Immigration to Austria, key statistics of 2024: one in four residents has a migration story

Austria, known for its scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is now making headlines for a very different reason. In 2023, a staggering 27.2% of the population—that's nearly 2.5 million people—have a migration background.

Whether arriving from distant lands or being the children of immigrants, this figure marks a 35% increase since 2015. Austria, it seems, is quietly transforming into a diverse melting pot.

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Who makes up this shift?

The largest foreign-born populations hail from Germany, Romania, and Türkiye, followed closely by Serbia and Hungary.

Syrians and Ukrainians are among the most recent arrivals, with both communities growing significantly over the past few years. And while the story of immigration is often framed as one of division, the numbers tell a more complex tale: three out of four migrants feel a deep connection to Austria, with many expressing strong ties to their new home.

But not everyone is feeling the love

Native Austrians have become more critical of their immigrant neighbors over the years, with nearly 40% rating the relationship as 'fairly bad' or 'very bad.' Yet, surprisingly, immigrants tend to view the coexistence more positively than locals. The longer migrants stay, the more they feel they belong—a bond that becomes even stronger after 15 years of residency.

Language

In terms of language, integration is a mixed bag. Immigrants from Bosnia, Serbia, and Iran boast strong German language skills, with over half of them using it in everyday life. On the flip side, migrants from countries like Ukraine and Syria are more likely to stick to their native tongues, making language a key factor in integration success.

Austria is changing, and fast. The mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, and languages is becoming more vivid by the day. What’s clear is that this mix is not just shaping the future of Austria—it’s already part of the present. Whether born in Vienna or arriving from afar, more people are calling this alpine nation home, and the face of Austria is looking more diverse, dynamic, and interconnected than ever before.