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Austria Shortage Occupation List 2026: Full Updated List for Red-White-Red Card & Skilled Migration

  • Writer: Xavi
    Xavi
  • Jun 22
  • 2 min read

Updated: Jun 22

Austria Shortage Occupation List 2026 with IT, engineering, healthcare, construction roles offering +10 bonus points for Red-White-Red Card applicants.
Austria Shortage Occupation List 2026

Vienna, 22 June 2026 — Austria’s shortage occupation list is one of the most important tools for skilled migration through the Red-White-Red Card. Occupations on this list receive bonus points (usually +10) and lower points thresholds, making approval significantly easier for qualified non-EU applicants.

The list is published annually by the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) and is valid for Red-White-Red Card applications in 2026.

Austria Shortage Occupation List 2026 – Official Categories

1. Information Technology & Digitalisation (Highest Demand)

  • Software Developers & Programmers

  • IT System Analysts & Architects

  • Data Scientists & Big Data Specialists

  • Cybersecurity Experts

  • AI / Machine Learning Specialists

  • Cloud Computing Specialists

  • Full-Stack & Backend Developers

  • IT Project Managers

2. Engineering & Technical Professions

  • Mechanical Engineers

  • Electrical Engineers

  • Automotive Engineers

  • Civil & Structural Engineers

  • Industrial Engineers

  • Mechatronics Engineers

  • Environmental & Process Engineers

3. Healthcare & Social Professions

  • Registered Nurses & Specialist Nurses

  • Elderly Care Workers / Geriatric Nurses

  • Physiotherapists

  • Medical Laboratory Technicians

  • Pharmacists (with recognition)

  • Radiographers & Medical Imaging Specialists

4. Construction & Skilled Trades

  • Bricklayers & Concrete Workers

  • Carpenters & Joiners

  • Electricians & Electrical Installers

  • Plumbers & Heating Technicians

  • Roofers

  • Welders & Metal Workers

5. Other High-Demand Occupations

  • Teachers (especially STEM, German as a Second Language, and vocational subjects)

  • Chefs & Professional Cooks (with formal training)

  • Hotel & Restaurant Managers

  • Logistics & Supply Chain Specialists

  • Accountants & Tax Advisors (with Austrian recognition)

  • Financial Analysts

Note: The exact list is updated every year. The 2026 list places strong emphasis on digital transformation, green technologies, healthcare, and construction due to demographic changes and economic priorities.

How Shortage Occupations Benefit Red-White-Red Card Applicants

  • +10 bonus points in the points system

  • Lower overall points threshold (often 50–55 instead of 70)

  • Faster processing times in many cases

  • Stronger chance of approval even with slightly lower qualifications

Tips for Using the Shortage List in 2026

  1. Check the Official AMS List before applying — occupations must match exactly.

  2. Get Qualifications Recognised — Use ENIC-NARIC Austria for academic degrees.

  3. Learn German — Having a B1 level or higher provides a significant advantage in points.

  4. Target Companies in shortage sectors — many actively recruit internationally.

  5. Prepare Strong Application — Highlight relevant experience in the shortage field.

Official Sources for the Latest List:

  • AMS Austria Shortage Occupation List (Mangelberufe)

  • Migration.gv.at – Red-White-Red Card Information

For the latest Austria Red-White-Red Card updates, full shortage occupation list 2026, points calculator, and skilled migration news, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/austria

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