Expats In Austria: Accepted, Respected, Or Rejected?

Austria is a beautiful country with a high quality of life, excellent public transport, and a robust healthcare system. It ranks highly for safety, press freedom, and women's rights. However, it can be challenging for expats to settle in, with Austrians regarded as unfriendly towards foreigners. So, how are expats treated in Austria?

Cost of living

The cost of living in Austria is high, with accommodation being particularly expensive. The country was ranked as the world's second most liveable country in 2019 due to its economic stability, public education, healthcare, and safety measures. However, many expats find that the cost of living can be a challenge when they first move to Austria.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Austria varies depending on location. In general, accommodation in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck is more expensive than in rural areas and other cities like Graz and Klagenfurt. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna can cost around €720 per month, while a three-bedroom apartment in the same city can cost around €1,330 per month.

Most expats prefer to rent accommodation in Austria, as purchasing property is often unaffordable. When signing a lease, you should expect to pay at least two months' rent as a refundable deposit, in addition to the first month's rent. If you use a real estate agent, the costs can amount to an additional two to three months' rent. You will also be responsible for utility bills, which can be expensive during the winter months.

Transport

Austria has an efficient and reliable public transport system, with larger cities offering underground trains, tram lines, buses, and suburban railways. Smaller towns may only have one or two transit modes. Public transport is moderately priced by European standards, and cycling is also a popular mode of transport, with many cities incorporating bike lanes.

If you live in a city, owning a car is usually not necessary, but in rural areas, it may be more convenient. However, parking is limited and expensive, and the overall cost of owning and driving a car is high.

Food

Austria has some of the highest food costs in Europe, with food prices being particularly high during the winter. A budget meal at a local restaurant can cost around €10-€15 per person, while a mid-range meal can cost €20-€40. Grocery shopping is typically reasonably priced, especially if you cook at home.

Education

As an expat with legal residence in Austria, you can send your children to public school at no cost. However, classes are taught in German, which can be a challenge if your children don't speak the language. Many expat parents opt for international schools, which can be expensive. Tuition fees vary depending on the school and the age of the child.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Austria is among the best in the world and is universal and accessible. As an expat legally living in the country, you are eligible for free basic healthcare, including treatment at public hospitals, specialist consultations, and basic dental care and medication. Most people in Austria don't have private health insurance, but some expats may have this covered by their employer, providing access to shorter waiting times and a wider range of services.

Entertainment

Austria has a rich cultural scene, with world-class museums, opera houses, theatres, and music venues. However, experiencing these attractions and dining out at restaurants can be expensive. Fortunately, there are also plenty of free or low-cost options, such as exploring the country's beautiful natural landscapes, hiking trails, and green spaces.

Overall, the high cost of living in Austria is often considered a small price to pay for the excellent quality of life the country offers.

Language barrier

The official language of Austria is German, and while many Austrians know some English, the language barrier might be the greatest challenge facing expats moving to the country. Austrian German differs greatly from German spoken in Germany, and is full of regional variations.

Expats will find that English is widely spoken in the business world, especially in larger urban centres, but Austrians often hesitate to speak English unless it is necessary for communication. It is beneficial to learn German to get by in Austria and to better integrate into Austrian culture. Basic words and phrases will be helpful, but enrolling in a language class is even better.

There is a large international community in Austria, and expats can join international groups to meet people. However, learning German is still important. While modern Austrian students must take English classes before finishing high school, there is a huge variation in young people's comfort with speaking English, and people over 30 are often unwilling to converse in anything other than German.

German is a tough language to learn, and it is hard to live in Austria without local language skills. However, integration programs and language courses are available for expats wanting to learn German. These can be found through universities or online courses from language academies.

Social isolation

While Austria boasts a high quality of life, it is also known for being a lonely place for expats. In fact, it ranks last for Local Friendliness (53rd) and is considered one of the worst countries for the Ease of Settling In (52nd). Austrians are regarded as the unfriendliest locals worldwide, both in general and towards foreign residents. This makes it difficult for expats to make local friends and build a personal support network.

The reserved and formal nature of Austrian people, combined with their strong emphasis on family, can make it challenging for newcomers to break into social circles. Austrians tend to be slow to warm up to newcomers and may come across as unfriendly or distant. Additionally, their reserved nature may be misinterpreted as a lack of interest or even rudeness. However, it is important to remember that this is just a cultural difference, and with patience and perseverance, it is possible to make meaningful connections.

Language barriers can also contribute to social isolation. German is the national language of Austria, and while many Austrians speak English, learning German can greatly facilitate social integration. It can open doors to more job and educational opportunities and make it easier to communicate with locals. However, it is worth noting that Austrian German has regional quirks that make it different from the German spoken in other parts of Germany, such as Berlin or Cologne. This can make it even more challenging for expats to master the language and fully integrate into Austrian society.

To combat social isolation, expats can seek out fellow expats through various groups and clubs, such as Meetup, the Expat Club, or Girl Gone International. These groups can provide a sense of community and help expats connect with others going through similar experiences. Additionally, joining activities that Austrians are passionate about, such as hiking, skiing, and cycling, can be a great way to bond with locals and build friendships.

While it may take time and effort, it is possible for expats to overcome social isolation and build a fulfilling social life in Austria. By learning the language, seeking out expat communities, and participating in local activities, expats can eventually find their place in Austrian society and enjoy the high quality of life that the country has to offer.

