Living In Austria: Is It Possible?

Austria is a highly developed and industrialised country that offers a high standard of living to its residents. It is home to more than 1 million expats from all over the world. The country ranks highly in many aspects, such as education, healthcare, work-life balance, and economy, making it a central point for expats moving to Europe. The process of moving to Austria is much easier if you are an EU or EEA citizen, as you do not need a visa to live there, nor a residence or work permit. However, for those from a non-EU/EEA country, a visa is required, and there are different types of visas and residence permits depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. Austria has a lot to offer, from its stunning natural scenery to its high-quality healthcare and education system, but it also has some drawbacks, such as the high cost of living, especially in larger cities, and the potential difficulty of settling in due to cultural and language barriers.

Visa requirements for EU and non-EU citizens

EU citizens and Swiss nationals can enter Austria without a visa and reside in the country for up to three months. This is also the case for citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA)—which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway—and Swiss nationals. After three months, they must register their stay with the local Austrian authorities. This can be done by requesting a confirmation of registration of their Right of Residence under EU law, known as an "Anmeldebescheinigung". This request must be made within four months of arriving in Austria.

Under EU law, EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals can reside in Austria for more than three months if they meet one of the following criteria:

• They are employed or self-employed in Austria.
• They have adequate means of subsistence and health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents.
• They are attending an Austrian school or recognised educational institution as the main purpose of their stay, and they have sufficient means of subsistence and health insurance coverage.

After five years of continuous lawful residence in Austria, EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals can obtain a "Long-term Residence Certificate" ("Bescheinigung des Daueraufenthalts"). They can also apply for a "Photo ID for EEA Citizens", which serves as an identity document.

Non-EU/EEA citizens and non-Swiss nationals, on the other hand, require a visa to enter Austria. They are entitled to a stay of up to six months with a visa. To stay longer than six months, they need a residence permit.

Non-EU/EEA citizens who want to reside permanently in Austria need to first apply for a Type D visa (long-stay visa). With this visa, they will be allowed entry into Austria, after which they can apply for the desired type of residence permit. A long-stay visa is typically issued for reasons such as work, study, or family reunification.

To work in Austria, non-EU/EEA citizens need to apply for a work permit and a work visa (Type D visa). Austria issues the Red-White-Red Card work permit to highly skilled non-EU/EEA nationals. This permit is valid for up to two years and requires the applicant to meet certain eligibility criteria. To be eligible for this type of work permit, applicants must first secure a job offer from an Austrian employer.

Non-EU/EEA citizens who wish to move to Austria for study purposes need to obtain a student visa. Austria issues two types of student visas: Visa C and Visa D. For long-term stays, a Visa D is required. Applicants must first enrol in an Austrian university and receive an acceptance letter before applying for the student visa at the local embassy or consulate in their home country.

For family reunification, third-country nationals residing legally in Austria can apply for a family reunification visa at the Austrian embassy or consulate. This visa permits the following family members to join them in Austria:

• Minor children (under 18 years old).
• Partners in long-term relationships.
• Other relatives under specific circumstances.

Austria also offers a "settlement permit except gainful employment" for those who are financially independent and wish to move to the country for retirement. This type of residence permit is issued for 12 months and does not allow the holder to work.

Healthcare and insurance

Austria's healthcare system is designed to provide for everyone. It has highly skilled medical professionals operating within both public and private hospitals, so you should be able to access good quality care from anywhere in the country. The Austrian healthcare system is made up of two tiers: public and private. The vast majority (99%) of individuals receive publicly funded healthcare, but there are also options to purchase supplementary private healthcare insurance.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection governs the medical industry. Access to the public healthcare system is very simple: it is linked to employment. Typically, your insurance is arranged through your employer, and monthly payments are deducted from your salary. The healthcare system is funded 50% by the employee and 50% by the employer. Employers are responsible for enrolling staff on the public health insurance. It is not possible for you to pick which insurance company you are insured with, but it is possible to purchase supplementary private health insurance if you feel you need an extra level of support.

Once registered, insurance companies will send out E-cards that store your claims, medications and medical histories. You should make sure you can access this before your first healthcare appointment.

Having health insurance is compulsory in Austria. The amount an individual pays towards their healthcare is calculated by their income. However, healthcare is free for pensioners, spouses of workers, those on unemployment benefits, or people who are unable to work for other reasons. Tourists and temporary visitors can access Austrian healthcare but may pay full price. If a person is out of work, they must be registered with the local labour exchange service AMS, so the insurance will be covered by the government. Otherwise, every doctor’s appointment will need to be paid for.

You can also access the public healthcare in Austria using a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). These cards allow you to access Austrian public healthcare on the same basis as an Austrian citizen but are only for temporary stays.

Local authorities provide emergency care in Austria as part of the public health system. Anyone living in the country is entitled to emergency healthcare. The emergency medical service number is 141, the European emergency number is 112, and there is also a public emergency psychiatric hotline: 01 313 30 and a suicide prevention hotline: 01 713 3374.

There is no shortage of pharmacies in Austria. Usually, your doctor will write you a prescription, which you can take to any pharmacy to get filled. If your insurance is public, you will be required to pay at normal market prices, but with private insurance, you will be reimbursed depending on your level of cover.

Medication can be bought in pharmacies and online shops. Depending on the type of medication, you can scan the prescriptions and order home delivery. Drug stores or supermarkets don’t tend to sell medication. The majority of medication can only be bought once you have gained a prescription from your doctor. Austria has very strict policies when buying medication over the counter.

