Moving To Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria is a highly developed and industrialized country that offers a high standard of living to its residents. The country boasts excellent education, healthcare, work-life balance, and economy, making it a central point for expats moving to Europe. If you are considering relocating to Austria, there are several things you need to take into account, such as visa and residency requirements, finding employment or educational opportunities, and arranging accommodation. Additionally, you will need to legalize and translate your documents into German or English, register your place of residence, apply for health insurance, and open a local bank account.

Visa and residency requirements

The requirements for moving to Austria depend on whether you are an EU/EEA citizen or a non-EU/EEA citizen. If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you can move to Austria without a visa or residence permit. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you will need to apply for a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) within four months of your arrival. To be eligible for this certificate, you must be employed, enrolled at an educational institute, or have sufficient finances and healthcare coverage.

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need to apply for a visa and a residence permit to move to Austria. The type of visa and residence permit you need will depend on your purpose of stay. For example, if you plan to work in Austria, you will need to apply for a work permit and a D visa (long-stay visa). To be eligible for this type of visa, you must have a job offer from an Austrian employer and meet certain requirements, such as having the necessary qualifications and experience for the position.

If you are moving to Austria to study, you will need to obtain a student visa (either a Visa C or Visa D). To be eligible for a student visa, you must first be enrolled in an Austrian university and have an acceptance letter. Once you have your student visa, you can move to Austria and register at the registration office. If you have a D student visa, you can then apply for a student residence permit.

If you are moving to Austria for family reunification, you can apply for a family reunification visa at the Austrian embassy or consulate. This type of visa allows certain family members, such as minor children, partners in long-term relationships, and other relatives under specific circumstances, to join their family members who are already residing in Austria.

It is important to note that the requirements for visas and residence permits may vary depending on your country of origin. Additionally, Austria has specific requirements for importing personal belongings and pets into the country.

Work and study opportunities

Austria is a highly developed and industrialised country that offers high living standards to its residents. The country has a lot to offer in terms of work and study opportunities.

Studying in Austria

Austria is known for its high-quality education system, with universities that consistently rank highly in international rankings. The country offers tuition-free education to EU and EEA citizens, and even for international students, the tuition fees are relatively low, averaging around 1,500 EUR per academic year.

To apply for a student visa in Austria, you will need to meet certain requirements and submit specific documents, including a valid passport, visa application form, travel insurance, identity pictures, proof of accommodation, travel itinerary, financial means, proof of admission, and proof of tuition fee payment. There are two main types of student visas: Visa C (short-term) and Visa D (long-term), which can be converted into a Student Resident Permit.

Once enrolled in an Austrian university, there are various funding possibilities and scholarships available, as well as employment opportunities to support your studies.

Working in Austria

Austria has a highly educated labour market and a demand for skilled workers in many fields, making it an attractive destination for those seeking work opportunities. The country offers competitive salaries and promising job prospects for graduates.

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you have unrestricted access to the Austrian labour market and can work without a work permit. However, you must obtain residence registration confirmation within six months of your arrival.

For non-EU citizens, the process is more complex. You will need to apply for a long-stay visa (D visa) and the appropriate residence permit, such as the Red-White-Red Card for skilled workers. Additionally, you must secure a job before applying for the work permit, which can be done by either you or your employer.

Working While Studying in Austria

If you are a student and wish to work during your studies in Austria, the process will depend on your nationality and the type of work you are seeking.

EU/EEA nationals can work without a work permit, but must ensure that their studies remain the top priority and that they obtain the necessary registration certificate.

Third-country nationals with a Residence Permit – Student can work up to 20 hours per week with a work permit, which their employer must apply for. If you wish to work more than 20 hours per week, a labour market test may be conducted to determine if there are already skilled workers registered for the specific position.

There are also opportunities for internships and traineeships in Austria, which can be completed as part of your studies or through programmes like Erasmus+.

Transitioning from Study to Work in Austria

If you are a graduate looking to pursue a career in Austria, there are resources available to support your transition into the Austrian labour market. You can extend your Residence Permit – Student for up to twelve months after graduation to search for a full-time job. During this time, you can work as a self-employed person or obtain a work permit to be a salaried employee.

If you have found a full-time job after completing your studies, the Red-White-Red Card for Graduates is the most suitable option. This card is also applicable for third-country nationals who have graduated from an Austrian university and received a job offer in their field.

Healthcare and insurance

Austria's healthcare system is ranked in the top ten globally by the World Health Organization. It is split into two tiers: public and private health insurance. However, almost everyone is covered by the public system.

Public Healthcare

Public health insurance covers all essential care in Austria, including doctor visits and emergency care. However, certain treatments require co-payments, and private health services are not covered.

Public health insurance is mandatory for most Austrian residents, including:

• Employees, apprentices, and trainees
• People collecting unemployment benefits, childcare allowance, social assistance, or rehabilitation allowance
• Seniors with an Austrian pension

Public health insurance is also available to:

• Students, who can register voluntarily
• Children, who are covered by their parent(s) or guardian(s) until they turn 18
• Asylum seekers and refugees

Private Healthcare

Many Austrian residents take out supplementary private health insurance to ensure they have 100% coverage. Private insurance covers co-payments and provides access to better and more personalised care.

