Work in Austria

With its vibrant economy, high standard of living, and in-demand opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors, Austria welcomes professionals from around the globe to embark on a fulfilling career journey

Austria ranks 14th in the World Happiness Report 2024, and it's no surprise. With a thriving economy, low unemployment, and a population of around nine million enjoying a high quality of life, Austria is a promising destination for anyone considering a move abroad.

Relocating to Austria is a fantastic opportunity to not only develop your career prospects but also to learn a second language. While English is widely spoken, German is Austria's official language, and fluency is essential for success in the workplace. Mastering German will not only boost your CV but also open doors to a deep cultural experience.

Austria caters to all interests in your free time, where you can hike the challenging trails of the stunning Stubai Alps or witness the roar of engines at the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix held in Spielberg every July. You can also immerse yourself in the country's rich history with a visit to Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace, or relive the magic of The Sound of Music with a tour of Salzburg, the city where this beloved classic was filmed.

Jobs in Austria

Austria stands out in Europe for its stable economy, fuelled by a network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the service industry generates the biggest share of Austria's income, manufacturing is also a large portion, with mechanical and steel engineering, chemicals, and automotive manufacturing, supporting the country's industrial sector.

Austria is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship, and its jewellery, ceramics, and glassware are highly sought-after around the world. The country's stunning landscapes and historic cities like Vienna and Salzburg fuel a booming hospitality and tourism industry, offering plenty of opportunities for those looking for work in the travel industry.

To search for job vacancies in Austria, visit:

• Glassdoor - English speaking jobs in Austria
• Jobted Austria (in German)
• StepStone Austria
• English Job Search

Skills shortages

A skilled workforce is in high demand across various sectors in Austria, including engineers and construction professionals, as well as registered nurses and certified social workers.

In demand graduate jobs include:

• engineers for data processing
• physicians
• nurses
• cost accountants
• ophthalmic opticians.

Visit migration.gv.at - Austria-wide shortage occupations for a full list of Austria's skills shortage areas.

How to get a job in Austria

If you're searching for job openings in Austria, you can use online employment services such as EURES. However, some employers may not prefer online applications, so you may need to submit your application via post.

When sending your application, include the following details:

• a detailed CV with a photograph of yourself
• your qualification certificates
• brief details of any relevant work experience
• details of any voluntary work
• personal interests
• contact details
• your education history.

Your CV should not exceed two pages and must be accompanied by a cover letter, both written in German. If you are invited for an interview, make sure to dress formally and arrive on time, as Austrian employers consider punctuality to be of great importance.

Summer jobs

There are plenty of seasonal work opportunities in Austria. During the summer months, bustling tourist destinations offer a variety of roles in bars, cafes, restaurants, and clubs. This is a great way to develop your hospitality skills while experiencing the energy of Austria's tourist scene.

In winter, Austria's renowned ski resorts become a job seeker's paradise. You can train as a ski instructor and share your passion for snow sports, or take on a role at a resort, like a lift operator or chalet host. Seasonal jobs offer a great way to explore Austria, and the work experience gained can enhance your CV. If you're interested in winter positions, browse Snow Season Central to find vacancies during ski season.

If you're looking for a different kind of seasonal work, consider grape picking or an au pair role. Although these positions may offer lower salaries, they often come with included accommodation and meals, making them budget-friendly choices. Additionally, you don't need to be fluent in German to secure an au pair role, meaning you can immerse yourself in the language and culture.

If you're seeking hands-on experience and can manage your own expenses, volunteering opportunities are another rewarding path. It's a great way to explore breathtaking scenery, gain valuable work experience, and boost your CV.

Volunteering schemes are available through:

• Concordia
• International Voluntary Service (IVS) in Britain
• WWOOF Austria - giving you the chance to volunteer on organic farms while getting to know the locals.

Teaching jobs

Austria has a high rate of English proficiency, but there's still a need for qualified English teachers. The competition can be tough, particularly in Vienna and Salzburg. However, your chances of landing a job increase significantly if you have a TEFL or TESOL certification.

You can apply for teaching positions in public schools, private language academies, or universities, where you'll have the opportunity to assist students with different abilities. You may be teaching young children who are just starting to learn, or business professionals who want to improve their skills.

