Working in Vienna

Finding a job in Austria isn't easy. Many expats often relocate to Vienna due to a transfer from within their company. That said, Vienna has several strong industries, and highly skilled expats may find they have the expertise to fill a gap in the local workforce.

Citizens of EU member states can legally work in Austria without any special documentation, but if you're from outside the EU, you must obtain a work permit.

While English is generally spoken in business circles, being able to speak basic German will certainly be advantageous when it comes to securing a job in Vienna. 

Read Work Permits in Austria to learn more about securing a visa in the country. 

Job market in Vienna

As the capital of Austria, Vienna contributes approximately 25 percent of the country’s GDP. It has prominent real estate, engineering, banking, and business sectors, and tourism is also a major employer in Vienna.

The city has a booming media sector and is home to the headquarters of various newspapers, radio stations and television channels. Many international media agencies have subsidiaries in Vienna, and there are many correspondents and journalists based in the city.

Vienna is also a major business hub within Europe and home to both branches and headquarters of major multinational corporations. The manufacturing industry in Vienna is also a significant employer, producing almost half of Austria's capital goods. 

Useful links

• Austrian Federal Government Official Information Website – Austria-wide Shortage Occupations

Finding a job in Vienna

Browsing online listings and social networking sites such as LinkedIn before arriving in the country is a good idea, as it allows for a quick glance at the current state of the job market within a particular field. The classified sections in the online versions of local newspapers are also a good source of information. 

It would be best if you also used any personal contacts to find out about job opportunities. Networking and personal relationships are incredibly important in Austria. Austrians tend to trust friends, so personal recommendations are highly valued. 

Recruitment agencies are also a great option, while attending industry networking events can help you build up your contact list in Vienna.

Useful links

• Jobs in Vienna
• WienerJobs
• Job City

Work culture in Vienna

Vienna may be a lively and cosmopolitan city, but its work culture still has old-fashioned values and perhaps less egalitarian structures than some expats may be used to. Most companies have a definite hierarchical structure, and those in senior positions, particularly those who are highly qualified and experienced, are highly regarded and deferred to.

Viennese work culture prides itself on the concept of Sozialpartnerschaft, or social partnership, which promotes cooperation and dialogue in industrial relations. It's essential for expat entrepreneurs and business owners to work closely and cooperate with local business partners and Austrian subsidiary companies.