Austria Expands Shortage Occupation List to 64 Professions for 2026
Updated: 32 minutes ago
VIENNA, October 12, 2026 — Austria has published its annual shortage occupation ordinance for 2026, expanding the national list to 64 professions and adding dozens of region-specific occupations for which non-EU nationals can more easily obtain a Red-White-Red work permit.
The Fachkräfteverordnung 2026 was released in the official legal gazette on October 12, 2026, and is available via the Austrian Legal Information System (RIS).
What the Expanded List Covers
The ordinance introduces new nationwide entries across several sectors facing acute demographic pressure.
New nationwide occupations include:
Sector | Examples |
Rail | Locomotive drivers |
Engineering | Starkstrom electrical engineers |
Healthcare | Medical technologists |
Education | Elementary-school teachers |
Skilled trades | Various technical roles |
The health-care, rail, IT and skilled-trades sectors are among the biggest beneficiaries of the expansion.
How the RWR System Works
Austria operates a points-based Red-White-Red card system for skilled workers from outside the EU. Candidates who hold a job offer in a listed shortage occupation benefit from:
Lower salary thresholds compared to the standard route
Streamlined labour-market testing through the Public Employment Service (AMS)
The practical result is faster processing. Employers can fill vacancies months earlier than through the standard immigration route.
Alignment with Skilled Labour Strategy 2030
The broadened list reflects the government's commitment to its "Skilled Labour Strategy 2030," which aims to secure 400,000 additional workers to sustain economic growth as the baby-boom generation retires.
The annual ordinance is reviewed each autumn, allowing the government to respond to shifting labour market conditions.
What This Means for Employers
Immediate action for HR teams:
Revisit workforce plans and identify positions that now qualify for expedited processing
Update internal guidance on minimum remuneration, language requirements and AMS pre-approval, which continue to apply
Centralise recruitment where occupations have moved from regional to nationwide status
Operational changes:
Several occupations — including roofers and welders — have been moved from regional to nationwide status. Businesses operating across multiple federal states can now centralise recruitment instead of filing state-specific applications.
Application Process and Timelines
Foreign candidates must still file their visa D or residence-permit application at an Austrian embassy before travel, unless they already hold legal residence in the Schengen Area.
Immigration advisers expect average processing times for listed occupations to drop to 6 to 8 weeks once AMS officers become familiar with the new codes.
Important timing note: Employers who miss the 2026 window should note that the list is reviewed every autumn. Applications started this year can remain valid even if an occupation is removed in 2027, provided submission occurs before December 31, 2026.
Compliance Monitoring to Increase
Mobility professionals should prepare for heightened compliance monitoring.
The Labour Ministry has signalled a "trust but verify" approach and intends to expand on-site checks to ensure that foreign hires actually work in the declared shortage role and receive the promised salary.
In short, the 2026 ordinance offers powerful new recruitment options — but only for organisations that combine agile hiring practices with rigorous record-keeping.
Read Also
Quick Reference Summary
Aspect | Detail |
Published | October 12, 2026 |
Legal Source | Fachkräfteverordnung 2026 (RIS) |
Nationwide Occupations | 64 professions |
New Nationwide Entries | Locomotive drivers, Starkstrom engineers, medical technologists, elementary-school teachers |
Regional Occupations | Dozens added; roofers and welders moved to nationwide |
RWR Benefits | Lower salary thresholds; streamlined AMS testing |
Expected Processing Time | 6–8 weeks for listed occupations |
Application Deadline | December 31, 2026 (for 2026 validity) |
Compliance | Expanded on-site checks planned |
Strategic Context | Skilled Labour Strategy 2030 (400,000 workers) |
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