Working in Austria
Austria scores you on qualifications, experience, language and age, and has a long list of jobs it cannot fill. India and Austria also have a working holiday scheme for young people.
The short answer
| Main routes | Red-White-Red Card (several categories), EU Blue Card |
| Shortage occupations 2026 | 64 nationwide, plus 66 regional |
| Points needed (shortage occupations) | at least 55 out of 90 |
| Language | German needed for most roles; points awarded for German and English |
| Who decides | The Public Employment Service (AMS) and the residence authority |
The Red-White-Red Card
The card combines residence and work, is valid for up to two years, and is tied to one employer at first. Categories include:
- Skilled workers in shortage occupations: a completed vocational training or degree in a listed occupation, a job offer at the collective agreement wage, and at least 55 points for qualifications, experience, language and age.
- Very highly qualified workers: can come to search for a job.
- Other key workers: with a job offer above a salary threshold.
Shortage occupations for 2026 include many technical trades, engineering roles and healthcare professions. Check the full nationwide and regional lists on the WORK in AUSTRIA site.
The India–Austria connection
India and Austria signed a Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement in 2023, together with a working holiday programme for young people. Austria's skilled worker agency actively promotes Austrian jobs in India.
Good to know
- Register your address within three days of moving into accommodation.
- Health insurance comes through employment.
- Vienna regularly ranks among the world's most liveable cities; Graz, Linz and Salzburg have strong industrial employers.
Read next
- Working in GermanyEurope's most structured routes for skilled Indians. German widens your options.
- Getting your qualification recognisedThe step most people leave too late. Start it before anything else.
- India's migration and mobility agreements with European countriesIndia's migration and mobility agreements with France, Germany, Austria and Italy: what they are and what they change for professionals.
