Hungarians Poised to Surpass Germans as Largest Foreign Working Group in Austria
Hungarian Workers on the Rise in Austria
In recent years, Austria has seen a notable increase in the number of Hungarian workers entering the country for employment. This surge has been steadily growing, with Hungarian workers now on the verge of outnumbering Germans as the largest foreign working group in Austria. As of January 2025, there were 129,802 Hungarian citizens employed in Austria, a significant rise from previous months and part of a trend observed over the past few years.
The influx of Hungarian workers is part of a broader trend where foreign labor has become increasingly essential to Austria’s economy. The domestic workforce in Austria has been dwindling, with a decrease in the number of Austrian citizens employed. In January 2025, there were 2,888,878 Austrian workers, down from the previous year’s figure. This decline has led to a growing reliance on international labor, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and retail.
The Hungarian workforce in Austria has displayed remarkable growth and resilience. From January 2024 to January 2025, the number of Hungarian workers increased from 124,820 to 129,802, with fluctuations in between that align with seasonal patterns. While the number of German workers in Austria is slightly higher at 131,405 in January 2025, considering the population size of Germany, the presence of Hungarian workers in Austria is significant.
The trend of increasing foreign labor in Austria is expected to continue due to demographic challenges, including an aging population and projected shortages of skilled workers. The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WIIW) predicts significant labor shortages by the 2030s, particularly in technical fields and among higher-educated workers. As a result, the role of foreign workers, especially Hungarians, will likely become even more crucial in sustaining Austria’s economic growth.
As Hungary continues to play a vital role in Austria’s labor market, it is evident that Hungarian workers are contributing significantly to the country’s workforce. With expectations of continued growth in foreign labor, the relationship between Austria and Hungary in terms of employment is likely to strengthen in the coming years.
