Last Updated on December 1, 2025 by TrendyAcads
“Austria recorded over 200,000 job vacancies across agriculture, hospitality, cleaning, logistics, and manufacturing in 2024, making it one of Europe’s strongest markets for foreign labour.” — Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS)
Austria is an attractive destination for foreigners seeking unskilled and low-skilled employment. Thanks to its strong economy, high wages, and worker-focused labour policies, the country continues to open its doors to international workers in 2025. Whether you are from Africa, Asia, South America, or Eastern Europe, unskilled jobs in Austria with visa sponsorship remain a realistic pathway to stable employment and long-term opportunities.
This guide breaks down all the essential details you need — job categories, salaries, visa options, employer lists, requirements, and how to apply.
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Why Austria Is Hiring Foreign Workers in 2025
Austria faces labour shortages for several reasons:
1. Ageing population
A large percentage of the Austrian workforce is nearing retirement, especially in rural regions.
2. Strong hospitality and tourism sector
Austria receives millions of tourists yearly, driving demand for cleaning staff, kitchen helpers, hotel workers, and service employees.
3. Seasonal agricultural needs
Fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, and vineyard work require thousands of foreign seasonal workers.
4. Manufacturing & logistics expansion
Factories and distribution centres are growing but lack enough local workers.
5. Low unemployment rate
Austria maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe.
All these conditions make 2025 a strong year for foreign job seekers.
What Are Unskilled Jobs in Austria?
These are jobs that:
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Don’t require a degree
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Don’t require professional certification
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Offer on-the-job training
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Are physically active
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Require willingness to work shifts or outdoors
Austria values reliability, teamwork, and punctuality — not formal qualifications.
Top Unskilled Jobs in Austria with Visa Sponsorship 2025
These sectors are actively hiring foreigners:
1. Agriculture & Farm Jobs (High Demand)
Roles include:
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fruit & vegetable picking
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dairy farm assistants
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greenhouse helpers
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vineyard labour
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animal farm support
Salary: €10 – €14/hour
Peak season: April–October
Regions: Salzburg, Tyrol, Styria, Upper Austria
2. Hospitality & Tourism Jobs
Austria is a global tourism powerhouse.
Roles:
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kitchen assistants
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dishwashers
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hotel cleaners
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room attendants
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bakery assistants
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waiters/waitresses
Salary: €11 – €14/hour
Major hiring hotspots: Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, Salzburg
3. Factory & Production Assistants
Roles:
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packaging
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sorting
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machine assistant
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quality checking
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assembly line support
Salary: €11 – €15/hour
Industries hiring:
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food production
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pharmaceuticals
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cosmetics
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packaging plants
4. Warehouse & Logistics Workers
Roles:
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warehouse pickers
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forklift helpers
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parcel sorting
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packing assistants
Salary: €11 – €16/hour
Major employers:
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DHL Austria
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Austrian Post
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SPAR & BILLA distribution
5. Cleaning & Janitorial Staff
Roles:
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hotel cleaning
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office cleaning
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hospital cleaning assistants
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industrial cleaning
Salary: €10 – €13/hour
6. Construction Labourers
Roles:
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demolition helper
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site cleaning
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material handler
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assistant to skilled workers
Salary: €12 – €17/hour
Visa Options for Unskilled Workers in Austria
Austria offers several pathways depending on job type:
1. Austria Seasonal Work Visa (Easiest Route)
Best for:
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agriculture
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hospitality
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tourism
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food production
Duration: 6–9 months
Employers usually guide workers through the process.
2. Red-White-Red Card for Other Workers (Low-Skilled)
This is a work and residence permit.
Requirements:
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job offer
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minimum salary requirement
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employer justification
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valid contract
This allows a stay of up to 2 years, renewable.
3. EU Long-Term Residence (After 5 Years)
Unskilled jobs can lead to permanent residency after several renewals.
Top Employers Sponsoring Unskilled Workers in Austria
Agriculture
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AMA Farms
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Austrian Fruit Cooperatives
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Landwirt Seasonal Employers
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Alpine Agriculture Workers
Hospitality
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Vienna House Hotels
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Hilton Austria
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Ibis Austria
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Eurostars Hotels
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Falkensteiner Hotels
Factories & Production
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Mondi Packaging
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Voestalpine
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Red Bull Production Units
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Manner Confectionery
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Spar Bakery Production
Warehousing
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DHL Austria
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GLS Austria
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Amazon Logistics Austria
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Österreichische Post
Cleaning Companies
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ISS Austria
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HEL-WACLEAN
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Simacek Facility Management
Salary Breakdown for Unskilled Jobs in Austria
| Job Type | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Farm Worker | €10 – €14/hour |
| Cleaner | €10 – €13/hour |
| Warehouse Worker | €11 – €16/hour |
| Factory Assistant | €11 – €15/hour |
| Kitchen Helper | €11 – €14/hour |
| Construction Labourer | €12 – €17/hour |
Monthly average salary: €1,600 – €2,200
Cost of Living in Austria (Monthly)
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Shared accommodation | €300 – €550 |
| Food | €200 – €300 |
| Transport | €40 – €60 |
| Utilities | €70 – €120 |
| Phone/Internet | €25 – €40 |
Affordable cities:
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Linz
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Graz
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Klagenfurt
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Innsbruck (outskirts)
More expensive:
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Vienna
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Salzburg
Requirements to Work in Austria
General requirements:
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passport
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job offer
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police clearance
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medical fitness
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proof of accommodation
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basic German or English
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employment contract
Seasonal jobs often require no language skills.
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How to Apply for Unskilled Jobs in Austria (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare an Austria-style CV
Direct, clear, and focused on experience and physical skills.
2. Use trusted job websites
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AMS Austria (Official Government Portal)
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Karriere.at
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Indeed Austria
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EURES Portal
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Hotelcareers
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Seasonalworkjobs.at
3. Filter for “visa sponsorship” or “seasonal workers needed.”
4. Attend interview (online)
Common questions:
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availability
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willingness to work shifts
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ability to relocate
5. Employer applies for your work approval
6. Submit visa application
Usually done via Austrian embassy.
7. Travel to Austria & begin work
Processing time: 3–10 weeks.
Can Unskilled Workers Get Permanent Residency in Austria?
YES – unskilled workers can progress toward residency:
After 5 years: Apply for EU Long-Term Residence
After 6 years: Permanent residency possible
After 10 years: Citizenship pathway
Many workers begin in low-skilled roles and transition to:
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supervisors
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machine operators
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shift leaders
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warehouse coordinators
Austria rewards reliability and long-term commitment.
FAQs
1. Can foreigners get unskilled jobs in Austria?
Yes — especially in agriculture, hospitality, logistics, cleaning, and factories.
2. Do I need German language?
Not always. Many seasonal jobs require only basic English.
3. Does Austria offer accommodation?
Yes — many seasonal employers provide housing.
4. Can I bring family?
Only long-term visa holders can sponsor dependants.
5. What is the minimum wage?
Austria does not have a single minimum wage — salaries follow industry agreements.
Austria offers some of the most attractive unskilled job opportunities in Europe, especially for foreigners who want stable income, safe working environments, and a potential pathway to long-term residence. Whether you’re interested in agriculture, hospitality, warehouses, factories, or cleaning, Austria’s strong labour market makes 2025 an excellent year to apply.
With high demand, good salaries, and supportive employers, unskilled jobs in Austria remain one of the most accessible ways to work legally in Europe.