Moving To Austria: Costs And Practicalities Explored

Austria is a popular destination for relocation, with its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, rich cultural heritage, picturesque landscapes, and strong economy. The cost of living in Austria varies between cities, with Vienna and Innsbruck being the most expensive, and Graz and Klagenfurt among the most affordable. Overall, the cost of living in Austria is lower than in some other Western European countries, such as Germany and France, and also slightly lower than in the United States. The cost of moving to Austria from another country will depend on factors such as the volume of items being shipped and the mode of transportation, with sea freight being the most popular option due to its lower cost and environmental benefits.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Austria varies from city to city, but it is generally higher than the world average. The capital, Vienna, is among the most expensive destinations, with high prices for accommodation and daily expenses. However, other cities like Graz and Wels offer more affordable living options, with lower housing costs. The average monthly salary in Austria is around €3800, which is considered a good salary and should cover basic living expenses for a single person. For a family of four, the budget required for a comfortable lifestyle would be between €2370 and €6460.

Accommodation in Austria can be expensive, especially if you want to buy property. The high cost of property in Austria makes renting a popular option, with prices ranging from €800 to €1500 per month for a good flat. In addition to rent, other essential expenses include food, which typically costs around €250 per month, and transportation. Public transportation in Austria is well-developed, with reliable and modern systems in place, providing a comfortable and safe travel experience. However, many people still rely on cars for their daily commute, contributing to congestion in cities like Vienna.

The cost of living for a single person in Austria is estimated to be around €1604 per month, while students can expect to spend between €700 and €1000 per month. The cost of living for a couple ranges from €1185 to €3230 per month, depending on their lifestyle and location. International students can expect to spend slightly more, with estimates ranging from €700 to €1000 per month to live comfortably.

Austria's tax system supports its high standard of living, with progressive income tax rates that can reach up to 55%. However, the average salary is taxed at a rate of 40%. Additionally, the country collects taxes on goods and services, corporate profits, and real estate transactions. Social security contributions are mandatory and help fund Austria's welfare programs.

Overall, Austria offers a range of living costs across its cities, reflecting its diverse economic landscape. The country's strategic location, strong economy, and high standard of living make it an attractive destination for both individuals and businesses.

Housing

In Austria, the rate of homeownership is increasing, but it is still below the European average. There are many types of houses to choose from, including wooden alpine lodges, mountain cottages, urban period houses, renovated flats, and studio apartments. Short-term rentals are also easily available, and both renting and buying a home are simple for residents and expats alike. A new house in Austria costs an average of €359,000, while a new-build property in Styria has an average price of just over €300,000, and in Lower Austria, the average is €338,000. A good flat in Austria costs between 800 and 1,500 euros per month, and the average rent in 2019 was 530 EUR per month, including running costs.

If you are looking to rent, there are two types of rental contract in Austria: primary leasehold (Hauptmiete) and sublet (Untermiete). Rental contracts usually have a minimum term of three years, and if you want to move out, you must give the landlord three months' notice. The security deposit is usually the equivalent of three months' rent, but it can be up to six months' rent. By law, an apartment must have central heating, hot water, a kitchen sink, a stove, a shower, and a toilet. Your rent will be made up of three parts: base rent, operating costs, and any taxes that need to be paid. Operating costs include water, waste, sewage, building insurance, and improvements, and there may be separate costs for elevator maintenance.

If you are looking to buy a home, be aware of the key mistakes people often make when purchasing property abroad. For example, remember to consider sustainable housing, hiring contractors, and local housing laws and regulations.

Visas and permits

Austria is a popular destination for relocation, with its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and rich cultural heritage. However, relocating to Austria involves navigating its visa system, which is essential for non-EU/EEA citizens. Here is a detailed guide to the visas and permits required for moving to Austria:

• EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals can reside in Austria for up to three months without a visa. They have the right to free movement within the EU and can reside in Austria for longer if they meet certain requirements.
• Nationals of other countries require a visa to enter Austria, which allows them to stay for up to six months. To stay longer than six months, a residence permit is necessary, which can be obtained from any Austrian embassy or consulate before moving to Austria.
• Nationals of third countries, including relatives of Austrians, require a work and residence permit to be able to work in Austria. This applies if they plan to take up employment or reside in the country for more than six months.
• The Austrian visa application process typically involves providing biometric data, such as fingerprints, and specific eligibility criteria and application procedures vary for each visa type. It is essential to carefully review the requirements and prepare the necessary documentation in advance.
• Relocation companies in Austria can provide valuable assistance with visa applications, leveraging their expertise in local regulations and customs to ensure a smooth transition for individuals and families moving to the country.