Austria is home to many good-quality dentists countrywide. For dentists who speak your language, you may need to be near a major city. The Austrian Dental Chamber is a useful tool to search for dentists in your area. Public insurance includes dental care, however, the particulars of coverage vary. Generally, public insurance covers the very basics of dental care, but you should check with your insurance

Education

Preschool Education

Preschool education in Austria is not mandatory, but many parents do choose to enroll their children. Kinderkrippen are care centers for children under the age of three, while kindergartens welcome children aged three to six. Preschool begins at age five, is free, and is mandatory. Early childhood education is not free, and costs depend on the province and the daycare center. In 2018, 90% of Austrian children aged three to five participated in early childhood education.

Primary Education

Primary school education in Austria is mandatory for all students. It takes place at a Volksschule or Grundschule and caters to students aged six to ten, ending after the fourth grade is successfully completed. The local state authority administers primary schools in the region, but they are funded by the federal government. Public primary education is free, and the quality throughout the country is widely considered to be very high. If your child does not speak German, your options are more limited. You can enroll them in a regular public school, or choose bilingual schooling. Bilingual schools are public and no-cost, and offer bilingual instruction in German and English. However, there are a limited number of bilingual schools, and many are clustered around Vienna and other major cities.

Private Primary Schools

Private schools account for about 8% of schools throughout the country. You can find private schools with a particular affiliation, such as a Catholic or Montessori school, as well as ones without affiliations. Cost and admission policies vary accordingly. Many private schools that aren't international schools teach in German.

Secondary Education

In Austria, secondary school caters to students aged 10 to 18 and is compulsory until the ninth grade. After completing primary school, students may enroll in different types of schools, depending on their interests and career goals.

Public Secondary Schools

Public secondary education in Austria is free and of very high quality. Due to the various tracks that students can choose, there are many options to pursue both academic and vocational interests.

Lower Secondary School

Known as Neue Mittelschule in German, lower secondary school caters to students aged 10 to 14. Generally, students study standard subjects with some options to explore their interests. The Polytechnische Schule is available to ninth-grade students and involves one year of study, often within a polytechnical school. This year prepares students for a vocational program or apprenticeship, with practical training and company visits.

Vocational School

Known as Berufsschule, vocational schools offer both school subjects and a structured apprenticeship in their area of interest. They cater to students in grades 10 to 13.

Secondary Academic School

Split into lower secondary and upper secondary school, secondary academic school is known as Allgemeinbildende Höhere Schule or Gymnasium. These schools cater to students who are on track to attend university. However, after eighth grade, students can switch to a vocational program.

Private Secondary Schools

International schools are a popular choice for expats, due to the familiar language of instruction and continuity of study when they return to their home country. International schools are diverse and have familiar processes for students and parents. However, they are not cheap, with annual costs ranging from €5,000 to €50,000. Religious schools are also an option, with Roman Catholic schools being particularly widespread and rigorous. You can also find schools with Christian and Jewish affiliations. Montessori schools are widely available in Austria, emphasizing independence and self-sufficiency.

Homeschooling

Homeschooling is a straightforward process in Austria and has been legally enshrined since 1985. An estimated 2,000 children are homeschooled each year. Parents must inform their local school board of their intent to homeschool before the start of the school year. At the end of the school year, students must pass final exams in each subject in German to prove that the quality of home instruction is equivalent to formal education.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Austria is generally high, but it varies depending on location, lifestyle, and type of housing. The average monthly living cost for one person in Austria is around €1,600 to €1,900, while couples can expect to pay approximately €3,100 per month. A family of four would typically have total monthly living costs of around €3,900 to €4,900.

Renting a home in Austria can be expensive. For example, in the city of Vienna, you would pay around €850 per month without including rent, and prices for an apartment in the city centre range from €3,400 to €10,000 per square meter. However, rent in Austria is, on average, 45.1% lower than in the United States.

Utility costs can also be high. If utilities are not included in your rental agreement, you should budget around €347 per month for them. A monthly public transport pass costs around €45. Food expenses can be kept lower by shopping at budget-friendly grocery stores like Aldi, Lidl, Penny, or Eurospar, but you should still expect to spend around €330 per month on groceries.

Leisure activities can also add to the cost of living, with monthly budgeting for dining out, cultural activities, entertainment, and sports or leisure club memberships ranging from €180 to €320.

Austria's high living costs are compensated by generous salaries and a high quality of life. The average net salary in Austria is around €2,996 per month, and the country offers free universal healthcare and education to all citizens.

Employment

Austria is an attractive destination for those seeking work, with its high quality of life, efficient public transport, and well-developed education system. The country offers free universal, preschool, and primary and secondary school education to every citizen.

Work Permits

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you can work in Austria without restriction. For non-EU/EEA citizens, a work permit and a residence permit are required. Austria issues a work permit, known as the Red-White-Red Card, to highly skilled non-EU nationals. This permit is issued for a period of up to 2 years, and there is a set of requirements that must be met to be eligible.

Job Search

The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) supports those looking for a job in the country. The AMS offers an online search engine that lists available jobs in Austria.

Contracts

In Austria, the basis for employment is always the contract of employment. This contract stipulates the conditions for the employment, such as tasks, rights, obligations, working hours, and the agreed salary.

Language

Speaking German grants access to more jobs and educational options. Austrian German has regional variations that make it dissimilar and potentially more difficult than standard German.

Salary

The average monthly salary in Austria is between €1,700 and €2,200, depending on the city. Many employers offer salaries high enough to offset the country's high cost of living.

Taxes

Austria has a strong social security network financed through tax contributions from employees and employers.

Social Insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for all those who work in Austria and is handled by the employer. The Austrian social insurance system includes health insurance, accident insurance, pension insurance, and unemployment insurance.

Frequently asked questions