How to Work and Immigrate to Austria as a Software Engineer?

Are IT Jobs in Demand in Austria?

Yes, Austria has a lot of IT jobs. Due to the country’s growing tech industry and digitization initiatives, there’s a significant demand for IT professionals in the country, including software developers, data scientists, and network administrators.

Is Austria Good for Artificial Intelligence?

Yes, artificial intelligence is becoming a big deal in Austria. Numerous universities and institutions in Austria have focused on AI studies and innovation thanks to its strong focus on research and development. Investing in digitalization and having tech hubs in cities like Vienna and Graz make Austria a great place to work in AI.

How to Immigrate to Austria as a Software Engineer?

Immigrating to Austria as a software engineer includes several complex steps. Here’s a detailed guide for you:

1. Qualification recognition (if needed)
2. Research and choose the right visa
3. Find a job in Austria
4. Apply for an Austrian visa
5. Relocate to Austria and register

Step 1. Qualification Recognition (If needed)

In Austria, you might need to get your educational qualifications recognized depending on your specific job or employer’s requirements. This process is known as “Nostrification.” It’s usually not mandatory for software engineers, but you should check your job requirements.

Let’s look at the process:

1. Check if “Nostrification” is required for your software engineering degree. Consult with your Austrian employer or a recognition authority.
2. The universities or the Federal Ministry of Education, Science, and Research (BMBWF) recognize foreign education degrees in Austria.
3. Make sure you have all the necessary documents. Your diploma, transcripts of records, syllabus, curriculum, and possibly a description of your thesis or final project are usually included in this. A certified translator may need to translate these documents into German.
4. Send your application along with the required documents to the university or authority. Each institution has its own “Nostrification” process.
5. Your application will be assessed after submission. If you have a foreign degree, the authority will compare it with an Austrian equivalent.
6. Depending on the assessment outcome, you may have to pass certain exams or complete extra coursework.
7. It costs money to nostrificate. Usually, it’s between a few hundred and a thousand euros.
8. Once the assessment and additional requirements are complete, a decision will be made.
9. In most cases, you can appeal a decision that denies your application. In the decision letter, you’ll find out how to appeal.

Step 2. Research and Choose the Right Visa

For a foreigner who is looking to immigrate to Austria as a software engineer, there are several visa options available:

• Red-White-Red Card (RWR Card). These programs target highly qualified individuals, skilled workers in unskilled occupations, and other key personnel.
• Red-White-Red Card Plus. Gives Red-White-Red Cardholders unrestricted access to the labor market.
• EU Blue Card. It is for highly qualified non-EU citizens who have a high-paying job offer.
• Job Seeker Visa. This program is for highly qualified people looking for a job in Austria without a job offer.
• Self-Employed Key Worker Visa. It is for you if you want to start a business that creates macroeconomic benefits.

Highly qualified employees like software engineers commonly get the Red-White-Red Card. RWR is initially valid for 24 months. Here are the criteria for the Red-White-Red Card:

• Points-Based System. A points system is used to assess applicants, which considers qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age.
  • Qualifications. Up to 30 points for higher educational qualifications, especially those relevant to shortage occupations.
  • Work Experience. Up to 20 points for relevant professional experience.
  • Language Skills. Up to 15 points for proficiency in German or 10 points for English. The required level is typically B1/B2, according to the CEFR.
  • Age. Applicants under 35 can earn up to 20 points.
  • Job Offer. An Austrian employer must offer you a job that matches your qualifications.
• Minimum Salary. There’s a minimum salary threshold. Figures are adjusted every year, so make sure you check what’s required right now. They vary based on age.
  • It’s lower for people under 30.
  • Over 30s have a higher threshold.
• Health Insurance and Accommodation. Proof of adequate health insurance and accommodation in Austria is required.
  • Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse (WGKK) and Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) are popular health insurance providers.
  • Accommodation websites include ImmobilienScout24.at, Willhaben.at, and Immowelt.at
• Labor Market Test (if applicable). Some jobs can’t be filled by Austrians or EU citizens, so employers have to prove that.
• Integration Agreement Compliance. The Integration Agreement might require you to be proficient in a language.

Step 3. Find a Job in Austria

To immigrate to Austria as a software engineer, you must find a job offer. To do that, research the job market in Austria and secure a job offer from an Austrian company. How? Look at the lists.

