Working as a foreigner in Austria: Paths, challenges and tips for nursing staff
Do you dream of working as a foreigner in Austria? Austria's picturesque landscapes offer numerous career opportunities for foreigners - especially in the care sector.
Find out how you can successfully gain a foothold in Austria as a foreign worker, what steps are necessary to obtain a work permit and what opportunities the Austrian labor market offers. Especially if you want to stay in Austria long-term, permanent residence in the EU offers you many advantages.
In this guide you will also find valuable tips on how to optimize your career start, especially as a nurse, and successfully plan your stay in Austria.
Imagine starting your day in the charming streets of Vienna or in one of the tranquil Alpine villages. Surrounded by impressive nature and a rich culture, you not only pursue your dream job, but also enjoy the quality of life that Austria offers. Whether you are an EU citizen, EEA national or third-country national - working in Austria is a rewarding destination for many people.
But before you embark on your adventure, you need to be well prepared. This guide will show you how to find your way into the Austrian care job market, from job search to integration. You will find valuable tips and information here, especially if you want to shape your professional future in Austria as a care worker.
Opportunities for foreigners to work in Austria
Austria offers a well-organized labour market that is internationally renowned for its stability. Numerous opportunities await you, especially in the health and care sector, where the demand for qualified personnelis constantly growing. As a nurse, you have good prospects for one of the most sought-after types of employment in Austria.
Nurses are more in demand here than ever. It's as if the Austrian labor market is waiting specifically for you to fill gaps that are crucial to the country's growth.
Advantages for foreigners
As a foreigner in Austria, you not only benefit from a diverse and open-minded job market, but also from a high quality of life. After a successful day at work, you can walk through safe streets, enjoy a healthy living environment and have access to excellent medical care. There are also attractive working conditions - regular working hours, a high level of job security and fair wages.
The Austrian job market is not only stable, but also particularly appreciative of international professionals. It is a place where you not only work, but also live and grow.
Steps to obtain a work permit (Red-White-Red Card)
You can think of the work permit as a key to your new life in Austria. The Red-White-Red Card Plus in particular is a coveted destination if you want to settle in Austria long-term. This card combines a work permit and residence in Austria and is aimed at skilled workers who want to work in high-demand professions.
As a combination of work permit and residence permit, it was specially developed to bring highly qualified skilled workers, people from shortage occupations and young graduates of study programs to Austria. So if you want to work here as a nurse, this card is the first step towards your new life.
Prerequisites and application
The road to the Red-White-Red card can seem like a steep mountain at first, but with the right preparation, it becomes a well-traveled path. First, you need to make sure you fall into one of the target groups:
This includes highly qualified people, skilled workers from shortage occupations or graduates. As a nurse, you almost certainly belong to the group of skilled workers from shortage occupations or, depending on your training, to the highly qualified and have therefore already fulfilled the first requirement. The next step is to navigate your way through the bureaucratic requirements. This includes the following steps:
Check your qualifications
Depending on whether you want to come to Austria as a specialist or highly qualified person, there are different criteria that you must fulfill. Your education, professional experience and language skills play a decisive role. For the former, for example, you must have completed vocational training in a shortage occupation and achieve a required minimum score (at least 55 points).
The points are calculated based on the qualifications and criteria met. On the website migration.gv.at you will find a Online points calculator, where you can calculate your points. You also need a permanent job for which you are paid the minimum wage to which you are entitled by law, regulation or collective agreement.
Gather the necessary documents
You need various documents, including your passport, a current photo, proof of your qualifications, employment or a concrete job offer in Austria, as well as proof of sufficient German language skills (usually level A1 or B1).
On the Website of the OeAD (Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalization) you will find suitable completion aids.
Submitting the request
Your application can either be submitted to the Austrian embassy in your home country or directly in Austria. Make sure that you submit all required documents completely and correctly to avoid delays.
Waiting for the decision
After submitting your application, it will be reviewed. Depending on the case, it will take between 6 and 8 weeks before you receive a response.
Nora Tip:
To help you find your way to the Red-White-Red map, we have created a checklist for you. You can think of it as your personal hiking map, outlining your path through the bureaucracy. This checklist will help you to keep track of all the necessary steps and ensure that you don't forget any deadlines or documents.
Tips for your job search and application
You have decided to work in Austria - now it's time to find the right job and apply successfully. To ensure that the path to your dream job runs smoothly, we have some tips and tricks for Job search and application in Austria put together for you.
Integration tips for foreigners who want to work in Austria
Integration into the Austrian labour market requires preparation, especially for foreigners who want to work in Austria. It is important to improve German language skills, understand professional norms and be aware of cultural differences in order to be successful.