Healthcare

Overview

Austria has one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems in the world, offering medical services on par with other European countries. The Austrian healthcare system is universal for Austrian citizens and residents from other EU countries. Expats in Austria are entitled to public healthcare as a result of contributions made through their taxes.

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Austria is funded by residents' social contributions in the form of taxes. It is mandatory for most Austrian residents, including employees, apprentices, trainees, and people collecting unemployment benefits. Expats working in Austria are required to pay into a health insurance scheme, which is part of a larger social security system. The amount an individual has to pay is determined by their salary level, with health insurance, accident insurance, and pension insurance all taking up a percentage of an individual's salary. The employer is also obliged to make a contribution.

Public healthcare in Austria includes free primary healthcare such as dental care, medication, and treatment at public hospitals. It covers virtually all health issues and medication requirements, protecting all members of society. It also benefits spouses and children of those who work in Austria and are covered by the worker's medical insurance.

Private Healthcare

While public healthcare in Austria is comprehensive, some choose to supplement it with private health insurance for additional benefits. Private health insurance covers medication, hospital care, the free choice of clinics and doctors, and advanced dental treatments. It also offers shorter waiting times, direct access to specialists, and a wider range of attentive providers who offer personalized care

Emergency Services

In the event of a medical emergency in Austria, expats can dial 141 for the emergency medical service or 112 for the European emergency number. Response times throughout the country are generally excellent, and paramedics generally speak German, with some also speaking English.

Medicines and Pharmacies

Pharmacies, known locally as "Apotheke," are easily found in all towns and cities in Austria. The majority of the costs of prescription medicines are covered by the state health insurance program, with only a small prescription fee required in some cases. Pharmacies are usually open from 8 am to 6 pm on weekdays and 8 am to 12 pm on Saturdays, with some 24-hour pharmacies available as well.

Recommendations

Expats moving to Austria are advised to ensure they have valid health insurance coverage before their move. EU/EFTA citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while UK citizens can use their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Other expats may need to fill out an S1 form to use their home country's healthcare rights in Austria or purchase private health insurance.

Additionally, it is recommended to consult a doctor at least a month before traveling to Austria to ensure all necessary vaccinations are up to date.

Job opportunities

Austria has a strong economy and a high quality of life. The country is known for its thriving work environment, with outstanding career prospects for skilled professionals in technology, life sciences, and tourism.

Austria's economy relies heavily on industries such as building and construction, tourism, motor vehicle production, electronics, food, and transportation. The textile industry is also key to the country's financial stability.

• Information and Communications Technology (ICT): Austria offers many job opportunities in ICT, especially for international talent.
• Metal Technology and Electrical Engineering: These sectors are in demand in Austria, and professionals in these fields can find attractive job offers.
• Life Sciences: Austria is a great place for life science professionals, with many job openings, especially in the healthcare sector.
• Software Engineering: Software engineers are in high demand in Austria, and the average annual salary for this position is competitive.
• Research: If you are looking to work in research, Vienna, the capital city, offers ample job opportunities.
• IT: IT jobs are also plentiful in Vienna, especially for those with strong technical skills.
• Tourism: Austria's tourism industry is very important to the country's economy, and there are always lots of seasonal job opportunities available.
• Education: Education is a major industry in Austria, and there are various job opportunities in this sector, including teaching foreign languages.
• Construction: The construction industry is a key contributor to Austria's economy, offering numerous job openings.
• Metals and Chemicals: These industries are significant in Austria, providing a range of job opportunities.
• International Companies: Over 370 international companies have set up their European headquarters in Austria, offering a range of job opportunities for expats.

Finding a Job in Austria

To find job vacancies in Austria, you can explore online job boards, social media channels, printed publications, and the Public Employment Service. Networking events and job fairs are also excellent opportunities to connect with potential employers.

If you are an EU/EEA citizen, you can use the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) to explore job vacancies before arriving in Austria. The WORK in AUSTRIA TALENT HUB is another platform where you can create a profile with a CV in German and English to attract Austrian companies.

If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you may need a work visa and residence permit to work in Austria. Additionally, learning German will significantly improve your job prospects, as most job applications and interviews are in German. However, some sectors, such as international companies, startups, research institutions, hospitality, and tech-related fields, may use English as the working language.

Work Culture in Austria

The Austrian work culture values punctuality, privacy, and organization. It also has a hierarchical structure, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. Academic achievement and industry experience are highly regarded and often determine senior roles.

The average working week in Austria is 40 hours, but it can go up to 48 hours. Most employees work from Monday to Friday, with a half-hour to one-hour lunch break. Flexibility in setting starting times is common in many office jobs.

Income and Benefits

The average monthly net salary in Austria is €1,848, while the average monthly gross salary is €2,688. There is no nationwide minimum wage, but a gross minimum wage of €1,500 per month has been agreed upon by social partners.

All residents in Austria are subject to income tax and must have health insurance. The income tax rate ranges from 0% for incomes up to €12,000 per year to 55% for incomes above €1,000,000 per year.

Austria has a robust social security system, and employees contribute to it through their employment. This system covers various needs, including health, sickness, maternity, unemployment, and old age.

Frequently asked questions