Exploring Austria: A Comprehensive Guide To The Country

If you're thinking of moving to Austria, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the process is much easier if you're an EU or EEA citizen, as you won't need a visa, residence permit or work permit. For everyone else, you'll need to apply for a visa, and possibly a work permit, depending on your situation. You'll also need to register your address and obtain a residence registration certificate within 3 days of your arrival. If you're bringing pets, you'll need to look into microchipping and vaccination requirements. It's worth noting that the German spoken in Austria can be difficult to understand, even for native German speakers, and finding a job without speaking German can be challenging. However, Austria has a high-quality education system, and it can be cheaper to study there than in the US. Lastly, the cost of living will depend on where you live, with cities like Vienna being more expensive than smaller towns.

How to get to Austria

Austria is easily accessible by plane, with direct flights from major cities in the United States, United Kingdom, and other European countries. Vienna International Airport (VIE) is the main flight hub for Austria, offering optimal flight connections and easy access to the city centre. It is also close to upscale malls, offering frequent shopping discounts. If you are visiting the western regions of Austria, such as Tirol, Salzburg, or Vorarlberg, you can consider flying into Zurich or Munich and taking a train connection to your final destination in Austria. Other airports with international connections in Austria include Salzburg and Innsbruck.

When travelling to Austria, it is important to ensure you have appropriate travel insurance that covers your itinerary, planned activities, and any potential emergencies. It is also recommended to research your destination, including any customs regulations and border formalities, especially if you are bringing pets. Additionally, make sure you have a valid passport and any necessary visas. Prospective residents or anyone intending to stay longer than 90 days must obtain the appropriate visa.

If you are travelling from the United States, you can find flights to Austria on airlines such as Austrian Airlines, British Airways, THAI Airways International, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Virgin, and KLM. Websites like KAYAK can help you find the best deals on flights, with prices as low as $179 for a one-way trip.

Finally, when planning your trip to Austria, it is important to be aware of any safety and security concerns. Austria has one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, and violent crime is rare. However, crimes of opportunity involving theft of personal property do occur, so it is always important to remain vigilant and take standard safety precautions.

How to apply for an Austrian visa

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Austria depends on factors such as your nationality, the duration of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of countries in the Schengen Area or EU/EEA, as well as those from the US, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and other countries with a visa liberalization agreement with the Schengen Area, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

If you do need a visa, the type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay. Here are the steps to apply for a visa:

• Determine the type of visa you need: Common types of Austrian visas include the Airport Transit Visa, Tourist Visa, Visitor Visa, Visa for Official Visit, Visa for Medical Reasons, Visa for Study Purposes, Visa for Cultural, Sports, and Film Crews, and the Long-Stay Visa.
• Check where to lodge your application: The submission location for your visa application depends on your country of residence. Residents of certain countries, such as the United States, may need to apply at a specific consulate or visa application center. For example, US residents in California or Washington state would apply at the VFS Visa Application Center in Los Angeles or San Francisco.
• Complete the visa application form: You can find the form online. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully and select the reason for your visa application.
• Gather the required documents: These may include your passport, visa application form, recent pictures following the Schengen visa photo rules, a letter of purpose or cover letter stating the reason for your visit, an itinerary with flight dates and travel plans, proof of travel insurance that covers medical and emergency issues, and civil status documents.
• Schedule an appointment: Each applicant (including adults and children) requires a separate appointment. You can typically schedule an appointment at your local embassy or consulate by email or phone. It is recommended to book as early as possible, but no earlier than six months before your planned travel.
• Submit your application: Submit your application and supporting documents at your appointment. Applications should be lodged within six months and no later than 15 days before your intended trip. The processing time is typically up to 15 business days.

Please note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on your country of residence and the type of visa you are applying for. Be sure to check with your local Austrian embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

How to move to Austria

If you're planning to move to Austria, there are a few things you should know and prepare in advance. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Understand the Visa Requirements:

• If you are a citizen of the EU or EEA, you can enter Austria without a visa and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) within four months of your arrival.
• For non-EU/EEA citizens, a visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days. You will need to apply for this visa before moving to Austria at an Austrian embassy or consulate.
• There are different types of visas available, such as student visas, work visas, and residence permits. The type of visa you need will depend on your specific situation and plans for living and working in Austria.

Prepare the Necessary Documents:

• Common documents required for visa applications include a passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and proof of financial means.
• If you intend to work in Austria, you may need a signed work contract. For students, a university acceptance letter is necessary.
• All documents must be translated into German or English and legalized. This process can take time, so it is essential to start preparing these documents well in advance.