Where can I find open positions?
The search for the right job usually starts online - and Austria offers a variety of platforms that can help you with this. Imagine browsing through numerous vacancies that match your qualifications and interests with just a few clicks. Here are some of the most important places to start:
Platforms:
- Specialized care platform like noracares allow you to targeted search for nursing professions in Austria. With customized job suggestions, helpful application tips and the possibility to create a professional profile, noracares supports you effectively on your way to a new job. You can also get to know your future patients personally in advance.
AMS (Public Employment Service Austria):
- The job market of the AMS Austria offers a large selection of job vacancies in all sectors. There are also regular new vacancies for nursing staff.
EURES (European Employment Services):
- A Platform of the EU, which not only shows you jobs in Austria, but also in other European countries. Particularly useful if you are flexible and want to check several options.
Application process
Your application is like a business card - it gives a first impression and must be convincing to the point. Here are some tips on how to make your application perfect:
Writing:
- In Austria, the cover letter plays an important role. It should be precise and clearly structured. Explain why you are applying for the position, what experience you have and why you would like to support the company or individual.
Resume:
- A clear, well-structured CV is the be-all and end-all. It should be a maximum of two pages and clearly present your most important career stages, training and qualifications. Make sure that you can explain any gaps in your CV.
Diplomas and certificates:
- In Austria, employers attach great importance to proof of your Education and qualifications. Therefore, attach copies of references and relevant certificates to your application.
Interview:
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Be well prepared, inform yourself about the potential employer and the position. In Austria, job interviews are usually conducted formally, and punctuality and a professional appearance are crucial - even during a video call.
By focusing on these essential elements, you'll ensure that your application gets the attention it deserves. Remember that every application conveys an individual image of you and leaves a lasting impression. With careful preparation and a clear focus on your strengths and qualifications, you will be well equipped to stand out in the selection process and achieve your career goals in Austria.
Integration into the Austrian labor market
Integration into the Austrian labour market
If your application and the application for the Red-White-Red Card were successful and you start working in Austria, you are not only entering a new job market, but also a new cultural environment. In order for you to integrate successfully, it is important to know the professional and cultural norms of the country and adapt to them:
German language skills improve your chances
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Even if you want to work in an international company, knowledge of German is often crucial. Many employers expect you to have at least a basic knowledge of German (level A1 or A2), especially if you are in direct contact with patients. Invest time in language courses to improve your chances on the job market.
Differences in everyday working life in Austria
- If you want to work as a nurse, you need to understand that your experience abroad does not necessarily match the Working-conditions in Austria. Everyday life may be different, you may have to take on different tasks or the way you interact with people may be different. Be open to new Challenges and experiences.
The Austrian labour market
- The Austrian labor market places great value on punctuality, reliability and a clear Communication. Hierarchies in companies are often clearly structured and respectful interaction is expected. The sooner you understand and adapt to these norms, the easier it will be for you to find your way around the Austrian working environment.
With these tips and the right know-how, you are ideally equipped to master the application process in Austria and successfully shape your professional future.
Nora Tip:
If you need advice or some support as a foreign care worker, you can turn to various institutions. The AMS (Public Employment Service Austria) provides support with job advice, application training and workshops.
In addition, local career counselling centers and career centers help with creating CVs and preparing for job interviews. Language courses, such as those offered by DeutschAkademie, improve your German language skills, and the Austrian government's Recognition Portal assists with the recognition of foreign qualifications. These resources offer comprehensive support to increase your chances on the job market.
Imagine starting a new chapter in a country that not only inspires you with its breathtaking nature, but also entices you with valuable career opportunities. Austria is like a treasure chest full of opportunities for international professionals.
From obtaining the "Red-White-Red Card", which gives you access to this treasure, to successfully finding a job and integrating, this country offers all the tools you need to realize your professional dreams. Prepare well, take advantage of the resources available and see how you flourish both professionally and personally in this fascinating country.
Start your journey today, and register with noracares. Our platform not only helps you to search for specific nursing professions, but also offers valuable application tips and support on your way to a new job in Austria. Take the opportunity to become part of this promising job market and open the door to your successful career in Austria!
Step-by-step guide for foreigners who want to work in Austria
We have created a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process of obtaining a work permit in Austria as a foreign caregiver or nurse.
Whether you're just starting out or want to review important steps, this downloadable and printable whitepaper will make sure you're fully prepared. From recognizing qualifications to applying for the Red-White-Red Card - everything you need to know in one place. Download or print it out and start your career in the Austrian healthcare sector!
