Thanks to vibrant cities, easy access to nature and a strong work-life-balance, foreigners from all over the world flock to Austria and Germany.
Both countries have a diverse population. In Austria, recent figures show that around 1.86 million people hold a foreign citizenship, accounting for roughly one fifth of the population. Most foreign nationals live in Vienna, followed by Vorarlberg, Salzburg and Tyrol.
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In Germany, around 21 percent of the population is foreign-born according to recent estimates, amounting to around 18 million people. Larger cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne and Düsseldorf are the most multicultural.
So how do these German-speaking countries shape up for English-language work opportunities?
How easy is it to move to Austria or Germany for work?
EU citizens (as well as EEA and Swiss citizens) do not need a visa or permit to work in Austria and Germany, although they will need to register if they are staying long-term.
Non-EU nationals need a permit to work in both countries. Applicants generally need to meet a number of requirements, including proving qualifications and, in some cases, English or German language skills.
In Austria, popular work permits include the Red-White-Red Card, which allows qualified workers and their families to live and work in the Alpine nation. You need to have enough points based on education, professional experience, age and language skills to qualify.
The points system for the RWR Card is further split into several categories such as very highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, graduates and self-employed key workers.
Germany offers a variety of work permits such as its skilled worker visas or the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte).
In both countries, skilled workers can also apply for an EU Blue Card.
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Do you need German to secure a job in Austria or Germany?
Although having German skills are still important in many sectors, it is possible to find English-speaking roles in both countries.
Austria and Germany have a shortage of workers across different industries and many companies do not require employees to speak German.
English-speaking opportunities are most common in sectors such as technology and IT, finance, consulting, science, pharmaceuticals, marketing, engineering, culture and education.
Keep an eye out for English-language jobs in sectors such as technology and IT, finance, consulting, science and pharmaceutical, advertising, marketing, energy, engineering, communications, culture and education.
For skilled workers, jobs particularly in demand include software engineers, data scientists, financial analysts, scientists and mechanical engineers.
There's also a growing demand across Europe for professionals with AI skills.
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Are there plenty of opportunities for English speakers in these countries?
Yes. The Austrian capital of Vienna has several multinational companies and global institutions. Alongside the United Nations, employers such as Accenture, Microsoft, Boston Consulting Group, KPMG, IBM and L’Oréal all have a presence in the capital.
It's also home to a buzzing life sciences hub that offers research positions, not to mention a thriving cultural scene.
Outside Vienna, opportunities tend to be more industry-specific. Linz, Austria’s second-largest economic area, is a major centre for manufacturing and engineering, with companies such as Voestalpine, Borealis, BMW and Siemens based there.
Salzburg is home to Red Bull and Hofer, while the University of Salzburg is another major employer.
Meanwhile, Graz has built a strong reputation in technology and innovation, particularly in biotechnology, energy and environmental technology.
In Germany keep an eye out for startups, especially in cities like Munich, Berlin, Cologne and Düsseldorf, which are likely to use English as their business language. Those in the financial sector should look to the banking hub of Frankfurt.
Recent research published by The Local Germany found that Berlin currently has around 3,551 vacant jobs which don't require German in the tech and tech-adjacent sector.
READ ALSO: Which companies in Berlin offer jobs that don't require German?
Large companies – such as Adidas, Bosch, Porsche, Puma, Zalando, Deutsche Telekom, Siemens, GetYourGuide and HelloFresh – are more likely to have English-speaking positions.
Other international firms, such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon, also offer positions that do not require German skills.
Tourism hotspots in both countries also offer more opportunities for people without fluent German, particularly in hospitality and seasonal work.
Meanwhile, teaching positions at universities and language schools across the board may suit English speakers.
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So where is it easer to find an English-speaking job?
Ultimately, the better option will depend on your industry, qualifications and language skills. But because of its sheer size, Germany generally offers more opportunities for English-speaking professionals than Austria.
Whichever country you choose, networking and persistence remains important.
Sites such as Karriere.at, Stepstone, Indeed and Glassdoor are useful starting points, while LinkedIn and Xing can help jobseekers connect directly with recruiters and international employers.
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