Obtain the red-white-red card via the „shortage occupation list“!
The shortage occupation list in Austria: opportunities for companies to recruit skilled workers in a targeted manner.
The shortage of skilled workers is a growing challenge for many Austrian companies. The list of shortage occupations is an important labour market policy tool for the targeted recruitment of qualified workers from abroad. It enables companies to recruit skilled workers from third countries (non-EU countries) more quickly and easily – in particular via the Red-White-Red Card.
What is the list of shortage occupations?
The list of shortage occupations is compiled annually by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW) on the basis of labour market data from the Public Employment Service (AMS). It contains those occupations in which there is a proven, structural shortage of skilled workers throughout Austria or in individual federal states.
The aim is to make it easier for qualified persons from third countries to access the Austrian labour market – provided that their qualifications match a listed shortage occupation.
Advantages for companies
- Faster filling of vacancies in areas with particularly high demand
- Legal certainty and clear requirements for the employment of third-country nationals
- Expanded recruitment opportunities through targeted immigration of skilled workers
- Planning security, as the list is updated and published annually
Criteria for including an occupation in the list of shortage occupations
An occupation is included on the basis of legally defined criteria in accordance with Section 12b of the Foreign Nationals Employment Act (AuslBG):
- Labour market indicator
A profession is considered to be in short supply if there are at least 1.5 vacancies per registered job seeker on average over the course of a year. This data is calculated on the basis of AMS statistics for an entire calendar year. - Qualification level
Only occupations that require completed vocational training or specialised skills can be considered. Unskilled and semi-skilled occupations are excluded. - Regional shortage occupations
In addition to the nationwide list, there are also regional lists of shortage occupations that specifically address bottlenecks in certain federal states. The criteria are the same, but are calculated at the state level. - Regional shortage occupations
In addition to the nationwide list, there are also regional lists of shortage occupations that specifically address bottlenecks in certain federal states. The criteria are the same, but are calculated at the state level.
The Red-White-Red Card
Occupations that appear on the list of shortage occupations are particularly relevant for the Red-White-Red Card. This enables qualified professionals from third countries to immigrate legally to Austria and enter the labour market immediately – without a labour market test, provided that all requirements are met.
Current list of shortage occupations
The current list is published annually and is available on the BMAW website:
👉 To the current list of shortage occupations
Conclusion
For Austrian companies, the list of shortage occupations is a strategic tool for specifically counteracting the shortage of skilled workers. It creates clear framework conditions for international recruitment, facilitates access to qualified skilled workers from third countries and helps to secure economic growth through personnel stability. You can also contact world4europe.com, a partner who will take care of everything for you, from recruitment to all the administrative work involved in obtaining the Red-White-Red Card to travel arrangements.