Education

Austria has a free and public school system, and nine years of education are mandatory. After four years of elementary school (Volksschule), students attend four years of lower secondary education (Mittelschule) or grammar school (Gymnasium). Following this, students who want to take up an apprenticeship attend a polytechnic institute (Polytechnische Schule) for a year, then a vocational school (Berufsschule) for three years. Pupils who want to get a degree complete four to five years at an institution of higher education (Höhere Schule) or a vocational school with a higher education stream.

The final exam for either of these higher education institutions is matriculation (Matura). After that, students can go to university, though some subjects may require additional exams (e.g. medicine). Students must have an A-level or high school diploma, or equivalent certification, to be accepted into university.

Austria's higher education system includes traditional universities and Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences), which were introduced in the 1990s. The latter offers training that is more tailored to practical professional skills. Students at these colleges have less liberty in choosing their courses, which ensures that almost all students graduate within the prescribed time (usually three years for a bachelor's degree).

Public universities in Austria are free for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland. EU/EEA students pay 20 euros per semester for student union membership and student accident insurance. Non-EU/EEA students pay tuition fees of around 726.72 euros per semester. Private universities charge 3,000 to 23,000 euros annually, while more advanced programs may require up to 35,000 euros per year.

The cost of living in Austria is estimated at around 1,100 euros per month, with rental properties being lower than in neighbouring countries like Germany. Students can expect to pay around 200 to 500 euros per month for rent, with prices being higher in cities like Vienna. Food costs around 250 euros per month, and public transportation is quite affordable, with a single bus or metro ride costing around 2 euros. Language courses for foreigners cost about 200-450 euros per month.

Employment

Austria is a popular destination for relocation, known for its high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and rich cultural heritage. The country's strong economy and strategic location in Europe also make it an attractive hub for international companies and employers across various industries.

For non-EU/EEA citizens, relocating to Austria involves navigating its visa system, which is essential for long-term stays. Non-EU/EEA citizens need a visa and a residence permit to move to Austria, which can be obtained from an Austrian embassy or immigration authority in their home country or country of residence. One option is the Red-White-Red Card, a work permit issued to highly skilled non-EU nationals wishing to move to Austria for work. This type of permit is valid for up to two years, and applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having received an employment offer. The EU Blue Card is another option for highly skilled workers, which also allows them to bring their families to Austria.

EU/EEA citizens have a simpler process, as they can live and work in Austria without a visa. They can move to Austria permanently if they are working, studying, or have an Austrian family member. After three months, they must register their stay with the local Austrian authorities.

When it comes to employment opportunities in Austria, there is a wide range of sectors offering job prospects. Major global firms, such as Siemens, IBM, and Microsoft, have a significant presence in the country, creating job opportunities in sectors like technology, engineering, and finance. Additionally, Austria hosts numerous multinational corporations in industries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, and finance, including companies like Novartis, Volkswagen, and Deloitte.

The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) supports individuals looking for jobs in the country and offers an online search engine to find available positions. The AMS also provides information on important topics related to employment in Austria, such as the use of qualifications acquired abroad and job-seeking approaches.

In terms of salaries, Austria has a minimum gross salary of EUR 1,500 per month before taxes. Salaries vary across industries and are often determined by collective bargaining agreements. Employers typically indicate the annual gross salary in their job advertisements, which can be calculated monthly by dividing by 14 (as employees receive 12 monthly paychecks, plus one each for Christmas and vacation). The tax rate in Austria is progressive and depends on annual income, ranging from 0% for those earning less than 11,000 euros per year to 55% for higher incomes. Additionally, deductions are made for insurance and social security, amounting to about 100-150 euros per month.

It's worth noting that labor discrimination based on gender, race, religion, or political views is prohibited in Austria. However, factors such as level of education, practical qualifications, age, and specialty can impact salary levels and employment opportunities. Highly skilled professionals are generally favored and have a better chance of earning higher salaries.

Overall, Austria presents a diverse range of employment opportunities, supported by its strong economy and business-friendly environment. The presence of international companies and a high demand for specialists create favorable conditions for job seekers, both locals and foreigners.

Frequently asked questions