Moving To Austria: A Guide For Kenyan Migrants

If you're considering a move from Kenya to Austria, there are several things you should know. Firstly, as a Kenyan national, you will need to obtain a visa to enter Austria. This involves submitting an application at the Austrian Embassy in Nairobi, and the process is easier if you are an EU or EEA citizen. Austria boasts high levels of wellbeing, excellent transportation, and affordable childcare and education. You'll need to ensure you have the necessary vaccinations, and it would be beneficial to have some knowledge of German, the official language of Austria. Additionally, you should be prepared to navigate the housing market, which consists mainly of detached houses and apartments.

Visa requirements: Kenyan passport, photographs, travel documents, proof of financial capability, accommodation, return ticket, no criminal record, medical insurance, and travel itinerary

As a Kenyan citizen, you will need to obtain a visa before entering Austria. Here are the visa requirements you need to fulfill:

Kenyan Passport

Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Austria. This is a crucial document that you must have when applying for the visa and entering Austria.

Photographs

You will likely need to provide photographs as part of the visa application process. These photographs should meet the standard passport photo requirements, such as size, background color, and image quality.

Travel Documents

In addition to your passport, you may need to provide additional travel documents, such as proof of onward travel or return tickets. This demonstrates that you intend to leave Austria after your intended stay.

Proof of Financial Capability

You will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Austria. This could include bank statements, pay stubs, or other relevant financial documents.

Accommodation

It is essential to provide details of your accommodation in Austria. This could be a hotel booking, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from your host if you are staying with friends or family.

Return Ticket

As mentioned earlier, providing proof of onward travel or a return ticket is essential. This demonstrates to the Austrian authorities that you do not intend to overstay your visa.

No Criminal Record

A clean criminal record is often a requirement for visa applications. You may need to provide a certificate of good conduct or a similar document to prove that you have no criminal history.

Medical Insurance

Obtaining adequate medical insurance coverage is crucial when traveling to Austria. Ensure that your insurance policy meets the requirements set by the Austrian government and covers any potential health risks associated with your travel.

Travel Itinerary

While not always mandatory, providing a detailed travel itinerary can strengthen your visa application. This itinerary should include your planned activities, destinations, and accommodations during your stay in Austria.

Please note that these requirements may not be exhaustive, and it is always advisable to contact the Austrian Embassy or Consulate in Kenya for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa applications and requirements.

Work permits: Restricted, work, or unrestricted work permits are required for non-EU/EEA citizens

As a Kenyan citizen, you will need to apply for a visa to enter Austria. The type of visa you will require depends on the purpose and duration of your stay. If you are planning to work in Austria, you will need to apply for a work permit.

For non-EU/EEA citizens, there are three types of work permits available: restricted work permits, work permits, and unrestricted work permits. Each of these permits has a different duration and must be applied for in sequence. You cannot immediately apply for the five-year unrestricted permit. Each permit acts as a level of proof that you are in employment and can support yourself.

The restricted work permit ("Beschäftigungsbewilligung") is valid for one year. The standard work permit ("Arbeitserlaubnis") is valid for two years. The unrestricted work permit ("Befreiungsschein") is valid for five years. To obtain a work permit, you will need to have a job offer from an Austrian employer, who will initiate the application process on your behalf.

In addition to a work permit, non-EU/EEA citizens also need a residence permit to stay in Austria. If you plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, you must apply for a visa. After five continuous lawful years of residence, you can apply for a long-term residence certificate.

To apply for an Austrian visa or work permit, you can submit your application at the Austrian Embassy in Nairobi or the VFS Application Center in Nairobi.

Language: German is the official language, and some ability in German will be helpful

German is the official language of Austria, and while it is not impossible to get by without knowing the language, having some ability in German will be helpful.

If you are a citizen of Kenya, you will need a visa to enter Austria. You will also need to prove that you have some proficiency in German before you immigrate. This proof of language ability must be provided when you submit your first application for a residence permit, which must be done abroad before entering Austria. The required level of German language proficiency is A1, which is the most basic level. This level reflects elementary language skills and the ability to use and understand familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases, as well as interact verbally in a simple way.

You can obtain a language diploma from a recognized institution to prove your German language skills. The diploma must not be more than one year old at the time of submission. There are also other ways to qualify for discounts or even free German lessons in Austria, such as through the Start Coaching program in Vienna, which provides vouchers for courses at selected providers.

It is important to note that the German used in Austria can be difficult to understand even for native speakers of standard German, so be prepared for some unique challenges when learning the language.

Healthcare: Austria has a two-tier healthcare system, and health insurance is mandatory

Austria has a two-tier healthcare system, with a public healthcare system and the option to purchase additional private health insurance. The public healthcare system is inclusive, covering virtually all health issues, medication requirements, and 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.

The public healthcare system is funded by the sickness insurance fund, known as the Krankenkasse, which took 11.0% of Austria's GDP in 2013. The system is decentralized, with each of the nine states and the federal government having legal limitations and roles. The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs develops the framework for the services offered and handles the Krankenkasse fund, while the provinces manage and provide care.

Enrollment in the public healthcare system is generally automatic and linked to employment. Individuals become eligible and are automatically registered for healthcare upon gaining employment, and their family members are also covered. They receive an insurance card, known as an e-card, which must be presented when visiting a doctor. The e-card allows for the digitization of health claims and can be used for electronic signatures.

While the public healthcare system is comprehensive, some choose to purchase additional private health insurance to access certain benefits. Private insurance, sometimes referred to as "comfort class" or "special class" care, can offer shorter waiting times, access to exclusive physicians, private hospital rooms, and other amenities.

Health insurance is mandatory in Austria, and coverage is very high, with 99.9% of the population covered through SHI funds in 2019. Austria's healthcare system is ranked in the top ten globally by the World Health Organization.

Housing: Most housing is detached houses and apartments

Housing in Austria is generally affordable compared to other European countries. Most Austrians (about 45%) live in detached houses and apartments, while about 7% live in apartments. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna's city centre is 846 EUR (935 USD), while you would pay 963 EUR (1,064 USD) per square meter in Barcelona and 1,194 EUR (1,319 USD) in Paris.

If you are renting, you will need to provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation (e.g., by providing a lease contract). This contract should be considered adequate for your family size. When renting, it is important to understand the two types of rent relationships: a primary leasehold (Hauptmiete) and a sublet (Untermiete). The main differences are determined by the amount of rent and the scope of protection against being given notice to leave the apartment. A primary leasehold is a tenancy agreement between the person seeking housing and the future proprietor of the apartment, whose ownership has not yet been entered into the land register. A sublet is a tenancy agreement between a primary leaseholder and the person wanting to rent. There is also a difference between limited and unlimited tenancy agreements. In the case of a limited tenancy agreement, there is a legal minimum term of three years, with no legal maximum term. If a limited tenancy agreement is extended, the legal minimum term of three years also applies, but the tenant can cancel at any time with three months' notice.

If you are buying property, certain Austrian provinces will not let you purchase property in your name if you are from a non-EU country, but you can register it with a legal entity. It is recommended that you seek a notary or lawyer to advise you and to help carry out this procedure. The acquisition of property must be registered in the government land register.

As a Kenyan citizen moving to Austria, you will need to apply for a visa at the Austrian Embassy in Nairobi. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance coverage and demonstrate that you have a fixed and regular personal income to cover your living costs without welfare aid.

Frequently asked questions