Moving To Austria: A Guide For Americans

If you're an American citizen considering a move to Austria, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, Austria is a highly developed and industrialized country that offers a high standard of living, with over 1 million expats from all over the world calling it home. The process of moving from the US to Austria will depend on your individual circumstances, such as whether you are moving for work, study, or family reunification.

For example, if you are moving for work, you will need to apply for a work permit and a long-stay visa (D visa). If you are moving to study, you will need to obtain a student visa (either Visa C or Visa D). For family reunification, you can apply for a family reunification visa, which is valid for one year and can be renewed. It's important to note that Austria does not offer retirement visas, but if you are financially independent, you may be eligible for a settlement permit except gainful employment.

In addition to the specific requirements for your situation, there are some general requirements for moving to Austria from the US. US citizens can stay in Austria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if you intend to work in Austria, you must obtain an Austrian visa. You will also need to have a valid passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and proof of financial means to cover your stay.

Before making the move, it's recommended that you research the best cities in Austria to live in, as rental prices can vary significantly depending on the location. You should also be aware that Austria does not allow dual citizenship, so you would need to renounce your US citizenship if you wish to become an Austrian citizen.

Visa and residency requirements

As a US citizen, you can visit Austria for up to 90 days without a visa within a 180-day period. However, if you intend to stay longer than 90 days or work in Austria, you must obtain a visa. Austria is part of the Schengen Area, and you can stay for up to six months with a visa. If you wish to stay longer than six months, you will need a residence permit.

To obtain an Austrian visa, you must complete a standard form provided by the Austrian authorities, which requires detailed information about the applicant. You will also need a valid passport, Schengen Travel Insurance with a coverage of at least €30,000, and proof of accommodation. If you are married, you will need to provide a marriage certificate, and if you are bringing children, you will need their birth certificates. You will also need to provide information on your financial means to cover your stay in Austria.

If you plan to work in Austria, you must first obtain a D visa (long-stay visa) and have proof of an employing company. You will need to present an employment contract, and your employer will be directly involved in the procedures. The Red-White-Red Card is the work permit issued to highly skilled workers from the USA, and it is valid for two years. The application for this type of visa can be completed by the applicant or their employer.

If you are moving to Austria to study, you will need to obtain a student visa (Visa D). You must be enrolled in an Austrian university before starting the application process and will need an acceptance letter from the university. Once you have your student visa, you can move to Austria and register at the registration office and apply for a student residence permit.

If you are joining family members already living in Austria, you can apply for a family reunification visa, which is valid for one year and can be renewed. This type of visa covers spouses, minor children, partners, and other categories of relatives. However, you can only apply for this visa if your family member in Austria has an Austrian residence permit or citizenship.

If you are moving to Austria for retirement, you do not need a specific visa. Austria does not have a retirement visa or a special retirement program for foreigners. However, if you are financially independent, you can obtain a "settlement permit except for gainful employment," which is a residence permit issued in limited numbers per year and is valid for 12 months.

Job and study opportunities

If you are an American citizen looking to move to Austria, there are a few things you should know about job and study opportunities. Firstly, it is important to note that Austria is part of the Schengen Area, which offers multiple benefits for those wishing to relocate.

If you plan to stay in Austria for more than 3 months, you will need to have a job or an educational course lined up. It is advisable to start exploring career or study opportunities in your field of interest before deciding to relocate. If you are considering pursuing a university degree in Austria, look into universities that offer English courses, check your eligibility for scholarships, and find out if you are allowed to work alongside your studies. The Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS) is a good place to start your job search, and they offer an online search engine with many available jobs.

For those planning to relocate for employment, it is important to note that a work permit is required for American citizens. Austria issues work permits, known as the Red-White-Red Card, to highly skilled non-EU nationals. This permit is valid for up to 2 years, and there are specific requirements that must be met to be eligible. Before applying for this type of visa, you must first secure a job, as the application process involves the employing company. Highly skilled workers can also apply for an EU Blue Card, which allows them to bring their family members to Austria.

If you are considering moving to Austria as a student, you will need to obtain a student visa. Austria offers two types of student visas: Visa C and Visa D. It is important to enrol in an Austrian university before starting the application process and to have an acceptance letter from the university. With a student visa, you can then apply for a student residence permit.

It is worth noting that there is a general consensus that finding a job in Austria without speaking German can be challenging, even for Europeans. Therefore, it is advisable to learn German before relocating and to have sufficient funds saved up. Additionally, it may be beneficial to have your company transfer you to Austria if possible, as this could be the easiest way to make the move.

Translating and legalising documents

When moving to Austria, it is important to translate and legalise your documents. This process involves getting your documents translated into German or English and then legalised or apostilled. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:

Step 1: Translate Your Documents

Firstly, you will need to have all necessary documents translated into German or English. This includes documents such as your birth certificate, higher education degrees, police records, and any other documents required for your visa application and residence registration. It is important to use a certified translator for this process, as the Austrian authorities have specific requirements for translations.

