Work in Austria

Austria is ranked 19th in the World Happiness Report 2025, reflecting its excellent quality of life. With a population of around nine million, low unemployment, and a stable economy, it remains an attractive destination for those considering working abroad.

Relocating to Austria offers the chance not only to advance your career but also to learn a new language. While English is widely spoken, German is the official language, and proficiency is essential for long-term professional success. Learning German will strengthen your employability and deepen your cultural experience.

Outside of work, Austria offers a rich lifestyle. In your free time, you could:

• hike in the Stubai Alps
• attend the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg
• visit Vienna's Schönbrunn Palace
• explore Salzburg - famous for The Sound of Music.

Jobs in Austria

Austria has a stable, export-oriented economy supported by a strong network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The service sector dominates, but manufacturing remains significant, particularly in:

• automotive production
• chemicals
• mechanical and industrial engineering
• steel and metals.

Austria is also known for traditional craftsmanship (jewellery, ceramics, glassware), alongside a strong hospitality and tourism industry, which provides many employment opportunities.

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

Austria continues to face shortages in several skilled professions, including:

• accountants and technical specialists
• construction specialists
• engineers (especially IT and data processing)
• healthcare professionals (doctors and nurses)
• social workers.

For the latest shortage occupation list, visit migration.gv.at - Austria-wide shortage occupations.

How to get a job in Austria

Job applications are typically submitted online, although some employers may still accept postal applications.

Your application needs to include:

• a detailed CV (attaching professional photo is still common in Austria)
• certificates and qualifications
• work experience
• voluntary experience
• education history
• contact details.

Your CV should ideally be no longer than two pages and accompanied by a cover letter. Applications are usually expected in German, unless the job specifically states otherwise.

Punctuality and professionalism are highly valued in interviews.

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
• clubs
• restaurants.

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
• 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.

You could also volunteer, opportunities 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

Although English proficiency is high, there is still demand for qualified English teachers, particularly outside major cities.

Requirements typically include:

• TEFL or TESOL certification
• some German knowledge (advantageous).

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 €1,630 (£1,409), 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.

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:

• applied arts students
• engineering
• science.

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, a UK qualification is recognised at the same level as an Austrian one, so you won't be at a disadvantage. 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 a slightly shorter 38-hour week. You are entitled to 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.

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 (£1,296) per month, although individual employers may set their own minimum wage in rare cases.

A typical full-time salary in Austria is around €50,000-€55,000 (£43,230-£47,548) per year, although this varies by sector and region, with salaries in Vienna generally higher.

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.