Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by TrendyAcads
“Austria recorded more than 260,000 job vacancies in 2024, with manufacturing, food processing, metal work, and logistics ranking among the highest labour-shortage sectors.” — Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS)
Austria is one of Europe’s most stable economies — known for precision manufacturing, clean factories, strong worker protections, and excellent living standards. Due to a shrinking labour force and a rising need for industrial workers, Austria continues to hire foreigners for factory jobs with visa sponsorship in 2025.
Factory positions in Austria are some of the most accessible entry-level pathways for international workers seeking European employment with long-term residency potential through the Red-White-Red Card system.
This guide covers everything you need: salaries, visa requirements, employer list, benefits, and step-by-step application instructions.
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Why Austria Is Hiring Factory Workers in 2025
Several economic and demographic factors are pushing Austria to hire more foreign labour:
1. Severe labour shortages
Manufacturing is Austria’s second-largest employer, yet companies lack enough workers.
2. Ageing local workforce
Skilled and semi-skilled workers are retiring faster than replacements enter the industry.
3. Strong export-driven economy
Austria is a major exporter of machinery, metal goods, glass, electronics, and automotive components.
4. Growth in food and beverage processing
Factories require continuous staffing due to rising European demand.
5. Government migration programmes
The Red-White-Red Card makes it easier for foreigners to secure sponsored employment.
What Factory Jobs Are Available in Austria?
Factory roles in Austria involve working in:
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assembly lines
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machine operation
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packaging
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food processing
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logistics and sorting
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metal fabrication
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production support
Most positions require:
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basic physical strength
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ability to follow instructions
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shift work flexibility
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teamwork
Employers usually provide:
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training
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safety equipment
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paid leave
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health insurance (mandatory in Austria)
Top Factory Jobs in Austria with Visa Sponsorship 2025
1. Production Line Workers
Tasks:
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assembling components
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sorting materials
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monitoring production flow
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simple machine operation
Salary: €1,900 – €2,500/month
2. Packaging & Sorting Assistants
Tasks:
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packing finished products
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operating labeling machines
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preparing items for shipment
Salary: €1,800 – €2,400/month
3. Machine Operators (Entry-Level Accepted)
Tasks:
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running production machines
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performing basic checks
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adjusting settings
Salary: €2,000 – €2,900/month
4. Food Processing Factory Workers
Industries:
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dairy
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bakery
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beverages
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frozen foods
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meat & poultry
Salary: €1,900 – €2,600/month
5. Logistics & Warehouse Assistants
Tasks:
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loading/unloading
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packing
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scanning
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pallet handling
Salary: €1,900 – €2,700/month
Major employers: DHL Austria, Spar Logistics
6. Metal & Automotive Factory Workers
Industries:
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steel manufacturing
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automotive component assembly
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aluminium production
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welding support
Salary: €2,200 – €3,200/month
Companies like Magna Steyr and Voestalpine hire continuously.
Visa Options for Factory Workers in Austria
Austria offers one of the most structured visa systems in Europe.
1. Red-White-Red Card (Most Popular Route)
Ideal for:
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skilled workers in shortage occupations
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experienced machine operators
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production assistants with training
To qualify, applicants must score points based on:
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experience
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language skills
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age
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qualifications
Even entry-level workers can qualify through employer sponsorship + experience.
2. EU Seasonal Work Visa
Valid for up to 6 months.
Common in:
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food production
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packaging
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agriculture-linked factories
3. Work Permit for Third-Country Nationals
Issued when:
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employer proves labour shortage
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candidate meets basic requirements
4. EU Blue Card
Not for unskilled roles but applicable to advanced industrial technicians.
Top Companies Hiring Factory Workers in Austria
Automotive & Machinery
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Magna Steyr
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MAN Truck & Bus
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KTM Manufacturing
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Rosenbauer
Food Processing
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Red Bull Production (Fuschl)
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Agrana
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Spitz Group
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SalzburgMilch
Metal & Chemical Industry
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Voestalpine
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Borealis
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Lenzing AG
Logistics
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DHL Austria
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Post AT (Austrian Post)
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Cargo-Partner
Packaging & Plastics
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Alpla
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Greiner Packaging
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Constantia Flexibles
These companies hire through:
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direct applications
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staffing agencies
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labour contracts
Salary Breakdown for Factory Jobs in Austria
| Job Role | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Production Worker | €1,900 – €2,500 |
| Packaging Staff | €1,800 – €2,400 |
| Machine Operator | €2,000 – €2,900 |
| Food Factory Assistant | €1,900 – €2,600 |
| Logistics/Warehouse Worker | €1,900 – €2,700 |
| Metal/Automotive Worker | €2,200 – €3,200 |
Austria also offers:
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14 salary payments per year (13th & 14th salary bonuses)
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paid holidays
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mandatory health insurance
Cost of Living in Austria (Monthly)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | €300 – €500 |
| Food | €180 – €250 |
| Transport | €30 – €55 |
| Utilities | €50 – €120 |
Affordable cities:
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Graz
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Linz
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Klagenfurt
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Innsbruck (suburbs)
Expensive:
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Vienna (central districts)
Requirements for Factory Jobs in Austria
General requirements:
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valid passport
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job offer
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employer sponsorship
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clean criminal record
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medical fitness
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basic English or German
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proof of accommodation
Optional:
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A1/A2 German
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factory experience
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How to Apply for Factory Jobs in Austria (Step-by-Step)
1 — Prepare an Austrian-style CV
Simple, skill-based, professional.
2 — Apply through trusted websites
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Karriere.at
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AMS (Austrian Public Employment Service)
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StepStone Austria
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Indeed Austria
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LinkedIn
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Company career portals
3 — Attend interview (online or physical)
Employers ask about:
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shift availability
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teamwork
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experience
4 — Employer submits sponsorship documents
For Red-White-Red Card:
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proof of labour shortage
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your qualifications
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work contract
5 — Submit visa application at the Austrian Embassy
Documents required:
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passport
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work contract
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police certificate
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accommodation proof
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health insurance
6 — Travel to Austria
7 — Collect your Red-White-Red Card
Valid for 1–2 years.
Can Factory Workers Get Permanent Residency in Austria?
YES — Austria offers a clear pathway.
✔ After 5 years → Permanent Residence (Daueraufenthalt – EU)
✔ After 6–10 years → Citizenship (depending on integration)
✔ Family reunification available
✔ Strong workers’ rights and benefits
Many factory workers rise into roles such as:
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team leaders
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machine technicians
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logistics supervisors
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production coordinators
FAQs
1. Are factory jobs in Austria open to foreigners?
Yes — especially in metal, food processing, packaging, and automotive production.
2. Do I need German language?
Basic German helps but is not mandatory for many entry-level factories.
3. Do employers provide accommodation?
Some large companies and agencies do.
4. How long does visa processing take?
6–12 weeks depending on your country.
5. Can I bring my family?
Yes — after receiving your residence permit.
Austria remains one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for foreign factory workers in 2025. With good wages, excellent working conditions, clean factories, employer benefits, and the Red-White-Red Card pathway to permanent residency, it offers a strong opportunity for international applicants.
If you’re looking for a stable European job with visa sponsorship and long-term career potential, Austria is a top choice.