Foreign-born population – 2025 | 22.9% of the population | Main countries of birth: Germany (13%), Bosnia and Herzegovina (9%), Türkiye (8%) |
Size: 2.1 million, 51% women | Evolution since 2015: +40% |
International Migration Outlook 2026
50th Edition
In 2025, Austria received 82 000 new immigrants on a long-term or permanent basis (including changes of status and free mobility), ‑20% compared to 2024. This figure comprises 62% immigrants benefitting from free mobility, 6% labour migrants, 18% family members (including accompanying family) and 13% humanitarian migrants. Around 7 400 permits were issued to tertiary-level international students and 20 000 to temporary and seasonal labour migrants (excluding intra-EU migration). In addition, 329 000 intra-EU postings were recorded in 2024, stable compared to 2023. These posted workers are generally on short-term contracts.
Germany, Ukraine and Romania were the top three nationalities of newcomers in 2024. Among the top 15 countries of origin, China registered the strongest increase (1 500) and Syria the largest decrease (‑3 500) in flows to Austria compared to the previous year.
In 2025, the number of first asylum applicants decreased by ‑45%, to reach around 12 000. Most applicants came from Syria (3 000), Afghanistan (2 600) and Somalia (800). The largest increase since 2024 concerned nationals of Afghanistan (300) and the largest decrease nationals of Syria (‑9 300). Of the 18 000 decisions taken in 2025, 61% were positive.
Emigration of Austrian citizens to OECD countries decreased by ‑4% in 2024, to 15 000. Approximately 37% of this group migrated to Germany, 19% to Switzerland and 8% to Türkiye.
A three‑party federal government (ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS) took office in March 2025 and adopted a multi-year government programme setting new priorities in migration, asylum and integration. It aims to reduce irregular migration and asylum applications while further developing skilled labour migration pathways through targeted reforms to the Red-White‑Red (RWR) Card system, focussing on the acceleration and simplification of related administrative procedures. Further objectives include streamlining recognition of qualifications and stronger integration obligations including by amending citizenship rule.
Work has begun to evaluate and improve the functioning of the RWR Card system, including a review of the indicators for the shortage occupation list as well as the development of measures to digitalise applications and simplify the recognition of qualifications.
As of 1 January 2026, salary and subsistence requirements for labour migration pathways were adjusted to updated reference rates. Consequently, the minimum salary thresholds for the RWR Card and the EU Blue Card increased in nominal terms only, reflecting updated average income and inflation rates. Proof-of-funds requirements for non-employment-based residence permits were also adjusted accordingly.
On 1 December 2025, the new stay permit for cross-border workers (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Grenzgänger) entered into force. It enables third-country nationals residing in neighbouring countries to work in designated Austrian border districts, subject to labour market testing by the Public Employment Service. It aimed to address regional labour shortages while maintaining labour market safeguards.
Ukrainian students have been exempted from paying tuition fees since the summer semester of 2022; this regulation was extended until the end of the summer semester of 2026 through a further amendment to the Tuition Fee Ordinance in February 2026.
In 2025, Austria continued to tighten procedural controls, including closer scrutiny of family reunification applications and the reinforcement of border and registration measures. The government maintained its objective of sharply reducing asylum applications to limit pressures on reception capacity, education systems and integration services. Policy measures during late 2025 and early 2026 aimed at aligning Austria with broader EU efforts to implement stricter asylum procedures and enforce return decisions. In July 2025, Austria carried out its first forced return of a convicted Syrian national following the fall of the Assad regime, and in September 2025, the deportation of a convicted Afghan national.
Integration policy continued to be guided by the principle “promote and obligate”, combining targeted support with participation requirements. Implementation focussed on reinforcing labour market inclusion, particularly for beneficiaries of international protection and third-country nationals with temporary protection.
Digital language‑learning opportunities were being expanded to further promote flexible German language learning, also alongside employment. Furthermore, Austria expanded mandatory Values and Orientation Courses from three to five days.
Building on the Integration Act 2017, the Federal Government agreed to further develop the existing legal framework by establishing a mandatory Integration Programme based on three pillars: German language acquisition, employment and values. The programme envisages close support for target groups through a case management approach, while providing for reductions in social benefits in cases of violations of defined obligations. The draft legislation is currently under negotiation.
For further information: www.migration.gv.at | www.bmi.gv.at | www.emn.at
