🇦🇹 Austria Expands 2025 Skill Shortage List with 110 New Job Opportunities
Austria has made a significant update to its immigration policy, aiming to attract skilled workers from around the world by expanding its skill shortage occupation list. In November 2024, the Austrian Immigration Department introduced this expansion, reflecting the country’s urgent demand for professionals across various sectors.
This move is part of Austria’s broader effort to fill critical labor gaps, offering competitive salaries and streamlined visa processes for skilled workers starting in 2025.
Addressing the Skills Gap in Austria
Austria, known for its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, faces a severe shortage of skilled professionals across multiple industries. In response, the government has expanded the shortage occupation list to include 110 new roles. This strategic initiative is designed to make the visa process easier for international applicants, offering lucrative salary packages and faster visa approvals.
The push to attract third-country nationals is already yielding results. In the first four months of 2024, Austria approved over 3,200 Red-White-Red Card applications, marking a 35% increase compared to the previous year. According to Labor Minister Martin Kocher, this number is expected to rise to 10,000 by the end of 2024, with potential growth to 13,500 in 2025.
Key Updates from November 2024
In November 2024, the Austrian Immigration Department revealed a series of updates that will reshape the labor market for 2025. The country’s expanded skill shortage list now includes both traditional roles and newly recognized occupations. These changes coincide with amendments to the Employment of Foreign Nationals Act and the Settlement and Residence Act, making it easier for workers to enter sectors like healthcare, engineering, transportation, and education.
Notable sectors with added roles include:
- Healthcare: Midwives, nurses, dietitians.
- Transport: Bus and train drivers, conductors.
- Engineering: Mechanical and electrical engineers, data processing experts.
- Education: Childcare workers, social workers.
- Creative and Service Roles: Hairdressers, cosmeticians, chefs, florists.
What Are Red-White-Red and Blue Cards EU?
Austria offers two main work permits for skilled professionals:
- Red-White-Red Card: This visa is tailored for third-country nationals in shortage occupations. Applicants must meet a minimum points threshold based on education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. More details can be found on the Austrian Migration website.
- Blue Card EU: Designed for highly skilled professionals from non-EU countries, this residence permit has a minimum salary requirement of EUR 47,855 annually for 2024, making Austria an attractive destination for well-qualified professionals.
Read also: Comprehensive New Zealand Resident Visa Guide: Your Path to Permanent Residency
Opportunities for 2025 Applicants
These changes to Austria’s immigration policy open up exciting opportunities for skilled workers in 2025. With an expanded shortage occupation list and simplified processes, international applicants can expect a smoother transition into Austria’s workforce. These updates are part of Austria’s proactive approach to filling its labor gaps and integrating skilled professionals into its growing economy.
Average Salaries in Austria and Job Search Resources for 2025
Austria offers competitive salaries for skilled workers across various industries. Here are estimated annual salaries for key roles in 2025:
- Engineers: EUR 50,000–70,000
- Healthcare Workers (e.g., nurses, midwives): EUR 40,000–60,000
- Bus and Train Drivers: EUR 35,000–50,000
- Cosmeticians and Hairdressers: EUR 25,000–35,000
- Chefs and Culinary Experts: EUR 30,000–45,000
Job seekers interested in these roles can explore opportunities through trusted platforms like the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) and EURES, which cater to international job applicants.
110 New Occupations in Austria’s 2025 Skill Shortage List
Austria’s updated list of shortage occupations includes a wide range of roles, from healthcare and engineering to creative and service jobs. Here are some examples:
- Data processing engineers
- Midwives
- Bus drivers
- Hairdressers and make-up artists
- Social workers
- Dietitians
- Mechanical engineers
- Restaurant chefs
- Childcare workers
- Florists
- Medical technology specialists
- Metal turners
- Construction joiners
For the full list, you can visit the official Austrian Immigration resource here.
Conclusion
Austria’s bold expansion of its skill shortage list for 2025 marks a significant step in addressing the country’s labor shortages. With 110 new occupations now eligible for streamlined visa processes, Austria presents an enticing opportunity for skilled professionals worldwide to build rewarding careers in a country known for its high quality of life.
For more information on how to apply for the Red-White-Red Card or Blue Card EU, visit the Austrian Migration website.
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