As an expat living in Vienna, I’ve always admired how international the city feels. However, the latest data from the Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) really puts that into perspective—Vienna now has the highest proportion of people born abroad in all of Austria.
Honestly, you can feel it in everyday life. Whether it’s the languages you hear on the U-Bahn or the mix of cuisines in local restaurants, Vienna is becoming more global by the day.
In 2022 alone, over 261,000 people moved to Austria, with more than half coming from third countries. Ukrainians made up the largest group—around 78,400 new arrivals—followed by people from Germany, Romania, and Syria. The fact that people from Syria, Bosnia, Turkey, and Hungary are all finding a home here says something about the city’s character.
Looking at Austria’s employment stats from 2022, I found some interesting contrasts that say a lot about how different regions are navigating the job market. Nationally, the unemployment rate sat at 9.1%, but when you break it down, the picture gets more nuanced.
For Austrians, the rate was much lower—just 5.4%. In Tyrol, it dropped even further to 3.7%, which is impressive. Tyrol is doing something right when it comes to job stability. What really caught my attention, though, was the situation for foreign nationals. In Tyrol, their unemployment rate was 5.1%, significantly below the national average and the lowest in the country alongside Burgenland, which came in at 4.4%. Even more striking is that Tyrol saw the biggest drop in unemployment among foreigners compared to the previous year—a 4.5% decrease. That’s a strong signal that integration and opportunity are improving there.
On the flip side, Vienna had the highest unemployment rate among foreign nationals at 14.9%, followed by Carinthia at 8.7%. As someone who’s lived in Vienna, I know how competitive and complex the job market can be here, especially for newcomers. These numbers reflect that reality.
It’s fascinating to see how regional dynamics shape employment outcomes. Whether you’re a local or an expat, where you live in Austria can make a big difference in your job prospects.
If you notice any inaccuracies in my writing, please get in touch with me. I will be happy to correct it.
