Exploring Austria: A Guide To Speaking Like A Local

Austria is a country in Europe that is known for its scenic cycle routes along its largest rivers and its winter tourism. The country also has a rich culture and language. If you're interested in learning how to say in Austria in Hebrew, the translation is בְאוֹסְטְרִיָה.

Research the best cities to live in, like Innsbruck, Vienna, or Graz

When it comes to internationality and job opportunities, Vienna, Austria's capital, is the best city in the country. However, the hustle and bustle of the capital are not for everyone. So, if you're looking for a quieter place to live, the best places to live in Austria are Graz or Innsbruck.

Graz is the second-largest city in Austria and has a laid-back lifestyle. The weather is pleasant, with slightly higher temperatures than in other Austrian cities, which adds to the overall sense of comfort you'll experience here. The city of Graz has also gained popularity among students because of its world-renowned universities like the University of Graz, the Medical University of Graz, and the Graz University of Technology. If you’re looking to pursue a degree in engineering, medicine, science, or mathematics, Graz is the best city in Austria for that. The city is especially popular with students from Croatia and Slovenia. In fact, the international population comprises around 25.56% of the city’s residents. The city offers various cultural events, museums, and a vibrant culinary scene, making it an enticing destination with rich cultural offerings and an affordable cost of living.

Innsbruck is a great place for people who love winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. It’s also a university town, so there are lots of activities for young people who like the excitement of a vibrant nightlife scene. Being the fifth-largest city in Austria with a population of around 132,000, this mid-sized city has all the frills of a metropolis while still maintaining a sense of small-town peace. Innsbruck is a safe city, but it's essential to be mindful of the risks of living near the Austrian Alps. Snow slides can pose dangers for those residing in mountainous areas.

Other honourable mentions include Salzburg, Linz, and Klagenfurt. Salzburg is a great option for students and young professionals who want to be surrounded by historical arts and culture while still living in a modern and thriving European city. Linz is a small city close to the border with Germany and the Czech Republic. With a well-developed public transport system, exploring and travelling between these neighbouring countries is easy. It is also a great option for nature lovers. Lastly, Klagenfurt is a relatively small city with a population of around 100,000. It is a good option for those who enjoy swimming, as it is located on the shores of Lake Wörthersee.

Prepare a budget for day-to-day costs like food and transportation

Austria has an efficient and affordable public transportation system, which makes getting around the country easy. The local network consists of trains, trams, and buses, with one-way subway or train tickets costing around $2 to $5. If you're planning to use public transportation multiple times a day, it's more cost-effective to purchase a 24-hour pass, which is less than €10, or a city tourism card, which includes discounted attractions.

When it comes to food, there are options to suit every budget. Budget restaurants offer meals for around $10 to $20, while mid-range dining experiences can cost around $20 to $40 per person. If you're looking for cheaper options, consider street food, convenience stores, or local bakeries, which offer flavorful bread, pastries, and coffee at lower prices.

To prepare a budget for your day-to-day costs in Austria, you can allocate a certain amount for transportation and another for food. For example, you could estimate spending $10 to $15 per day on transportation, depending on your usage. For food, you could budget $10 to $20 per meal, depending on your dining preferences. Additionally, consider allocating extra funds for drinks, snacks, or any specific dietary requirements you may have.

It's important to note that prices may vary depending on your location within Austria and your specific choices. To further optimize your budget, look for free attractions, discounted museum visits, and consider taking advantage of the many beautiful hiking trails throughout the country.

Register your address and obtain a residence certificate within 3 days of arrival

Registering your address in Austria is a straightforward process, but it must be done within three working days of your arrival. This applies to anyone who is staying in Austria for more than three months. If you are staying in tourist accommodation, this must be registered in the register of guests.

Documents you will need:

• A completed residence registration form (Meldezettel). This must be signed by both you and your landlord. You can download this form or pick it up from your local registration office.
• Proof of ID: your passport, birth certificate, driving licence, or citizenship certificate. If you are a foreign citizen, you must submit your passport or asylum certificate. If your birth certificate is not in German or English, you will need to have it translated and legalised.
• If you hold dual citizenship or more, you must submit documents showing your full name, maiden name (if applicable), date of birth, place of birth, nationality, and academic degree.