Private health insurance is ideal for expats who have more than one home country or who frequently travel in and out of Austria.

Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Austria if you are:

• In paid employment
• Self-employed
• Claiming unemployment benefits
• A pensioner
• Dependent on someone from one of these groups

When you start a job, school, or university in Austria, you will be automatically covered by health insurance. You should be issued with an e-card, which you will need to show if you see a doctor.

Costs

The health insurance premium is around €24.42 a month for students who have access to the regional healthcare system.

The monthly premium for non-EU and non-EEA citizens is about €58.39 a month. If you do not qualify for the regional service, costs can rise to €369 a month.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

The EHIC is freely available to citizens of member states of the EU/EEA and Switzerland. It is not a substitute for medical insurance but allows cardholders to access state-provided healthcare at a reduced cost, or sometimes for free.

Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

People from the UK can access public healthcare with a GHIC.

S1 Form

Other residents may fill out an S1 form to use their home country's healthcare rights in Austria or take out private health insurance.

Housing and utilities

Housing in Austria is typically made up of detached houses and apartments, with about 45% of people living in these forms of accommodation, while about 7% live in apartments. When choosing your new home, consider important factors such as location, accessibility to major places via public transport, and the monthly rent. Rental prices fluctuate significantly depending on the city. For example, in the capital city of Vienna, you can expect to budget approximately €1,200 per month for an apartment. A room will cost around €590, and a studio will cost about €916 per month. In Salzburg, rent prices can range from as low as €550 to €1500, depending on the type and location of the apartment.

If you need a visa to move to Austria, you must be able to prove that you have found suitable accommodation. Booking temporary hotel stays will not suffice, as you are also required to register your address within 3 days of your arrival.

Unless you have rented an apartment with bills included, you will need to arrange utilities in Austria. This includes electricity, heating, and the internet. You will also need to register your TV/radio (GIS) and pay for it if your device is capable of receiving broadcasting signals, even if you don't use cable TV or radio.

Austria is known to be an expensive country to live in, especially when it comes to housing. For a small space, you would pay more than what you would pay for a big apartment in another European country. For example, for an apartment in the city center, prices range from €3400 to €10,000 per square meter.

Driving and pets

Driving in Austria

If you are moving to Austria and plan to drive, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Austria drives on the right-hand side of the road, and it is compulsory to keep your headlights on at all times when driving. The speed limits are generally 50 km/h (31 mph) in built-up areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on open roads, and 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways, although these limits may be lower in certain areas, so it is important to keep an eye out for signs.

When driving in Austria, you are required by law to have a valid driving licence, insurance, vehicle registration documents, and a reflective warning triangle in your car. It is also recommended that you carry a fluorescent safety vest, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. If you are bringing your own car into the country, you will need to register it with the authorities and obtain Austrian number plates.

Bringing Pets to Austria

Austria is a very pet-friendly country, and the process of importing pets is relatively straightforward. However, there are several steps you need to take to ensure that your furry friend can join you in your new home.

Firstly, all pets must be microchipped and vaccinated before entering Austria. The microchip should comply with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785, and it must be implanted before the rabies vaccine is administered. An original Rabies Certificate, signed by a vet, is required for all pets, and this must be at least 21 days old during the final health exam. Other recommended vaccinations include Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus (DHLPP) for dogs, and Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia (FVRCP) for cats.

Additionally, you will need an EU Health Certificate, which is valid for ten days from the date of issue and allows travel throughout the EU for up to four months. This certificate must be filled out by an accredited veterinarian and signed in a different colour ink, usually blue. If you are coming from a non-EU country, you will also need a veterinary export certificate written in English or German, and an International Health Certificate from your vet before you leave.

If your pet is entering Austria from a Listed Third Country, the primary rabies vaccination must be administered no sooner than 21 days before entering the country. If your pet is entering from an Unlisted Third Country, it must wait for a minimum of 30 days after the rabies vaccination before receiving a rabies titer test.

When travelling with your pet, different rules apply depending on the mode of transport. If you are travelling by car, you will usually need a transport box, especially for smaller pets, or a way to strap larger animals in to keep them safe in case of an accident. If you are travelling by train, regulations vary depending on the railway, but you will typically need a pet container for smaller animals and a muzzle and lead for larger ones.

Flying with pets is the most complicated and stressful method for importing pets to Austria. Each airline has different rules, but all European airlines must follow the carriage rules for animals established by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Fees for flying with pets vary depending on distance, size, and weight.

Once your pet arrives in Austria, there is usually no need to quarantine them as long as all the entry requirements have been met. However, if your dog is of a breed considered dangerous or difficult to handle, you and your dog must pass the Vienna Dog License exam within three months of arrival.

It is important to note that there are some animals that are banned from being imported into Austria, including monkeys, bears, big cats, and some dangerous reptiles and spiders.

Overall, bringing your pet to Austria requires some planning and preparation, but with the right documentation and vaccinations, your furry friend can join you in your new Austrian home.

Frequently asked questions