Austria has long been a desirable place for immigrants to settle; and, there’s a good reason for it. For years, Vienna has been ranked as the world’s most livable city. Besides, workplace conditions are another factor that encourages immigrants to pursue living and working in Austria.
Here are the 5 best reasons for working in Austria.
1. You can enjoy a healthy work-life balance
The excellent work-life balance is one of the most appealing aspects of working in Austria. Austrian expats report that their work-life balance has improved significantly since relocating there. Unlike other countries where people are expected to work long hours and weeks, Austrians normally have a 40-hour workweek. Plus, they are entitled to a full one-hour lunch break. So, you can expect to work regular business hours throughout the country. Besides, you may normally expect to receive five weeks of annual vacation and 16 public holidays per year. That means you’ll get a lot of time to spend with loved ones and time to pursue hobbies and travel to new places.
2. It’s easy to obtain a work permit
Work permits in Austria are quite simple for foreign nationals. Getting one doesn’t need a lot of slogging through hoops. Depending on the situation, you may be eligible for a variety of work visas. Researchers, artists, and even au pairs are among the opportunities. You don’t require a work visa if you’re a citizen of an EU or EEC member state. If you intend to stay more than three months, all you need to do is register with your municipal authorities. However, a work permit or Red-White-Red Card is required for non-citizens of the EU or EEC. Immigrants who have higher education and experience are more likely to be accepted than those who lack these skills or experience.
3. High minimum wage and salaries
It’s usually a good idea to consider one’s income potential when picking where to live. And this is where Austria has the most influence. The country’s average monthly wage is on par with much of Western Europe and Scandinavia and far above those in Eastern Europe. Austria has likewise introduced a €1,500-per-month minimum wage for all sectors beginning January 1, 2020. Compared to other parts of Europe, this is an enormously high number. Besides the basic income, Austria’s minimum wage also includes overtime pay, incentives, and compensation for idle time. Hence, it is a popular location for foreigners to work.
4. Employers offer a lot of support
All employees deserve the best treatment from their employers, regardless of where they may be working. Expats in Austria can rest easy because of the country’s strong labor laws and social security system. Hence, companies are obliged to provide their employees with a wide range of support services. As part of this, new moms receive extensive paid maternity leave for two months before and after the birth. Paternity leave is also available to fathers, but some of it may be unpaid. Aside from parental leave, several employers provide time off to pursue education, care for sick family members, or bereavement. In addition, many companies offer tools like yoga or mindfulness classes, counseling, massages, and more for employees who don’t need time off for vacation. If you take advantage of these deals, you may not even remember that you are doing a job at all!
5. Great opportunities for entrepreneurs
If you wish to own your business, Austria is a great place to start. In 2018, the country welcomed 41,087 new businesses. Starting a business is comparatively easy in terms of requirements. However, your nationality may influence this. Company registration is the only requirement if you are a national of an EU member state, Switzerland, or the European Economic Area. Afterward, you’ll need to apply for a trading license with your local district government. If all goes smoothly, you can then register your company with the Austrian Commercial Register. However, no matter what items or services you want to offer, it is always a good idea to perform your research first.
