IT professions
Alex Im Serverraum 2025-04-24
Alex Im Serverraum 2025-04-24
Nora und Kollegen in der Arbeit 2024-10-08
The third industry call will start soon.
More information will follow shortly.
All information about the international recruitment process of the Region of Carinthia
With the Carinthian Specialists Agency, the Region of Carinthia offers a comprehensive recruitment service tailored to your company’s requirements. Our aim is to counteract the urgent shortage of skilled workers on the Carinthian labour market and to support Carinthian companies in finding the right employees by offering a comprehensive range of services. The Carinthian Specialists Agency takes over the entire recruitment process in direct coordination with companies in Carinthia, creates job profiles tailored to their individual needs and undertakes the international search for suitable personnel. All steps, from the technical pre-selection to the job interview, are professionally accompanied and thus qualified employees are recruited for the Carinthian labour market on a lasting basis.
You need, we help: our personnel service for your company
Through targeted worldwide recruitment, we facilitate your access to international talent and promote the economic development of Carinthia. Our mission is to close gaps in the labour market and enable Carinthian entrepreneurs and employees to have a successful future.
Industry call closed!
In order to provide companies with the best possible support in their search for suitable skilled workers, the Carinthian Skilled Workers Agency has set up an industry-oriented recruitment service. The second industry call for the IT, nursing and healthcare, metalworking, and electrical engineering sectors was open from April 28 to September 8, 2025.
Important information:
This industry call was successfully completed on September 9, 2025. After reviewing the documents, written confirmation of registration will be sent. The expert advisory board carefully reviews all registrations received. After coordinating demand and available resources, services are allocated fairly. The companies concerned will be informed in a timely manner.
Information on further calls will be available here on this page in good time, as usual.
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You are a company in Carinthia that
- has its registered office in Carinthia,
- is a member of the Carinthian Economic Chamber or a hospital based in Carinthia,
- is primarily active in the short-staffed occupations of IT, nursing and healthcare, metalworking, and electrical engineering, or is looking for one or more skilled workers in these occupational fields (additional industries will be activated in calls for registration in the future),
- submits the application in its own name only,
- has already registered the need for the sought-after skilled personnel with the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS),
- is offering remuneration in line with the market for the position and has provided for a field of activity in line with the market,
- will deploy the skilled personnel exclusively in Carinthia.
Together for a successful future
We are convinced that the right employees are the key to your company’s success. Let’s work together to strengthen your team and position your company for a successful future.
The Process
Step by step to hiring an international specialist: How the Carinthian recruitment process works. Click on one of the 6 phases for all the details and a short explanatory video!
Weeks 1 - 2
Registration of requirements and initial review
1
Province of Carinthia
Result:
A written confirmation of registration is sent after the documents have been reviewed.
Weeks 1–2
Companies have the opportunity to submit their requirements through an open industry call via an online form at www.carinthia.com/specialists –provided that an AMS search has been unsuccessful. In addition, the following conditions must be met:
- Registered office in Carinthia & member of the Carinthian Economic Chamber or a hospital based in Carinthia
- Primarily active in the short-staffed occupations needed, or requiring one or more specialists in the needed occupational fields
- Need for a specialists in a short-staffed occupation & registration with the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS)
- Remuneration in line with the market & customary market field of activity
- Deployments of specialists exclusively in Carinthia
Weeks 2–12
Decision of the Expert Advisory Committee
2
Province of Carinthia
Result:
Depending on the decision, the company receives a funding approval or rejection. Once funding has been approved, the company must send a binding, signed assignment confirmation to the Carinthian Specialists Agency.
Weeks 2–12
The Expert Advisory Committee examines participation and decides whether the company is eligible for funding. The Expert Advisory Committee is an independent body made up of representatives of the Region of Carinthia, the Carinthian Economic Chamber, the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS), the Chamber of Labour and the Austrian Trade Union Federation.
It decides whether companies are eligible for funding.
Weeks 13–17
Search, pre-selection of candidates and examination of work permits
3
Specialists Agency
Result:
Broad-based recruiting campaign and filtered pre-selection of 2 potential candidates who meet the requirements.