Job Portals in Austria

• Karriere.at
• StepStone Austria
• LinkedIn
• Monster.at
• DerStandard.at/Karriere
• Jobswype.at
• Xing
• Jobs in Vienna
• Metajob.at

Recruitment Agencies in Austria

• Hays
• Michael Page
• Manpower
• Randstad Austria
• Adecco
• Trenkwalder
• ISG Personalmanagement GmbH
• Experis
• EPSN Workforce Austria

Step 4. Apply for an Austrian Visa

You need to apply at the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country because you need a visa to work in Austria as a software engineer. Here’s a detailed guide:

1. You should choose the appropriate visa type if you are a highly qualified worker.
2. Get a job offer from an Austrian company.
3. Here are some common documents you’ll need:
   1. Your valid passport
   2. A job offer that resulted in an employment contract
   3. Your educational certificates and diplomas
   4. A criminal record check from your country of residence
   5. Evidence of accommodation in Austria
   6. Evidence of health insurance coverage
   7. Your photos (passport-sized)
   8. Other documents requested by the embassy or your visa category
4. Translate all documents into Austrian German (if necessary) and have them legalized.
5. Fill out the specific visa application form.
6. You can schedule an appointment at your country’s Austrian embassy or consulate.
7. You have to show up for the visa interview with all your documents.
8. Pay the visa fee. It can range from €100 to €150.
9. Wait for the processing. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
10. You’ll be notified when your visa is ready.

Step 5. Relocate to Austria and Register

Once you move to Austria as a software engineer, you must go through various processes to settle in and start working.

Registering with the Local Registration Office (Meldeamt)

1. You must register with the local registration office (Meldeamt) within three days of your arrival in the area where you will reside.
2. Make sure you’ve got your passport, proof of residence (like a lease), and your birth certificate, if you have one.
3. You must have your landlord or property manager sign the registration form (Meldeschein).
4. A registration confirmation (Meldebesfirmation) will be sent to you after you submit your documents.

Opening a Bank Account

• Schedule an appointment or visit a branch to open a bank account. There are different account types (e.g., current account, savings account). Ensure you bring your passport, residency confirmation, and proof of income or employment. Set up online banking if you want convenience.
• Famous banks in Austria include Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, Bank Austria, and BAWAG P.S.K.

Social Security Number

You’ll get a social security number once you’re employed and enrolled in health insurance. You need this number to get a bunch of benefits and services.

Tax Identification Number

A tax identification number is required to take care of any tax-related matters that may come up in the future.

Local Services and Utilities

Ensure that all essential services, such as electricity, gas, internet, and mobile phone service, are in place. Make sure you compare different providers to find the right plan for you.

Familiarize yourself with Local Amenities and Services

If you explore, you can locate essential amenities such as supermarkets, medical facilities, public transportation connections, and community centers in your neighborhood.

Step 6. Integration Agreement

The Austrian Integration Agreement helps immigrants integrate for certain visa categories by improving their language skills and understanding Austrian values and laws. Here’s how it works:

1. Make sure your visa type requires you to sign the Integration Agreement. Red-White-Red Cards and other long-term residency permits usually fall into this category.
2. Most agreements require you to get A1 proficiency in German within two years of getting your residency permit. Some permits require a higher level (B1).
3. Take German language classes and orient yourself to Austrian values and laws. You’ll learn the basics of living in Austria and meet the language requirements.
4. After you complete the required courses or achieve the required language proficiency level, you’ll need to show proof to the Austrian authorities, usually a certificate.
5. You have to comply with the Integration Agreement to renew your residence permit or apply for another type of residence permit.

Exemptions

Individuals under certain age thresholds, people with specific health conditions, or people who’ve already done equivalent integration measures in another EU country may be exempt from the Integration Agreement.

Vienna Developer Jobs

• Front-End Developer
• Back-End Developer
• Full Stack Developer
• Mobile App Developer
• Software Engineer
• Data Scientist
• DevOps Engineer
• Cloud Solutions Architect
• UI/UX Designer
• Embedded Systems Engineer

IT Jobs in Austria for English Speakers

• IT Support Specialist
• Network Administrator
• Systems Analyst
• Project Manager – IT
• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Developer
• Cloud Services Developer
• IT Consultant
• Web Developer

Austria IT Jobs for Foreigners

There are lots of IT jobs for foreigners in Austria, especially in multinationals and startups. Some examples are software developers, systems engineers, IT project managers, and technology consultants.

