Relocating To Austria: A Comprehensive Guide For Expats

Austria is a popular destination for immigrants and expats, offering a high standard of living, a safe environment, and a plethora of career and education opportunities. If you're considering relocating to Austria, there are several key factors to keep in mind. Firstly, determine your visa requirements. Citizens from EU/EEA countries don't need visas or work permits, but they must apply for permanent residence within four months of arriving. Citizens from non-EU/EEA countries, however, require a visa, work permit, and residence permit. Additionally, it's crucial to find a suitable job before moving, with the biggest industries being chemical, steel, and mechanical engineering. Learning German is essential, as it will greatly improve your chances in the job market and facilitate communication with locals. Austria boasts well-developed transport and healthcare systems, excellent education, and a rich cultural heritage. However, it is an expensive country, with high living costs and accommodation prices. When relocating, it's best to engage a professional moving company to simplify the process.

Visa and work permit requirements

The process of moving to Austria is much easier if you are an EU or EEA citizen, as you won't need a visa or a work permit. However, if you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need to apply for a visa and a residence permit.

The type of visa and permit you need will depend on your specific situation. If you plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, you must apply for a residence permit before your move. You can do this at any Austrian embassy or consulate. If you are staying for less than six months, you should apply for an entry permit.

Austria visa requirements include providing biometric data, such as fingerprints, which can be done at an application centre.

If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you have several visa options:

• Restricted work permit: lasts for one year
• Work permit: lasts for two years
• Unrestricted work permit: lasts for five years

The "Red-White-Red" card is an option for highly skilled workers who have found employment in Austria. This card allows you to stay for up to one year.

The "Jobseeker" visa is for highly skilled workers from non-EU countries who wish to stay in Austria for up to six months to look for a job. It's important to note that this visa does not allow you to work in Austria.

To obtain a residence permit, you must meet certain general requirements, including having adequate means of subsistence, health insurance coverage, and adequate accommodation. Your stay must also not be contrary to public order, security, or Austria's relations with other countries.

Cost of living

Austria is one of the most expensive countries in the world. The price level in Austria is just above the European average, which is to be expected as it is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. The average monthly salary in Austria, after taxes, is €2000. The monthly net salary considered good for a single person is €2,000, and for a family, it is around €3,000.

The estimated monthly expenses for a family of four are around €4,033, and for a single person, it is €1,871. The average monthly rent for an unfurnished apartment is about €600 to €800. In comparison, the rent for a furnished apartment ranges from €1,000 to €1,390. If you are moving to Vienna with a family, you can expect to pay €1000 per month for a three-bedroom apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre will cost around 846 EUR.

To live comfortably in Austria, you will need an income of at least €3,000 a month as a single person. If you are moving with a family, you will need at least €5,000 a month.

• Decide if you want to pay the church tax, which is 1.1% of your income.
• Drink tap water instead of buying mineral water—it's safe to drink.
• Take public transport or a bike instead of driving.
• Remember to file your annual tax return.
• Use streaming services instead of television services.
• Choose to live outside the city centre, where rent is cheaper.
• Choose a medical insurance provider that offers cheaper policy costs.
• Buy clothes and necessities in your home country before moving, as these can be more expensive in Austria.

Other Costs to Consider

There are other costs to consider when moving to Austria, such as the cost of shipping your belongings and relocating with pets. If you are bringing a pet, you will need to consider the cost of microchipping and any necessary vaccinations.

Additionally, if you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need to apply for a visa, which will incur additional costs. You may also need to apply for a residence permit, depending on how long you plan to stay in Austria.

Job market

Austria has a lot to offer international professionals, and it is a fantastic opportunity to develop your career prospects and learn a second language. The country offers numerous job openings for foreigners, with a high standard of living, above-average wages, and a secure and pleasant atmosphere that prioritises work-life balance.

The Austrian job market is thriving, with a range of sectors offering job opportunities. The service industry generates the biggest share of the country's income, but manufacturing is also significant, with mechanical and steel engineering, chemicals, and automotive manufacturing supporting the industrial sector. Energy, financial services, telecoms, and real estate are also among the country's top employers.

For those with specific skill sets, there are several in-demand occupations in Austria. Engineers and technicians, healthcare professionals, business specialists, and physical employees are all in high demand. Additionally, there is a need for qualified English teachers, especially with TEFL or TESOL certification.

If you are an EU or Swiss citizen, you can work in Austria without a separate permit. However, if you are a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will typically need a work visa and residence permit, depending on the job type, duration, and your qualifications. To improve your chances of finding work in Austria, it is recommended to enhance your German language skills, as this will streamline the job hunting process.

When applying for jobs in Austria, it is important to tailor your CV and cover letter to match the Austrian requirements and the specific job description. Your cover letter should be written in German if possible, and it is considered even more important than the CV as it provides insight into your character and personality. It is also beneficial to research the company and propose how your skills can make a meaningful impact.

Overall, Austria presents a favourable job market for foreigners, with a range of sectors offering career opportunities. The country's stable economy, high quality of life, and thriving work environment make it a desirable destination for those looking to advance their careers and experience a new culture.

Transport

Austria has an excellent public transport system, which is well-developed and connects cities across the country. The country has U-Bahn (subway), Schnellbahn or S-Bahn (local train), Straßenbahn (tram) and Autobus (bus). The capital, Vienna, has an international airport, and there are smaller airports in other cities.

There are several types of passes you can purchase for public transport. These include 24- and 72-hour passes, weekly, monthly, and annual passes, as well as single-trip tickets.

If you plan to drive in Austria, you will need a driving licence, and citizens from non-EU countries will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You will also need a V5C certificate (proof of ownership). Driving in Austria's mountainous landscape may take some getting used to.

If you are moving to Austria, it is recommended that you buy clothes and other necessities in your home country, as prices in Austria can be more expensive.

Culture

Austria is a small, traditional country in the heart of Europe, with a population of about 8.8 million. Austrians are generally friendly and approachable, but it can take a long time to develop a friendship with them. They are quite reserved, and it is not easy to get them to trust you. However, once they do, the friendship is forever.

German is the official language of Austria, and while many Austrians also speak English, it is beneficial to learn German to facilitate communication and integration into society. Austrians appreciate it when someone shows interest in their country, language, and culture. There are also regional dialects, and familiarising yourself with these can be useful.

Austria is known for its elaborate bureaucracy, with numerous forms, approval procedures, and official regulations. While these structures contribute to order and safety, they can sometimes lead to lengthy processes and bureaucratic hurdles. Nevertheless, the country is also known for its efficiency and precision in administration, which helps maintain stability.

Politeness and respect are highly valued in Austrian social interactions. Greeting someone with a handshake and addressing them as Mr./Mrs. and their last name is customary. Switching to a first-name basis usually happens when you get to know someone better. Punctuality is also important, and apologising for any lateness is expected, especially in a professional context. Tipping in restaurants is customary, with people usually tipping about 10%.

Austria has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of traditional festivals, customs, and events. The Vienna New Year's Concert, the Vienna Opera Ball, and the Salzburg Festival are some of the country's most famous cultural events. Christmas is also celebrated widely, with traditional Christmas markets, as the majority of Austrians are Roman Catholics.

Austrian cuisine offers many local specialties, such as the famous Wiener Schnitzel, apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn, and Sachertorte. Traditional inns and restaurants are great places to experience the diversity of Austrian cuisine, especially in Vienna, where there is a wide selection of pubs and traditional coffee houses.

Frequently asked questions