• Payroll accountants
• Construction joiners
• Building plumbers
• Construction and furniture joiners
• Machine fitters
• Vehicle body and radiator sheet metal workers
• Blacksmiths and carriage builders
• Pavers (Pavers)
• Technicians with advanced degrees in business administration (engineering)
• Salespeople and retailers of kitchen and household appliances, as well as iron and metal products
• Specialized technicians in communication and low-voltage engineering
• Engineers/technicians for rough mechanicals
• Graduates in business administration
• Building fitters, sheet metal fitters, construction fitters
• Concrete fitters
• Midwives (midwives)
• Weak-current and telecommunications engineering technicians
• Butchers
• Plastics processors
• Physical-technical Special Professions
• Accountants
• Restaurant chefs
• Specialist technicians for data processing
• Electrical Mechanics
• Floor and wall tilers
• Stove fitters, potters, stove makers
• Procurement managers
• Construction joiners
• Department store sales clerks
• civil engineering specialists
• Chimney sweepers
• Civil engineering special technicians
• Automat and machine operators/adjusters
• Toolmakers, cutters, and punch makers
• Florists, flower arrangers
• Wood machine workers
• Confectioners
• Special railroad professions
• Residence managers, hotel and restaurant staff, and estate managers
• Forwarding specialists
• Denture technicians
• Billing clerks, billing accountants
• Graduate Engineers for Engineering Physics, Physicists
• Special technicians for surveying
• Electric professions
• Professions in mechanical metal working.
• Coffee product makers and other food manufacturers
• Graduate civil engineers
• Bricklayers
• Bakers (Bakers)
• Childcare workers
• Manufacturers of metal goods, assembly workers
• Non-Graduate Nurse Practitioners and Related Professions
• Social scientists, economists, scientific statisticians
• Glaziers
• Track layers
• Hairdressers, make-up artists
• Painters, house painters
• Technical draftsmen
• Cosmeticians, manicurists and pedicurists
• Insurance agents/representatives
• Dietitian (dieticians)
• Stone masons, stone sculptors
• Conductors and train supervisors
• Masseurs, masseuses
• Furniture makers
• Warehouse and storage experts, expedients
• Retailers and sales representatives for paints, varnishes, cleaning supplies, and fragrances
• Graduate Engineers for Technical Chemistry, Chemists
• Welfare workers, social workers
• Bus drivers
• School bus drivers
• Professional truck drivers
• Tram drivers

To learn more about the scarcity of jobs, go to migration.gv.at, the Austrian immigration website.

New Prospects for 2025 Candidates

Austria has made it plain that 2025 is a great year for professionals wishing to relocate with its extended shortage employment list. It is anticipated that the simplified visa application procedure and increased employment opportunities will attract a varied talent pool to Austria, enhancing the social and economic fabric of the nation.

The revised immigration laws guarantee easier applications and support Austria’s proactive strategy for satisfying labor demands.

Austrian Average Salary: What Skilled Workers Can Anticipate

For skilled foreign workers, Austria is a popular alternative due to its high compensation. Although pay varies by industry, the following are typical income expectations for important roles:

Portals such as the European job board EURES at europa.eu and the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) at ams.at provide access to Austria’s labor market for individuals who are interested.

Austrian Work Permits and Visas

For competent non-EU workers, Austria has four main work permit/visa options:

• The D Visa, or long-term visa, is intended for non-EU nationals who intend to work in Austria for more than ninety days. People who have a contract or job offer from an Austrian employer are supported by this visa, which enables them to enter and stay in Austria for the duration of their employment.
• Red-White-Red Card: This permit is intended for skilled workers in occupations where there is a shortage. A scoring system that takes into account factors including education, experience, and language proficiency determines eligibility.
• Blue Card EU: Austria’s competitive wage structure is highlighted by the EU Blue Card, which targets highly trained workers and requires a minimum gross salary of EUR 47,855 yearly.
• Job Seeker Visa: This six-month temporary visa is intended for highly qualified non-EU nationals who want to travel to Austria to look for work. With this visa, applicants can remain in Austria and actively look for positions that fit their qualifications.

Austria is a desirable location for skilled professionals from throughout the world because these licenses allow successful candidates to live and work there.

How to Apply for a Work Permit in Austria

Professionals must fulfill certain requirements and make sure their abilities align with Austria’s shortage list to apply for a work permit in Austria. Here is a general rundown of the steps involved in applying:

• Verify Occupation Eligibility: To make sure your employment role qualifies, check Austria’s shortage occupation list.
• Get the necessary paperwork ready: Gather the required paperwork, such as employment records, diplomas, and evidence of linguistic ability.
• Use the Austrian Embassy to submit your application: Wait for processing after submitting the application and paying the necessary money.
• Get and activate your work permit: After it has been authorized, activate it when you get to Austria.

Final Thoughts

Skilled workers now have a rare chance to work in a mature economy with a good standard of life because of Austria’s extended shortage list. In addition to streamlining the application process, the new regulations in 2025 lay the groundwork for a fulfilling career in Austria.

Austria welcomes talent who is prepared to make an impact, whether they are in the creative, engineering, or medical sectors.