Immigrate to Austria as a Software Engineer: Salary

Salary is important when you want to immigrate to Austria as a software engineer. Salaries are based on the demand in the country, experience, specialization, location, and the type of employer.

• Entry-Level/Junior Software Engineer. They typically earn between €35,000 and €50,000 annually.
• Mid-Level Software Engineer. They generally make between €50,000 and €65,000.
• Senior Software Engineer. Seniors, especially those with over 10 years of experience, can earn between €65,000 and €90,000 or more annually.
• Leadership Roles. The salaries of those in managerial and leadership positions may be higher.
• Freelance or Contract Work. Depending on expertise, freelancers or contractors might earn higher hourly rates, typically ranging from €40 to €90 per hour.

How Much Do Junior Software Engineers Make in Vienna?

There is a typical salary range of €35,000 to €45,000 for junior software engineers in Vienna. Salaries can vary depending on the industry, the company size, and the individual’s qualifications.

How to Become a Software Engineer in Austria? For International Students

Becoming a software engineer in Austria as an international student involves several key steps:

1. Finding a university in Austria
2. Getting admission
3. Obtaining a student visa
4. Studying in Austria

Step 1. Finding a University in Austria

You can research Austrian universities. Look at the ones that offer software engineering or related programs. You can also use platforms like Study in Austria (studyinaustria.at) for comprehensive information. Famous Austrian universities include:

• Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien)
• Johannes Kepler University Linz
• Graz University of Technology

Step 2. Getting Admission

To start your admission application, submit the completed application form, academic transcripts, statement of purpose, and recommendation letters via the university’s official website. You’ll need a high school diploma or equivalent, English or German language proficiency (B2 level), and an entrance exam or interview for some programs. Universities and programs have different application deadlines; check their website for details.

Step 3. Obtaining a Student Visa

1. Make sure you’re applying for the right visa type. You’ll need a Residence Permit for Students for courses over six months.
2. Get the necessary documents including your valid passport, university admission letter, proof of financial means (about €950 per month), health insurance, and proof of housing.
3. Purchasing Austrian health insurance is a good idea.
4. You can show proof of funds by providing bank statements or a letter of guarantee.
5. Send your application to the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country. It usually costs between €100 and €150 to get a visa. The processing time varies from several weeks to a few months.
6. Attend the visa interview if you need one.

Step 4. Studying in Austria

Thanks to the curriculum, students get a solid foundation in programming, software development, algorithms, and data structures. Internships and part-time jobs during your studies are encouraged as part of your education.

Non-EU/EEA students pay about €726.72 per semester at public universities in Austria. A Bachelor’s program typically lasts three years, while a Master’s program lasts two.

Graduates can apply for a Job Seeker Visa to pursue employment opportunities in Austria after completing their degrees.

Here are tips for living better in Austria (they are explained completely in the sections above):

• Within three days of arrival, register with the local registration office.
• Make sure you have a local bank account.
• Try to find long-term housing, maybe in a dorm at the university or a private rental.
• For ease of travel, get a public transit pass.
• Integrate yourself into the community by participating in social and cultural activities.
• Become familiar with healthcare services and register with a doctor.

What are the In-Demand Software Engineering Skills in Austria

• Java, Python, C#, JavaScript
• HTML, CSS, React, Angular, Node.js, Django
• AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform
• Data analysis, machine learning, Hadoop, Spark
• Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes
• Data protection, ethical hacking
• Algorithms and frameworks
• Problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, communication
• Agile development practices, Scrum

Can I Study Software Engineering in Austria in English?

Software engineering is available in English in Austria. Several universities offer English programs, especially at the master’s level. Most jobs require a B2 level or higher in English, based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Usually, applicants have to take standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL to prove their proficiency.

Here are some Austrian universities with software engineering programs:

• Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien)
• Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU)
• Graz University of Technology (TU Graz)
• University of Klagenfurt

Immigrate to Austria as a Software Engineer: Let’s Recap

By moving to Austria, software engineers can elevate their careers and enrich their lives. Follow these steps about software engineering in Austria to navigate the immigration process and take advantage of all Austria has to offer. We suggest you do thorough research about Austria IT Jobs and their salaries before you make your move.

If you have any questions about moving to Austria as a software engineer, please ask them in the comment section. By reading our articles, you can also learn about software engineers in different countries.

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