Immigrate to Austria as a Lawyer

Have you ever imagined continuing your legal career in one of the most attractive European countries? Austria, a country that looks like a postcard in every part, can be the best option because, apart from the stunning scenery and high standard of living, it offers unique professional development for lawyers. This article will guide you on how to immigrate to Austria as a lawyer and work in this country.

Table of Contents

Is Austria a Good Place for Lawyers?

Austria is an excellent destination for lawyers. It has a robust legal system and economy, and the country’s commitment to the rule of law offers opportunities for legal professionals. In addition, the exceptional quality of life, cultural richness, and favorable environment for immigration make Austria a desirable location for practicing law. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or enhance your lifestyle, Austria offers both for lawyers.

How to Immigrate to Austria as a Lawyer?

Immigrating to Austria as a lawyer can be complicated, but following some key steps can ensure a successful immigration and transition to the Austrian legal system and society. Here we review these steps:

• Qualification Recognition
• Securing a Job Offer
• Work Visa and Permit
• Relocation Considerations
• Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
• Cultural Adaptation
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Step 1. Qualification Recognition

• Required Degree. To practice law in Austria, a lawyer usually needs a law degree equivalent to a master’s degree (Mag. iur. or Master iur.).
• Credential Evaluation. Your law degree and any other legal qualifications must be assessed for equivalence to Austrian standards by the Austrian Bar Association or a designated authority.
• Austrian Law Familiarization. After the assessment, you may be required to take courses or training to familiarize yourself with Austrian law in areas that differ significantly from your home country’s legal system.
• Experience and Specializations. Document your legal experience (at least 3 years) and any expertise, especially in areas corresponding to Austrian legal needs.
• Additional Examinations or Assessments. Other tests or assessments may be held by the Austrian Bar Association, such as the bar exam.
• Documentation and Certifications. All legal certificates, practice licenses, and other relevant documents must be translated and certified in German.

To work and immigrate to Austria as a lawyer, proficiency in the official language of Austria, German, is a requirement:

• Level Needed. An advanced level (C1) is usually required.
• Tests . Participate in ÖSD or TestDaF exams and get a certificate.
• Practice Legal German. In addition to general language, it is necessary to learn legal German to understand legal terms and to read and write legal documents.

Step 3. Securing a Job Offer

Finding and receiving a job offer as a lawyer in Austria is an essential step in the immigration process. Here are some ways to find jobs:

• Research Law Firms and Organizations. Search for institutions and law firms in Austria and check their website directly, as job openings are usually announced on their website. Some of the famous law firms in Austria are:
  • DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
  • Wolf Theiss Rechtsanwälte GmbH & Co KG
  • Schoenherr Attorneys at Law
  • Baker McKenzie Diwok Hermann Petsche Rechtsanwälte LLP & Co KG
  • CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz Rechtsanwälte GmbH
• Networking. Building a network with Austrian legal professionals will help you find an employer and get a job offer. Attend conferences, seminars, and legal events in Austria. Also, use specialized platforms such as LinkedIn.
• Online Job Portals. Explore online job portals such as:
  • Jobswype.at
  • Indeed Austria
  • StepStone Austria
  • Karriere.at
  • Monster Austria
  • XING
  • LinkedIn

You can customize your job search with keywords related to legal expertise, location preferences, and language requirements for a more effective search.

• Legal Recruitment Agencies. Consider engaging with legal recruitment agencies in Austria. Provide them with your qualifications and preferences for job matching. Some famous legal recruitment agencies are:
  • Hays Legal Austria
  • Michael Page Legal Austria
  • Legalis Global
  • Taylor Root Austria
  • Robert Walters Legal Austria
• CV and Cover Letter Preparation. Customize cover letters according to each application.
• Application Process. Apply for the job opportunities you want and prepare for interviews in German or English.

Step 4. Work Visa and Permit

• Determine the Appropriate Visa Type. The most common type of lawyer visa is the red-white-red card for skilled workers. This card is generally valid for 2 years and can be renewed afterward.
• Job Offer and Employment Contract. As explained, ensure a valid job offer from an Austrian employer because the job offer is important for the visa application. After securing a job offer, sign an employment contract with your employer and specify the terms of employment, salary, responsibilities, and working hours; this contract is an essential document for your visa application.
• Application Submission. Submit your visa application to your home country’s Austrian embassy or consulate. The required documents for the application are:
• Valid passport with blank pages.
• Passport-sized photos in the correct format.
• Job offer and contract.
• Visa Application Form
• Accepted qualifications and language skills.
• Proof of financial support.
• Health insurance for Austria.
• Background Checks and Interviews. To assess your eligibility, the Austrian authorities will need to check your background, and you may need to attend an interview.
• Processing Time. Processing time for visa applications varies depending on your country, the time of year, and the complexity of your case.