Weeks 13–17
The Carinthian Specialists Agency takes over the research and pre-selection of suitable candidates based on the job requirements. To this end, it combines a target group-specific approach with efficient screening. The usually time-consuming process of reviewing the necessary qualifications, work and residence permits takes place at the same time.
There are no costs for the search itself.
Weeks 18–20
Presentation of the candidates and interview phase
4
Specialists Agency
Result:
Selection of a suitable specialist.
Weeks 18–20
The Carinthian Specialists Agency creates high-quality candidate profiles for each open position. The company decides which people it is interested in. It then conducts interviews with them. If the company decides to hire a specialist, the Carinthian Specialists Agency starts the visa process and the nostrification of qualifications.
If not, the Carinthian Specialists Agency takes over the management of the rejection.
Weeks 20-40/60
Employment contract and permits
5
Specialists Agency
Result:
Signing of the employment contract and final approvals for the work permit.
Weeks 20-40/60
Once a specialist has been selected, the Carinthian Specialists Agency takes over the processing of the final work and residence permits and takes care of the recognition of the new specialist’s qualifications. The time it takes to process the permits may vary due to bureaucratic procedures and the candidate’s country of origin.
The overall recruitment package has a net value of €21,000. Of this amount, €17,500 is funded by the Region of Carinthia and the remaining amount of €3,500 net is to be paid by the company.
Weeks 40/60-44/64
Onboarding and integration
6
CIC
Result:
Successful integration of the new specialist into the company.
Weeks 40/60-44/64
The Carinthian International Center (CIC) offers a comprehensive range of services to help companies and specialists get started in Carinthia. The aim is to make the transition as smooth as possible and to facilitate integration.
For the specialist, the programme begins with an initial online meeting as an introduction, which takes place before arrival in Carinthia. After arrival, there is a personal consultation at the CIC, which provides an overview of life, work and culture in Carinthia.
The specialist receives information on networking opportunities, language courses, accommodation, public authorities and much more.
Contact by Specialist Agency
Assignment confirmation
Funding approval from the state of Carinthia
Possible funding repayment
Information as of January 2025
Job descriptions
IT professions
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IT professions
The IT sector is at the heart of the modern economy and drives innovation in almost all areas. Companies in Carinthia are dependent on highly qualified IT specialists to actively shape the digital transformation.
However, it is not always possible to meet the demand for skilled personnel from within the company. This is where the Carinthian Specialists Agency of the Region of Carinthia comes in: it supports companies in their targeted search for IT experts – efficiently and worldwide.
Whether IT security, app development, system and network administration, software development, system administration, database development, IT consulting or classic IT support, individual requirements can be clarified in a personal meeting with the Carinthian Specialists Agency and tailor-made solutions can be developed in the search for personnel.
Register now!
Nursing professions
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Nursing professions
Nursing professions are of crucial importance to the Carinthian healthcare system and require both compassion and expertise.
The Carinthian Specialists Agency helps you to provide a targeted personnel service and to find qualified nursing staff who understand the needs of your facility and can guarantee high-quality care.
From registered nurses to nursing assistants – the Province of Carinthia will support you in your search for the right skilled personnel to ensure the best possible care for your patients and clients. This also includes ensuring that you have all the information you need to apply for Austria’s Red-White-Red Card for skilled personnel in short-staffed occupations and that you are aware of any content relating to the validation or nostrification of training completed abroad.
The following professions fall into this category, for example:
Registered nurses, caregivers, social workers, 24-hour nursing staff, caregivers for the elderly, caregivers for the disabled
A personal consultation with the Carinthian Specialists Agency will clarify all the details of the search for personnel.
Register now!
Metalworking professions
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Metalworking professions
Metalworking professions are an essential part of many branches of industry and require specialist knowledge and manual skills. The Carinthian Specialists Agency focuses on finding talented specialists who can work with a wide variety of metals, whether in the manufacture of machinery, in construction or in other areas.
The Region of Carinthia will support you in finding highly qualified employees who can meet your production requirements and contribute to the growth of your company.
