Foreign-born population – 2024 | 22.3% of the population | Main countries of birth: |
2 million, 51% women | Evolution since 2014: +44% | Germany (13%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (9%), Türkiye (8%) |
International Migration Outlook 2025
In 2024, Austria received 103 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑2.7% compared to 2023. This figure comprises 57% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 6% labour migrants, 15% family members (including accompanying family) and 22% humanitarian migrants. Around 5 900 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 17 300 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 333 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2023, a 9% increase compared to 2022. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Germany, Romania and Ukraine were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2023. Among the top 15 countries of origin, Türkiye registered the strongest increase (2 700) and Ukraine the largest decrease (‑62 000) in flows to Austria compared to the previous year.
In 2024, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑61%, to reach around 22 000. The majority of applicants came from Syria (13 000), Afghanistan (2 200) and Türkiye (1 000). The largest increase since 2023 concerned nationals of China (five) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑7 900). Of the 32 000 decisions taken in 2024, 71% were positive.
Emigration of Austrian citizens to OECD countries increased by 4% in 2023, to 15 000. Approximately 38% of this group migrated to Germany, 22% to Switzerland and 9% to Türkiye.
In 2024 and 2025 Austria continued its efforts to address labour shortages. The government updated its list of federal shortage occupations to 81 for 2025, with additional regional lists addressing local labour market needs at the provincial level. These include a broad range of roles across healthcare, construction, transportation, IT and skilled trades. Third-country skilled workers in shortage occupations may apply for a Red-White‑Red Card to work in Austria. Seasonal worker quotas were raised further in 2025 after having been raised in the previous year, affecting employment in agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Austria also continued its bilateral efforts to recruit foreign workers, with an MoU signed with Indonesia in May 2024. Also in September 2024, after the MoU on the recruitment of skilled workers with the Philippines in 2023, the Philippine Migrant Workers Office opened in Vienna and a Pre‑Check Qualification Register was introduced to facilitate the recognition of foreign qualifications.
Displaced persons from Ukraine received extended access to education, residence and the labour market in the context of the EU decision to prolong that special status. Students were exempted from tuition fees through the winter semester 2024/25 and was prolonged until the end of February 2026. Amendments adopted in July 2024 extended compulsory schooling to minors under temporary protection. From October 2024, Ukrainians holding a residence permit for displaced persons were allowed to transition to the regular settlement scheme. They became eligible for the Red-White‑Red card if able to prove at least one year of full-time employment within the last two years and fulfilled the general requirements for granting residence permits according to the Settlement and Residence Act.
At the same time, Austria implemented more restrictive measures in the asylum system. Under the new federal government, family reunification for beneficiaries of protection was suspended in March 2025, after the introduction of DNA testing and stricter documentation checks in May 2024. In December 2024, the Interior Ministry halted all asylum and family reunification applications from Syrians and introduced a return programme, offering EUR 1 000 for voluntary departures. Returns to Syria are now under review, and a removal list is being prepared.
After a decision by the Austrian Constitution Court in December 2023, the legal framework governing asylum procedures was amended in July 2024 to ensure the independence of legal advisors. Meanwhile, a payment card system for asylum seekers – piloted in July 2024 – is being implemented for a potentially nationwide rollout in 2025. It restricts cash withdrawals and blocks certain transactions, and forms part of a broader effort to link support to compliance with social obligations, such as mandatory community service.
Austria also maintained internal border controls with neighbouring Schengen states throughout 2024 and into 2025, citing irregular migration and security concerns. An MoU with Ghana enhancing co‑operation on preventing irregular migration and return/readmission issues, as well as certain aspects of legal mobility, was signed in 2024.
For further information: www.bmi.gv.at | www.migration.gv.at | www.emn.at.
