Working in Austria | Opportunities, Benefits, and Business Potential

Working in Austria brings many advantages, from robust employee rights to internationally recognized qualifications and entrepreneurial support. This guide provides an overview of essential aspects for both employees and aspiring business owners, covering the application process, job market insights, pathways for EU and non-EU nationals, credential recognition, and steps for setting up a business. Austria’s thriving economy and well-defined regulations offer a secure and rewarding environment for career growth and business innovation.

Applying for a job

Applying for a job in Austria involves preparing traditional application documents, including a CV and cover letter, with job search resources like the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) and the WORK in AUSTRIA Talent Hub offering valuable tools.

For EU/EEA residents, job searches can start pre-arrival via EURES. Third-country nationals can apply for a job-seeker visa with specific qualifications, while German language skills are recommended. Austria values professionalism in applications, often requiring a photo, a clear format, and attention to detail.

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Exploring Employment in Austria

Austria’s employment landscape offers strong worker protections and benefits, with individual laws and collective bargaining agreements guiding wages, hours, holidays, and other rights. Employees often receive 14 annual salary payments, and paid leave includes holidays and sick days.

Probationary periods, notice requirements, and commuter allowances add further structure to work relationships. Flexible work options, like home office agreements, are also common, regulated to ensure fair terms.

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Going to Austria as an EU Citizen and as a Third-Country National

Austria offers work opportunities through permits like the Red-White-Red Card and the EU Blue Card, each with requirements for skills, job offers, and language ability. After two years, employees can apply for the Red-White-Red Card Plus, granting full labor market access.

Special permits are available for researchers, artists, and temporary stays, with additional options like the Job Seeker Visa for highly qualified workers.

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Competency Assessment

Austria has over 200 regulated professions, mainly in healthcare and social services, requiring certification of qualifications. For these roles, foreign professionals must submit verified and translated documents, including diplomas and proof of experience.

EU qualifications are often recognized under the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), while others may need nostrification to match Austrian standards. Resources like AST (contact points) across Austria provide multilingual support to help with the recognition process. For certain jobs, the European Professional Card (EPC) allows streamlined cross-border recognition within the EU.

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Doing Business in Austria

Austria provides a range of legal structures for starting a business, from sole proprietorships and partnerships to limited liability companies (GmbH) and new FlexCo for startups. The choice depends on factors like liability, planned turnover, and growth potential.

GmbH is the most popular structure due to limited liability, and FlexCo offers start-ups lower costs and simplified regulations. Support resources, including tax guidance and market analysis, help entrepreneurs navigate Austrian business requirements and opportunities.

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For more detailed information on residence permits in Austria, visit the official residence and employment page.