The following professions fall into this category, for example:
Lathe operators, mechanical engineers, welders, cutting torch operators, tinsmiths, locksmiths, building tinsmiths, machine fitters, bodywork and refrigeration fitters, rough mechanics, building fitters, sheet metal workers and construction fitters, toolmakers, machine-supported metalworkers, metal goods makers and metal goods fitters, surface grinders and metal surface finishers
A personal consultation with the Carinthian Specialists Agency will clarify all the details of the search for personnel.
Register now!
Electrotechnical professions
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Electrotechnical professions
Electrotechnical professions are indispensable in an increasingly digitalised world and cover a wide range of specialist areas, from electronics to energy supply systems. Recruiting, which is commissioned by the Region of Carinthia and searches for your employees worldwide, will support you if your need for experienced electrical engineers, electricians and other specialists cannot be met.
The following professions fall into this category, for example:
High and low voltage technicians, electricians, electrical fitters, communications engineers, electrical mechanics, electronics technicians, information and telecommunications engineers
A personal consultation with the Carinthian Specialists Agency will clarify all the details of the search for personnel.
Register now!
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FAQ – Before the application
Conditions of participation and criteria
Before a company can register for recruitment services provided by the Carinthian Specialists Agency, it must carry out a search through the Publi Employment Service Austria (AMS) network. Only if this search has proven unsuccessful can the company register its requirements with the Region of Carinthia.
Companies must also meet the following conditions:
o have their registered office in Carinthia,
o be a member of the Carinthian Economic Chamber or a hospital based in Carinthia,
o be primarily active in the short-staffed occupations needed or looking for one or more specialists in the needed occupational fields,
o have submitted the application in their own name only,
o have already registered the need for the sought-after specialists with the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS),
o offer remuneration in line with the market for the position and provide a customary field of activity in line with the specified market,
o plan to deploy the specialists exclusively in Carinthia.
The AMS not only provides placement support, but also collects data on job vacancies in order to better manage the labour market. For example, trends can be identified, funding can be allocated in a more targeted manner, and training measures can be adapted. At the same time, this creates a list of short-staffed occupations for easier entry criteria from third countries. You can find further information at www.migration.gv.at/de/formen-der-zuwanderung/dauerhafte-zuwanderung/bundesweite-mangelberufe/.
Yes, recruiting is only from countries that are not on the WHO black/red list.
Preparation and questions about the recruitment
You have to ensure that employees have the necessary work and residence permits. The Carinthian Specialists Agency will support and accompany you in this process. You should also take into consideration cultural differences and provide appropriate support services to ease the transition.
The recruitment package therefore includes basic onboarding by the Carinthian International Center (CIC) to make it easier for specialists to get started. If required, you can book additional onboarding packages separately at your own expense.
In order to employ a person from a third country (i.e. a non-EU/non-EEA country and not from Switzerland) in Austria, companies must comply with certain legal procedures and requirements. The provisions of the Austrian Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals (AuslBG) and the Settlement and Residence Act (NAG) apply. These two laws determine the residence and (usually associated) employment rights of third-country national jobseekers.
The Red-White-Red Card, the work permit or other company or personal permits that allow access to the Austrian labour market are derived from this. Certain requirements and criteria (e.g. language skills, professional experience, age) must also be met for access. In some cases, a labour market check is required, i.e. a permit can only be issued if the vacancy cannot be filled by the local workforce registered as unemployed.
You can find a good overview of the different forms of approval under the AuslBG on the AMS website at https://www.ams.at/unternehmen/service-zur personalsuche/beschaeftigung-auslaendischer-arbeitskraefte#kaernten.
For questions about the Red-White-Red Card, please visit www.migration.gv.at/formen-der-zuwanderung/dauerhafte-zuwanderung or https://www.workinaustria.com/aufenthalt-beschaeftigung/.
Last but not least, you can find valuable information on the topic of immigration and applications under Red-White-Red Card (German) and at https://ams.at/su/ymB6N.
If an Austrian company wishes to employ a specialist from a third country (i.e.outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland) in a short-staffed occupation, the procedure follows a clearly regulated protocol via the Red-White-Red Card for specialists in short-staffed occupations.