Once you immigrate to Austria as a lawyer, you need to do a few important things to settle in:

• Accommodation. Before moving to Austria as a lawyer, finding and securing suitable accommodation is essential. You can use websites like ImmobilienScout24.at, willhaben.at, and derStandard.Also, when choosing a place to stay, consider important factors such as location, whether the house is furnished, and costs.
• Residence Permit After Arrival. Apply for a residence permit immediately after your arrival. To start the application process, visit your local municipality or the Austrian Immigration and Citizenship Office (MA 35) with the required documents, including a valid passport, housing contract, employment contract, health insurance coverage, and financial statements. You usually have about 90 days from your arrival date to submit your application. Failure to comply with this deadline can result in legal consequences for you.
• Local Bank Account. Choose one of the Austrian banks, including Erste Group Bank AG, Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), and UniCredit Bank Austria AG; go to its branch near your residence with the required documents, and open your account. Having a local bank account is essential to manage your finances effectively.
• Healthcare and Insurance. In Austria, you need to have health insurance coverage. Depending on your employment status, you may be eligible for public health insurance (Gesundheitskasse), or you may need to arrange private health insurance with providers such as Wiener Städtische Versicherung, Generali Versicherung AG, Have Allianz Versicherung.
• Residence Permit Renewal. Be aware of the expiration date of your residence permit and apply for its renewal before it expires.

Step 6. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

Continuing professional development (CPD) is essential for lawyers in Austria; this involves completing around 15 to 30 hours of CPD and covers various legal topics such as Austrian law, ethics, and professional skills. This program is offered through legal seminars and online courses. Keeping accurate records of CPD activities is essential; you should plan to attend each year.

Step 7. Cultural Adaptation

Cultural adaptation is essential when immigrating to Austria as a lawyer. To successfully integrate, you need to master the German language, make Austrian friends, and learn about Austrian culture and customs. The best way to get to know Austrian culture and make friends is to participate in festivals, outdoor activities, concerts, art classes, etc.

Step 8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

To become a lawyer in Austria, learn how Austrian law and the courts work. Specialize in one area of law. Also, keep your clients’ secrets and private information, follow the rules of the Austrian Bar Association, and always keep learning and be aware of the latest laws. Doing these things will help you comply with the law while working in Austria.

Are Lawyers in Demand in Austria?

The demand for lawyers in Austria varies depending on specialization, economic activity, location, and city size.

Cities such as Vienna have an active legal market due to the concentration of law firms, corporate headquarters, and international organizations, while in smaller towns and rural areas of Austria such as Graz or Linn, lawyers may be in relatively low demand and may even The legal work they do is less complicated.

In addition, there is a high demand for professionals in business law, intellectual property, and immigration law.

Job Positions in Austria for Immigrant Lawyers

In Austria, lawyers have various job positions depending on their expertise, interests, and language level. Here are common job positions for immigrant lawyers in Austria:

• Immigration Lawyer
• International Human Rights Lawyer
• Family and Immigration Lawyer
• Criminal Defense Lawyer
• Government Positions
• In-House Counsel
• Legal Consultant
• Academic or Legal Researcher

Immigrate to Austria as a Lawyer: Salary

Lawyers’ salaries in Austria can vary greatly depending on factors such as experience, expertise, location, and employer. However, it is roughly estimated at the following ranges:

• Entry-Level Lawyers. New lawyers with less than two years of experience typically earn between €40,000 and €55,000 annually.
• Mid-Level Lawyers. Lawyers with 2 to 5 years of experience can earn between 55,000 and 80,000 euros per year. The salaries of mid-level lawyers largely depend on their expertise and the complexity of the cases they handle.
• Experienced Lawyers. Experienced lawyers with more than 5 years of experience can earn more than 80,000 euros per year. Expertise, management roles, and type of legal work can affect their earnings. For highly experienced lawyers, salaries may reach six figures.

Which Cities Are Best for Lawyers in Austria?

Here are the cities in Austria where lawyers are in demand and have the potential to earn higher salaries:

• Graz
• Linz
• Innsbruck

Conclusion

Immigrating to Austria as a lawyer will not only lead to your professional development but also provide you with a high standard of living. You only need to improve your German language and find an Austrian employer. The rest of the process is as easy as a pie. Take the first step now to realize your dream of becoming a European lawyer.

Immigrating to Austria can be challenging due to strict immigration policies and requirements, but it is possible and easy by following the steps outlined in the article.