The British Council's Language Assistants Programme is a great way to get started. It's a year-long scheme that places you in two Austrian schools, with a workload of around 13 hours per week. You'll receive a monthly stipend of €1,400 (£1,205), and the programme is open to participants under 35 with basic German (A2 level).

For more information, see the British Council Language Assistants - Austria.

Internships

If you're looking for an internship or work placement in Austria, there are plenty of opportunities available for both short-term and year-long programmes. Not only will you gain valuable experience, but you'll also get to explore the beauty of Austria.

However, if you're from outside the European Union (EU), you'll need to obtain an Austrian National Visa (Visa D) before starting your internship - keep this in mind while planning.

For those interested in science and technology, the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria offers year-round opportunities as well as their summer programme, the ISTernship.

UK students seeking international work experience can participate in the Turing Scheme, a government-funded programme that supports international placements. Check with your institution to see if they participate.

Finally, AIESEC UK and IAESTE UK offer internships and summer work placements for students and recent graduates. AIESEC UK is a great option for those looking for any type of internship, while IAESTE UK focuses on science, engineering, and applied arts students.

Austrian visas

If you are not from the EU - including UK citizens - you will need a visa to work in Austria. There are different types of visas available for various purposes, and you can reach out to your local Austrian embassy or consulate to learn more about the visa requirements. The Austrian Foreign Ministry offers a list of representation authorities worldwide, which includes the Austrian Embassy in London.

For UK citizens, GOV.UK - Travel to Austria for work can also be a useful resource. If you are an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) national, you don't need a work visa or permit to enter Austria and seek employment. However, if you are coming from Croatia, you might face some restrictions.

For those who require a visa, there are three main types available:

• The EU Blue card is a type of residence and work permit tied to a specific job offer, and requires you to hold a university degree.
• The Red-White-Red Card is a points-based immigration system that allows you to work for an Austrian employer for up to 12 months and is available to highly qualified individuals, skilled workers in occupations facing shortages, self-employed key workers, and graduates of Austrian universities.
• The Jobseeker Visa allows highly qualified non-EU citizens to look for work in Austria for up to six months and requires you to apply for the appropriate work permit if you secure employment during this time.

Language requirements

To promote successful social and professional integration into Austria, The Austrian Federal Government has developed the National Action Plan for Integration (NAP) to emphasise the importance of a strong grasp of the German language - both spoken and written. 

Österreichisches Sprachdiplom Deutsch (ÖSD), also known as the Austrian Language Diploma, is the official examination system recognised by Austria for German as a foreign language.

You can take the exam at more than 45 centres located in various countries around the world. Additionally, several other institutions and organisations offer a range of German language courses.

For further details, you can visit the association of Austrian language schools, Campus Austria.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

Thanks to the Bologna Process, an agreement between European countries to ensure comparability in standards of teaching and quality of qualifications, any higher education qualifications obtained in the UK are directly comparable to their Austrian counterparts. Therefore, if you're planning to work in Austria with a UK Bachelors, Masters or PhD, these qualifications will generally be recognised and accepted by Austrian employers.

As a general rule, it's always best to double-check with potential employers before you submit your application, just to make sure they recognise your qualification.

To find out more about how your qualifications are recognised, see ENIC-NARIC.

What it's like to work in Austria

As an employee in Austria, you can expect to have an eight-hour workday and a 40-hour workweek. However, in some industries, you may work slightly shorter hours, with a 38-hour week. You are entitled to a generous five weeks of leave per year, which increases to six weeks after completing 25 years of service. Additionally, there are 13 annual paid public holidays in the country.

Each job sector sets its own minimum wage, as there is no national statutory minimum wage. In general, the collective agreement sets the minimum wage at €1,500 (£1,291) per month, although individual employers may set their own minimum wage in rare cases.

A typical salary in Austria is around €40,000 (excluding Vienna, which has a higher average salary), which is equivalent to approximately £42,000. The country has a progressive rate of income tax that ranges up to 50%. The amount of tax you pay depends on your income, and income tax and insurance contributions are deducted from your salary.

For more information on tax and working conditions, see migration.gov.at - Income and taxation.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in Austria.