Short-staffed occupations are those for which a maximum of 1.5 jobseekers are registered per reported vacancy nationwide (or in certain provinces) (= number of unemployed persons per vacancy). The resulting occupations are listed annually in the short-staffed occupation list: https://www.migration.gv.at/de/formen-der-zuwanderung/dauerhafte zuwanderung/bundesweite-mangelberufe/. It is therefore extremely important that companies report their vacancies to the AMS.
Specialists who have an occupation that is mentioned on the list must fulfil the criteria defined in Annex B of Section 12a AuslBG and assessed according to a point system. The individual criteria are divided into the categories of “qualifications”, “professional experience appropriate to training”, “language skills” and “age”. Only the maximum number of points specified in each category can be achieved. Moreover, the specialist must have qualified training in the short-staffed occupation and provide appropriate evidence of subject specific training or an equivalent qualification (e.g. apprenticeship certificate). Foreign certificates must be recognised or comparable (e.g. by ENIC NARIC Austria).
In addition to the required minimum number of points, a salary commensurate with the training and respective classification, which must be guaranteed by the employer prior to employment, is an essential admission requirement. If the specialists already employed in the company receive a higher salary than the minimum to which they are entitled by law, regulation or collective agreement, the requested specialist must also be paid the same amount.
All requirements, information on how to apply and the validity period of a Red White-Red Card in a short-staffed occupation can be found at https://www.migration.gv.at/de/formen-der-zuwanderung/dauerhafte-zuwanderung/fachkraefte-in-mangelberufen/.
To check whether the specialist in the short-staffed occupation meets all the points required for the procedure, the points calculator can be used in advance: https://www.migration.gv.at/de/service-und-links/punkterechner/.
Registered nurses, qualified nursing assistants and nursing assistants from a third country can apply for a Red-White-Red Card as a specialist in a short staffed occupation if they
… have corresponding foreign educational qualifications and Austrian recognition or nostrification certificates (subject to conditions). Such nursing staff can receive 30 points for the qualification criterion for their training. If they also achieve sufficient points for the other criteria (professional experience, language skills and age) and all other requirements are met (Section 4 (1) AuslBG), a positive expert opinion can be issued for them – regardless of their entry in the Register of Healthcare Professions (GBR).
… or possess a certificate obtained outside Austria confirming that they have successfully completed a training course equivalent to a training course in the senior healthcare and nursing services or in a nursing assistant profession, or carry out the corresponding nursing activity under the guidance and supervision of a member of senior healthcare and nursing services for further training purposes for a period of up to one year, provided that they have been granted a corresponding permit by the provincial governor. The approval of an activity in accordance with Section 34 of the Austrian Healthcare and Nursing Act (GuKG) can be extended by one year pursuant to para. 6 leg. cit. (approval of nursing staff for further training purposes (Sections 34 and 89a GuKG)).
In the case of registered nurses as well as qualified nursing assistants and nursing assistants who are in the possession of a decision pursuant to Section 34 or Section 89a GuKG, Section 12a (1) AuslBG is considered to be fulfilled as a prerequisite for a Red-White-Red Card in a short-staffed occupation. Such nursing staff can receive 30 points for the qualification criterion for their training. If they also achieve sufficient points for the other criteria (professional experience, language skills and age) and all other requirements (Section 4 (1) AuslBG) are met, a positive expert opinion can be issued for them.
Full professional authorisation to practise as a senior healthcare and nursing professional is only granted after successful nostrification.
Before starting work, entry in the Register of Healthcare Professions (Section 15 (1) GBR) is required.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the duration depends on several factors, such as the job profile sought, the qualifications required and the official approval processes. As a general guideline, once funding has been approved by the Expert Advisory Committee, at least eight weeks should be expected for the search, pre-selection of candidates, examination of qualifications, presentation of candidates, and interviews.
Once you have decided on a specialist, entry can then take 5 to 10 months, depending on the country of origin. We can give you a more precise assessment in a personal meeting, taking your specific requirements into consideration.
The recruitment service offers a comprehensive package and includes a targeted candidate search, pre-selection of candidates, application management, support with official processes from visa applications to work permits and a basic onboarding service. Additional onboarding packages can be booked separately at your own expenses if required.