Step 2: Legalise or Apostille Your Documents

Once your documents are translated, you will need to have them legalised or apostilled. The specific process depends on the type of document and the country of issuance.

Legalisation

If your documents are issued by a foreign country, they may need to be legalised. This can be done by the local Austrian Embassy or Consulate, or by a "legally sworn translator" registered in Austria. The legalisation process confirms the authenticity of the signatures and seals on your documents.

Apostille

In some cases, an apostille may be required instead of legalisation. This is a substitute for legalisation and does not require further certification. The Austrian Embassy can issue apostilles for certain types of documents, and the specific process depends on the type of document and the jurisdiction.

Step 3: Certify Translations

After translating your documents, it is important to certify that the translations are accurate and completed by a qualified translator. In Austria, translations must be interpreted by a "legally sworn translator" officially registered in Austria. The Austrian Embassy can also certify that the translator is a court-certified and officially recognised translator by the Republic of Indonesia, for example.

Step 4: Submit Your Documents

Finally, you will need to submit your translated and legalised documents as part of your visa application and residence registration process. These documents will be required for various steps in your relocation process, so it is important to allow enough time for the translation and legalisation process.

Overall, translating and legalising your documents is a crucial step when moving to Austria. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your documents are properly prepared and accepted by the Austrian authorities.

Finding accommodation

• Decide on your preferred location within Austria: Consider factors such as the city's culture, nightlife, accessibility to major places, and monthly rent. Popular cities include Vienna, Innsbruck, Graz, Salzburg, Feldkirch, and Linz.
• Start your search early: Begin looking for accommodation a few months before your planned move. This will give you enough time to explore different options and make an informed decision.
• Utilize online platforms: Trusted online rental platforms like HousingAnywhere can provide a worry-free experience. They often offer safeguards, such as securing your first month's rent until you move in.
• Consider important factors: When choosing a place to live, think about the location, accessibility to major places via public transport, and, most importantly, your budget.
• Be prepared for the costs: Rental prices in Austria can vary significantly depending on the city. For example, renting an apartment in Vienna can cost approximately €1,200 per month.
• Register your address: All residents in Austria are legally required to register their address and obtain a residence registration certificate (Meldezettel) within 3 days of arriving in the country. This process is free of charge and can be done at a Residence Registration Service Centre or Meldeservice office.
• Understand the requirements: To rent a place in Austria, you will typically need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of income or employment, and a signed contract from your landlord.
• Be aware of the local laws: Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations regarding tenancy agreements, rental contracts, and tenants' rights. Seek legal advice if needed.
• Consider temporary accommodation: If you're new to Austria, consider staying in temporary accommodation, such as a hostel or Airbnb, for a short period while you explore different neighbourhoods and get a feel for the local housing market.
• Network and ask for referrals: Building connections with locals, expats, or other immigrants can be beneficial. They may have insights into available properties or upcoming vacancies and can provide valuable advice on finding accommodation.
• Learn the language: Learning at least basic German can be advantageous when searching for accommodation. It will help you understand rental agreements, communicate with landlords, and navigate the local housing market more effectively.

Registering your place of residence

All residents in Austria are legally required to register their address and obtain a residence registration certificate (Meldezettel) within three days of their arrival. This process is free of charge and can be done in person at a Residence Registration Service Centre or Meldeservice office. You will need a filled-in application form (usually in German), your passport, and a signed document from your landlord or main tenant to confirm that you live at the address.

Registration certification will also be needed for various necessities, such as opening a bank account in Austria, so do not lose the original certificate!

If you have your primary place of residence in Austria, you may only use a vehicle with a foreign license plate for up to one month. After that, you will have to re-register the vehicle with an Austrian license plate.

Other key points to note:

• US citizens who intend to remain in Austria for a period exceeding 90 days or who wish to be gainfully employed in Austria must obtain an Austrian visa.
• Nationals of other countries require a visa to enter Austria, which entitles them to a stay of up to six months in the country. To stay longer than six months, all nationals of other countries require a residence permit.
• To obtain an Austrian visa, US citizens must complete a standard form provided by the Austrian authorities. It must contain complete details about the applicant.
• The passport must be valid for at least three months before relocation to Austria.
• Immigration authorities in Austria require Schengen Travel Insurance with a coverage of at least €30,000.
• The marriage certificate will be required to prove marital status. If you are also applying for children, their birth certificates are needed.
• Applicants must prove accommodation in Austria.
• Information will be requested on the financial means that should cover the entire stay in Austria.
• If American citizens have accepted a job in Austria, they will have to present an employment contract.

Frequently asked questions