The process:

You can register in person, by post, or, in some cases, digitally. There are multiple Registration Service Centres in cities, and you can go to any of them to register. The staff will check your documents and record your new home address in the Central Residence Register. Once the residence registration procedure is complete, you will receive a residence registration certificate. This is free of charge, but you will be charged a fee for any additional copies.

Learn about the visa and residence permit requirements for non-EU citizens

Visa and Residence Permit Requirements for Non-EU Citizens in Austria

If you are a non-EU citizen and plan to stay in Austria for less than six months, you will need to obtain a visa. For visits up to 90 days within a 180-day period, some third-country nationals are exempt from this requirement, depending on their citizenship. For longer stays of over six months, a residence permit is required.

Visa Requirements

To apply for a visa to Austria, you must submit your application to the Austrian Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence. The visa requirements for a Schengen visa are outlined in the EU Visa Code, while the provisions for a long-stay visa (Visa D) are detailed in the Aliens' Police Act (FPG). The visa application process typically includes providing the following:

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport (not older than 10 years and valid for three months after the visa expiry)
• Proof of sufficient financial means or an Electronic Declaration of Sponsorship
• Evidence of economic, family, and social roots in your home country
• Invitation letter or proof of accommodation
• Health insurance coverage
• Criminal record check (for some countries)

Residence Permit Requirements

For stays exceeding six months, non-EU citizens must apply for a residence permit. The type of residence permit required depends on the purpose of your stay in Austria. The following are the most common types of residence permits:

• Red-White-Red Card: This is for highly qualified third-country nationals seeking to live and work in Austria. It is issued for 24 months and allows fixed-term settlement and employment by the specified employer.
• Residence Permit - Researcher, Student, or Volunteer: These permits are for individuals legally residing in Austria and engaging in research, academic studies, or voluntary work.
• Settlement Permit - Special Cases of Gainful Employment: This permit is for third-country nationals who are exempt from the Austrian Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals.
• Residence Permit - Special Cases of Gainful Employment: This permit is for individuals whose employment falls within the scope of the Austrian Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nationals.

It is important to note that the application process for residence permits can take up to six months, and you must wait for the decision outside of Austria if necessary. Additionally, work permits are typically required for non-EU citizens seeking employment in Austria, with varying validity periods.

Explore career and study opportunities in your field of interest

Austria offers a range of career and study opportunities for individuals looking to pursue their field of interest. Here is a guide to help you explore these prospects:

English-Speaking Jobs:

Austria has a variety of English-speaking job opportunities available, particularly in cities like Wien, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Brixen, Feldkirchen, Berndorf, Innsbruck, and Klaus. Companies such as Costa Crociere, native4kids.at, Safestay, Pertemps ERP, Journi GmbH, Ryanair, and REPLAY - FASHION BOX S.p.A. are known to hire English-speaking professionals. English teaching, bilingual education, medical interpretation, and translation are common fields for English speakers.

University Education:

Austria's universities offer excellent academic and research opportunities. If you're considering studying in Austria, here are some key points to note:

• Admission Requirements: For foreign citizens, a place in the desired course of study must be available. Applicants need an A-level or high school diploma equivalent to the Austrian Matura examination or proof of completing a minimum three-year study at a certified post-secondary institution. Sufficient German knowledge is required, and an examination may be necessary.
• Tuition Fees: Regular students with EU/EEA citizenship or equal rights as Austrians (permanent residents, long-term residents, etc.) pay a tuition fee of €363.36 per semester if they exceed the minimum period of a BA, MA, or PhD program by more than two semesters. Students from non-EU/EEA countries pay €726.72 per semester.
• Application Periods: The same application periods apply to EU/EEA citizens and Austrian residents. For universities of arts, foreigners follow the same application periods as Austrian residents, and admission is based on the entrance examination.

Master's Degree Programmes:

Starting in the winter semester of 2025/26, Austria's Departments of Engineering and Applied Life Sciences will introduce three new master's degree programs: Health Tech and Clinical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Sustainability Assessment and Resource Management.

Support Services:

Austria has several organizations that provide support and information to international students:

• Austrian Exchange Service (OEAD): Offers specific information for foreign students on studying in Austria, including exam recognition and report cards.
• National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (ENIC NARIC Austria): Provides information on the recognition of exams, report cards, and other matters related to higher education.
• Austrian National Student Union (Österreichische Hochschülerschaft): Offers counselling and information to students on topics like health insurance, work, funding, etc.

Frequently asked questions