The Carinthian International Center (CIC) offers a comprehensive range of services to help companies and specialists get started in Carinthia. The aim is to make the transition as smooth as possible and to facilitate the integration of new employees.
Services for the company
o Brief consultation with an introduction to the services included in the basic package
o Advice on additional optional services such as finding accommodation, accompaniment to appointments with public authorities, support with family reunification, childcare and finding a place at school, transferring driving licences, and career programmes for partners
Services for the specialist
o Online meeting before arrival in Carinthia: invitation to a 45-minute online meeting to clarify questions about relocation and living and working in Carinthia
o After arrival in Carinthia: personal consultation at the Carinthian International Center (CIC) to facilitate integration into the social and professional environment
o Content of the consultation at the CIC (60 minutes):
– Overview of network and language offers
– Information on finding accommodation and the relevant authorities (e.g. for fingerprint appointments or collecting documents)
– Declaration on ID Austria and Digitales Amt (Digital Office)
– Creation of a FinanzOnline account
– Information on the social insurance online portal
– Information on platforms for finding accommodation
– Clarification of individual questions
– Presentation of the CIC welcome folder with contacts to English-speaking service providers, as well as tips and event information
– Support in building networks and communities for long-term integration: participation in up to 100 CIC networking events in the first year to promote social contacts, possibility of membership for subsequent years
o Placement in suitable facilities for language courses in order to acquire the necessary language skills for everyday life and work
Additional onboarding services can be optionally booked via the CIC. The additional packages include, for example, support with childcare, finding accommodation or assistance with visits to the authorities
FAQ – Application
Application and registration of requirements
First, the information you provide in the online form is checked. One of the prerequisites for participation is that an unsuccessful search must have been completed in the AMS network. Once all criteria are met, the next step is for the Expert Advisory Committee to allocate the service packages. Depending on its decision, you will either get a funding approval or rejection. If the decision is positive, the company then has to transmit the signed binding order confirmation. Following this, an employee of the Carinthian Specialists Agency will discuss your exact candidate requirements and further details with you in an initial meeting. The search for your specialist is then based on these criteria.
In principle, the registration of requirements is a commitment to acceptance and the consultancy contract comes into force when the order confirmation is signed. Changes must therefore be reported immediately in writing to the Region of Carinthia.
In principle, the registration of requirements is a commitment to acceptance. Changes must therefore be reported immediately in writing to the Region of Carinthia.
Costs and conditions
The recruitment package, including the entire consulting process and the basic onboarding services, costs you as a company €3,500 plus VAT per specialist sought.
Payment is due as soon as the search has been successful and you have decided to accept your new specialist. The terms of payment are as follows: €2,900 after signing the employment contract, €600 three months after signing the employment contract, provided the employee is still in employment.
You only bear a part of the costs thanks to funding from the Region of Carinthia. Relative to the cost share of €3,500 (plus VAT) per specialist, the comprehensive services for professional international recruitment are worth far more: from the targeted search for candidates to support with official processes and onboarding. These costs are covered by funding from the Province of Carinthia. If the search is unsuccessful, you will not incur any costs.
No. The search itself is free of charge and there are no costs if the search is unsuccessful.
The recruitment package includes basic onboarding, which is essential for a successful start.
Additional services are not mandatory, but are offered as required.
The terms of payment are as follows: €2,900 after signing the employment contract, €600 three months after signing the employment contract, provided the employee is still in employment. Other payment terms are not accepted.
The CIC issues its own invoice to the companies after the signing of the employment contracts in 2 parts:
– 1st part – 80% of the €500 will be invoiced after the signing of the employment contracts.
– 2nd part – 20% will be invoiced after the employee has worked for the company for 3 months.
All nostrification costs are not included in the funding package and are the responsibility of the company (applicant).
FAQ – Procedure of the process
Selection process
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the time frame depends on several factors, such as the job profile sought, the qualifications required and the official approval processes. As a general guideline, once funding has been approved by the Expert Advisory Committee, at least eight weeks should be expected for the search, pre-selection of candidates, examination of qualifications, presentation of candidates, and interviews. Once you have decided on a specialist, entry can then take 5 to 10 months, depending on the country of origin. We can give you a more precise assessment in a personal meeting, taking your specific requirements into consideration.
