Recognition of qualifications
Austria does not have a uniform procedure for the recognition of practical and theoretical qualifications acquired abroad. Whether formal recognition of a qualification is required
– or even possible – must always be assessed on an individual basis.
While not necessary for all professions, certain occupations in Austria require proof of specific theoretical and/or practical qualifications through a legally regulated procedure in order to be practiced. Depending on the profession, this may apply to both employed and self-employed activities – or only to one of these forms.
If a profession requires proof of qualifications, and these qualifications were obtained abroad rather than in Austria, formal recognition is often required in order to practice the profession in Austria (additional requirements such as language proficiency or further administrative steps may also apply). The procedure to be followed depends primarily on the profession in question and on where the qualification was obtained (EU/EEA/Switzerland or a third country).
It is advisable to clarify before relocating whether a recognition procedure is required in order to practice the intended profession in Austria, and whether other conditions must be met. If recognition is necessary, it should be critically assessed whether obtaining it is realistically achievable. Initiating a recognition procedure does not automatically guarantee that recognition will be granted.
It may occur that:
- a qualification is not considered equivalent,
- additional documentation or examinations are required,
- or recognition is not possible at all, for example if essential training content is missing or if the right to practice the profession in Austria is legally tied to very specific requirements that are not met by the foreign qualification.
In such cases, it may be necessary to complete additional training or to consider a change in career direction.
AST – Counselling Centre for People with Qualifications Acquired Abroad
The Counselling Centre for People with Qualifications Acquired Abroad, based in Innsbruck, provides guidance on the recognition and utilization of education, qualifications, and professional experience acquired abroad. The advisory service is free of charge, personalized, and available in multiple languages.
Tip for Job Seekers: Obtaining an Assessment
If formal recognition of a foreign qualification is not required in order to practice a profession in Austria, a so-called assessment can be helpful – especially for job seekers.
For academic degrees from recognized universities, such assessments are offered by ENIC NARIC Austria, the official contact point for international recognition issues in higher education. The assessment provides an evaluation of how the foreign qualification can be classified within the Austrian education system. Its aim is to improve comparability for employers and increase job market opportunities. The assessment is not legally binding, but it can serve as useful information when applying for jobs or speaking with potential employers. Further details on the process, costs, and how to apply are available at: https://www.aais.at/
The Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research offers a free assessment of foreign non-academic certificates (e.g. school-leaving certificates, vocational qualifications from the school sector). This assessment helps improve understanding and comparability with Austrian qualifications, particularly to support job seekers. The assessment can be requested free of charge at www.asbb.at. For information regarding apprenticeships, please see this page.
If self-employment is the intended path, the business location team of Standortagentur Tirol is happy to provide support.
Due to the complexity of the topic, this text serves only as an initial overview and does not claim to be exhaustive. A personal consultation is strongly receommended. Feel free to contact us at any time – we are happy to assist you directly or refer you to the appropriate experts.