Find Accommodation:

• Rental prices vary depending on the city, with Vienna being one of the more expensive options.
• When renting, you will need to register your address and obtain a residence registration certificate (Meldezettel) within three days of your arrival.
• You will also need to arrange utilities, such as electricity, heating, and the internet.

Understand the Job Market and Language:

• If you are looking for employment, research job opportunities online, such as through the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS). Understand the average salaries and the requirements for working in Austria.
• Learning German can significantly improve your job prospects, as many Austrians speak Austro-Bavarian, which can be challenging even for native German speakers.

Familiarize Yourself with the Culture and Community:

• Austria has a diverse and high-quality education system, with compulsory schooling for children aged six and above.
• The country also values volunteer work, with many organizations relying on the assistance of volunteers.
• Understand that Austrians have specific requirements for vehicle registration and ownership.

Remember, the process of relocating to a new country can be complex and may vary depending on your specific circumstances. It is always a good idea to consult official government sources and seek legal advice where necessary.

How to get around Austria

Austria is one of Europe's most mountainous countries, with 75% of its land taken up by alpine topography. The country is well-connected by trains and buses, and public transport is fast, efficient, comprehensive, and affordable.

Trains

Trains are the main way to get around the country. Two companies, ÖBB and Westbahn, operate trains that connect the nine federal states in Austria. ÖBB runs a punctual train network that includes most towns of any significant size. Railjet, Intercity, and EuroCity services are accessible, with wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, train boarding ramps, and information announcements in German and English. You can also take small, harmless animals on trains for free, provided they are in appropriate containers.

Buses

Buses can get you to remote regions and villages that can't be reached by train, including ski resorts and hamlets at higher elevations. Bus departures are generally timed to coincide with train arrivals, and tickets can be bought on board. The Postbus network covers 900 routes with a combined 40,000 bus stops. There are also night buses serving more populous areas, including Discobus routes in Burgenland and night buses around Vienna and Salzburg.

Bicycles

Austria is bike-friendly, with cycle lanes in all major towns and sometimes between towns. There are dedicated bike paths that can be explored, like the 200-mile Danube cycling path from Passau in Germany to Vienna, or the 214-mile Salzkammergut bike path, which provides views of 13 lakes. Many companies rent bikes, and some offer guided tours or cycling packages that include accommodations. Vienna and Salzburg have public bike rental schemes.

Driving

If you prefer to drive, Austrian motorways are a pleasure to road trip through. Vignette toll stickers must be displayed when driving on motorways, which can be purchased physically or digitally. Short-term parking zones across all provinces are pay-and-display. Driving is on the right side of the road, and speed restrictions are in place, with a limit of 130km/h (80 mph) on motorways, 100km/h (62 mph) on expressways and open roads, and 50km/h (31 mph) in residential areas.

How to be Austrian

So, you want to be Austrian? Well, there are a few ways to go about it. Firstly, you could acquire Austrian citizenship. Citizenship can be obtained through descent, award, extension of an award, or naturalization. If you have Austrian heritage, your parents are, or one of your parents is Austrian, you may be eligible for citizenship. Alternatively, you can apply for citizenship by investing in the Austrian economy or demonstrating outstanding achievements in sports, science, philanthropy, or the arts. This route requires a substantial contribution, a clean criminal record, a comprehensive CV, business background information, and impeccable references.

If you're not ready to commit to citizenship just yet, there are some key traits you can embrace to uncover your inner Austrian. Firstly, punctuality is essential. Austrians value being on time, so make sure you're always early for any meetings or appointments. The language spoken in Austria is German, but there are some unique Austrian variations. For example, potatoes are "Erdäpfel" in Austrian, and apricots are "Marillen".

Another defining characteristic of Austria is its love for dairy. Austrians enjoy all kinds of dairy products, from cheese and milk to creamy sauces and mayonnaise. And let's not forget their fondness for pork, which they sneak into just about everything! Austrians also value cleanliness and orderliness, so make sure to keep your surroundings neat and tidy.

Lastly, Austria has a more relaxed approach to smoking, with cheap cigarettes readily available. While it's no longer legal to smoke in restaurants and bars, locals still enjoy their cigarettes, and topless sunbathing is common at public swimming spots. So, if you want to be Austrian, embrace these unique cultural nuances and enjoy the benefits of this beautiful nation!

Frequently asked questions