The Carinthian Specialists Agency will continue to search for a suitable specialist until such a person is found or the project is terminated for other reasons.
The duration of the selection process varies depending on the specific task profile and the required qualifications. As a general guideline, once funding has been approved by the Expert Advisory Committee, at least eight weeks should be expected for the search, pre-selection of candidates, examination of qualifications, presentation of candidates, and interviews. Depending on the complexity and requirements, the selection process can take up to 6 months or longer.
The Carinthian Specialists Agency makes a pre-selection of suitable employees based on your job profile and provides you with two candidate profiles to choose from. You decide which candidate you would like to get to know in a direct interview.
Yes. Of course, there is no obligation for you to employ the candidates presented by the Carinthian Specialists Agency. You will find out more details during the initial meeting.
Onboarding and contract
On average, depending on the country of origin, entry can be expected after 5 to 10 months. In principle, several Austrian authorities are involved in the immigration process of third-country nationals and, depending on nationality and country of residence, also the Austrian embassy/consulate in the country of residence. The requirements and steps vary depending on how long someone wants to work in Austria and what kind of work they want to do.
The Carinthian Specialists Agency provides support in scheduling the job interview; the interview itself takes place between the company and the job applicant. If you would like to be accompanied during the interview, you can book this service additionally.
If necessary, an additional interview can be arranged with the selected candidates.
Unfortunately, working on a trial basis is not possible.
Contractual provisions and flexibility
The available funding potential and the Expert Advisory Committee determine the extent to which recruitment services can be utilised.
This depends on where the specialist has registered their place of residence, as this is related to the Red-White-Red Card. The Carinthian Specialists Agency will be happy to clarify such details in a personal meeting.
This cannot be answered in general terms and depends on where the specialist has registered their place of residence. This will be clarified by the Carinthian Specialists Agency on a case-by-case basis.
The Carinthian Specialists Agency takes into account both the requirements of your company and the preferences of the candidates in order to achieve an optimal match. The final choice of location should be made in close consultation between you as the employer and the applicants. Ultimately, the employment contract, concluded by mutual agreement, is decisive.
The Carinthian Specialists Agency offers a comprehensive range of recruitment services, but the employer is responsible for finding accommodation for the potential specialist. The Carinthian International Center (CIC) is involved in the project, as we know that finding accommodation is an important and time consuming part of the project.
As the service requirements of the companies are very individual, each employer is free to book additional CIC packages separately at their own expense.
Resignations and replacements
If an employee terminates the employment relationship shortly after starting, the provisions agreed in the employment contract apply, e.g. notice periods or probationary periods. Should this happen, the Carinthian Specialists Agency will support you in finding a solution together.
The goal remains to attract suitable employees for your company in the long term. In such a case, the Carinthian Specialists Agency can discuss with you how the search can be continued.
If an employee hands in their notice, the notice periods and conditions set out in the employment contract apply. Should this happen during the probationary period or shortly after being hired, the Carinthian Specialists Agency can help you analyse the situation and understand the possible reasons. If desired, a new employee search at the company´s full expense can be started in order to fill the position as quickly as possible.
An automatic replacement is not part of the service package. However, if an employee leaves the company, you can start a new search request at your full expense under the applicable conditions. The Carinthian Specialists Agency will assist you in adapting the process based on previous experience to maximise the chance of success of the renewed search.
A free replacement is not planned. If an employee leaves the company during the trial month, a new search request at the company´s full expense can be started using the existing conditions if desired. However, we recommend analysing the reasons for premature termination in order to tailor the process optimally to your requirements and increase the success of the next search. The second payment of €600 three months after signing the employment contract is then waived. It is only due if the employee is still in employment.
If the employee resigns him/herself, the employee will generally bear the costs of the flight home. However, this responsibility can be adjusted by contractual agreements or individual arrangements between employer and employee. It is advisable to clearly define such regulations in advance in order to avoid misunderstandings.
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