International skilled workers for companies: This is how ABA provides support

Accordingly, close to double the number of consultations focusing on living and working in Austria took place compared to 2023. This development clearly demonstrates the extent to which employers in Austria and international skilled workers demand the services provided by the ABA.   

ABA supports companies in their search for skilled workers 

Similar to many European countries, the need for qualified skilled workers is also increasingly becoming a major issue in Austria. This development is primarily driven by demographic change. “In addition to many measures focusing on leveraging the existing potential within the country, the search for and targeting of international skilled workers is a key approach enabling companies to meet these challenges. We support companies in successfully and efficiently designing this process,” explains Margit Kreuzhuber, Head of WORK in AUSTRIA.  

WORK in AUSTRIA offers an extensive range of servicesrange of services (): Digital matching formats, partnerships with universities and international career events help companies to gain access to global talents. In addition to Eastern and Southeast European countries, skilled workers are also targetedly addressed in Brazil, Indonesia and the Philippines. These countries stand out due to their well-trained, young and mobile populations. The focus is on the fields of IT, electrical engineering, electronics, mechatronics and life sciences. International students studying at Austrian universities and Austrians abroad also comprise a target group of WORK in AUSTRIA.  

Digital tools as trailblazers 

Digital tools play a decisive role in bringing together companies and international skilled workers. The Talent HubTalent Hub () of WORK in AUSTRIA links international talents with Austrian companies. In this way, these firms gain access to the profiles of international talents and can also publish job advertisements at no cost. Functions such as JobMaps show how job vacancies are distributed throughout Austria according to specific professions. In the very first year of its existence, close to 4,000 international skilled workers published their profiles on the Talent Hub. 

Complementary to this, the Personal GuidePersonal Guide () facilities a person’s introduction to Austria. This digital reference work offers comprehensive information on topics such as the right of residence, the labour market, education and the healthcare system. It supports companies and skilled workers to quickly and systematically adapt to the new circumstances. Users can put together contents in a customized manner and also find answers to specific questions. 

Personal advice on immigration procedures as well as living and working in Austria   

Personal consulting remains a core part of the services offered by the Austrian Business Agency alongside digital solutions. The legally enshrined service centre ABA Immigration and Residence Services provides comprehensive support in the application process for residence permits for international skilled workers, such as the Red-White-Red-CardRed-White-Red-Card (). It helps companies and future employees to navigate their way through employment and residence procedures. The Immigration Guide AustriaImmigration Guide Austria () also provides extensive information.  

Furthermore, the ABA offers practical support in mastering day-to-day challenges. Whether it is a question of searching for a flat, enrolling children in schools or finding one’s way in the Austrian healthcare system, consultations on living and working in Austria make it easier for international talents and their families to get started in Austria.