Austria has just made a game-changing move for skilled professionals worldwide! In a major immigration policy overhaul, the Austrian Immigration Department announced in March 2025 that a staggering 110 new occupations have been added to its official skill shortage list for 2025. This expansion is set to revolutionize employment opportunities for foreign workers, paving the way for streamlined visa processes, high salaries, and easier residency options.
This policy shift is already yielding results, with over 3,200 Red-White-Red Card applications approved in the first four months of 2024 alone—a 35% increase from 2023. Labour Minister Martin Kocher (ÖVP) anticipates that 10,000 approvals will be reached by the end of 2024, and by 2025, the number is projected to soar to 13,500.
These changes have been incorporated into key employment laws, including amendments to the Employment of Foreign Nationals Act and the Settlement and Residence Act. The reforms are aimed at facilitating the entry of foreign workers in critical sectors such as healthcare, engineering, education, and transportation.
New Industries Impacted by the New Skill Shortage List
- Healthcare: Midwives, nurses, dietitians.
- Transport: Train and bus drivers, conductors.
- Engineering: Mechanical and electrical engineers, data processing specialists.
- Education: Childcare workers, social workers.
- Creative & Service Roles: Hairdressers, cosmeticians, chefs, florists.
110 New Professions Required by Austria’s New Skill Shortage List
The newly expanded shortage list includes a diverse range of professions, reflecting Austria’s urgent need for workers across multiple industries. Some of the most notable additions include:
- Warehouse experts
- Dieticians
- Toolmakers
- Medical technology specialists
- Engineers for data processing
- Payroll accountants
- Restaurant chefs
- Graduate mechanical engineers
- Florists and flower arrangers
- Beauticians and pedicurists
- Midwives
- Bus drivers
- Stone masons
- Confectioners
- Metal turners
- Civil engineering technicians
- Certified public accountants
- Mechanical engineers
- Carpenters
- Childcare workers
- Insurance agents
- Educators
- Cosmeticians and manicurists
- Hairdressers and make-up artists
- Track layers
- Professional truck drivers (passenger transport)
- Ophthalmic opticians
- Social workers
- Construction joiners
- Social scientists, economists, and statistician.
A complete list of all 110 shortage occupations can be found on the official Austrian immigration website: https://www.migration.gv.at/en/types-of-immigration/permanent-immigration/austria-wide-shortage-occupations/.
List of Austrian Work Visas Under Impact of New Change
1# Red-White-Red Card
Austria’s flagship Red-White-Red Card is specifically designed for third-country nationals working in occupations on the shortage list. To qualify, applicants must meet a points-based system based on education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria.
2# EU Blue Card
For highly skilled professionals, the EU Blue Card is another attractive option. In 2024, the minimum annual salary requirement for the EU Blue Card is EUR 47,855, ensuring Austria remains a top choice for international workers.
How These Changes Impact 2025 Applicants?
The newly expanded skill shortage list presents an incredible opportunity for foreign professionals seeking to work and live in Austria. With facilitated visa processes and a high demand for workers, 2025 is set to be a golden year for applicants in various skilled fields.
These reforms will make Austria’s job market more accessible to international talent while ensuring smoother integration into the workforce.
New Average Salaries in Austria & Where to Find Jobs in 2025?
Austria offers competitive salaries across industries, making it a lucrative destination for professionals worldwide. Below are estimated annual salary ranges for some key occupations on the skill shortage list:
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- Engineers (Mechanical, Electrical, Data Processing): EUR 50,000–70,000
- Healthcare Workers (Nurses, Midwives, Dietitians): EUR 40,000–60,000
- Bus & Train Drivers: EUR 35,000–50,000
- Cosmeticians & Hairdressers: EUR 25,000–35,000
- Chefs & Culinary Experts: EUR 30,000–45,000
To secure a job in these roles, international applicants should explore trusted job portals:
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- AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service): https://www.ams.at/organisation/public-employment-service-austria
- EURES (European Job Mobility Portal): https://europa.eu/eures/portal/jv-se/home?lang=en_US&app=4.7.1-build-0&pageCode=find_a_job.
Final Thoughts: Austria’s Global Talent Call for 2025!
Austria is aggressively expanding its workforce by opening doors for international professionals. With record-high skill shortages, fast-track visas, and competitive salaries, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best years to relocate to Austria for work.
For skilled workers looking for a seamless migration pathway, this announcement marks a golden opportunity to build a thriving career in Austria while enjoying its high quality of life and strong economy.
References
- Reuters – Austria’s Economy Minister on Workforce Expansion
- Schengen News – Red-White-Red Card Applications in 2024.
