Lyla Lindsey
Moving to Austria from Australia is an exciting adventure, but it comes with several tasks that need to be taken care of. The process of moving to Austria is much easier if you are an EU or EEA citizen as you do not need a visa or work permit to live there. Nationals of other countries will need to apply for a visa and residence permit. Austria offers different types of residence permits, including temporary and permanent residency. To apply for permanent residency, you must have had legal status in Austria for the past five years, be financially self-sufficient, and have had health insurance for five years. All residents in Austria are legally required to register their address and obtain a residence registration certificate within three days of arrival.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa requirements | EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals can stay in Austria for up to 3 months without a visa. Nationals of other countries require a visa to enter Austria, which entitles them to a stay of up to six months. To stay longer than six months, a residence permit is required. |
| Residence permits | Austria offers different types of residence permits, including the Nufenthaltsbewilligung (temporary residence permit) and the Niederlassungsbewilligung (for stays exceeding six months). |
| Visa application | To apply for a visa, you must provide biometric data, such as fingerprints, and meet requirements such as having suitable accommodation and sufficient income. |
| Healthcare | Health insurance is compulsory for all who work in Austria and is provided by the employer. Proof of health insurance coverage is required for long-term stays and certain visas. |
| Education | All children residing in Austria are subject to compulsory schooling from the age of six. The education system is diverse and of high quality, with many institutions reporting to the Austrian Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research. |
| Driving | If you hold a non-EU driver's license, you must convert it within 6 months of moving to Austria. This usually involves a practical driving test, but citizens of certain countries, including Australia, are exempt. |
| Housing | When renting, consider factors such as location, accessibility, and cost. Utilities, including electricity, heating, and the internet, must be arranged separately. Registration of your address and TV/radio (GIS) is mandatory within 3 days of arrival. |
| Language | Austro-Bavarian is the most commonly spoken language in Austria outside of Vorarlberg. The German used in Austria can be difficult to understand even for native speakers of standard German. |
| Shipping and pets | When relocating with pets, ensure they have the required vaccinations and injections. |
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What You'll Learn
Visa and residence permit requirements
If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you do not need a visa to live in Austria, nor do you need a residence or work permit. For citizens of other countries, including Australians, a visa is required to enter Austria, and this entitles the holder to a stay of up to six months. To stay in Austria for longer than six months, a residence permit is required.
The Austrian visa application process is said to be straightforward, but it is recommended that you apply for the visa three months before your departure. The visa requirements include providing biometric data, such as fingerprints, which can be done at an application centre. The Niederlassungsbewilligung visa is for foreign nationals who plan to live in Austria for longer than six months. To apply for permanent residency in Austria, you must meet the following requirements: you must have had legal status in Austria for the past five years; you must be financially self-sufficient, either through employment or self-employment; and you must have had health insurance coverage for those five years.
Austria offers different types of residence permits, which are issued for either employment, study, or research. The Nufenthaltsbewilligung, or temporary residence permit, is for temporary stays in Austria. The Red-White-Red Card is another type of residence permit, issued for a period of 24 months, which entitles the holder to fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specified in the application. To be eligible, you must have a fixed and regular personal income that enables you to cover your living costs without needing welfare aid from local authorities.
When applying for a residence permit, you must have health insurance coverage that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks. If you are employed in Austria, this coverage is sufficient. You must also provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation, such as a lease contract. All residents in Austria are legally required to register their address and obtain a residence registration certificate (Meldezettel) within three days of their arrival.
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Shipping household goods
Step 1: Research and Planning
Before shipping your household goods, it is essential to research and plan the move meticulously. This includes understanding the requirements, regulations, and restrictions for shipping goods to Austria. Additionally, you should decide which items you want to ship and create an inventory of your belongings. It is advisable to declutter and downsize before the move to reduce costs and streamline the process.
Step 2: Choose a Reputable Shipping Company
Selecting a reputable international shipping company with experience in shipping household goods to Austria is crucial. Obtain quotes from multiple companies, compare their services and prices, and check reviews to ensure reliability and quality of service.
Step 3: Packing and Inventory
Proper packing is essential to ensure the safety of your household goods during transit. Use suitable packing materials, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts, to protect your items. Clearly label and number each box, and create a detailed inventory of the packed items. This inventory will be essential for customs clearance and keeping track of your belongings.
Step 4: Customs Clearance and Documentation
Customs clearance is a critical aspect of shipping household goods to Austria. You will need to provide detailed documentation, including an inventory list, packing list, and proof of ownership for certain items. Familiarise yourself with Austrian customs regulations and prohibited items to avoid delays or issues during clearance. Working with a reputable shipping company can provide valuable assistance in navigating customs requirements.
Step 5: Shipping and Transit Insurance
Choose a suitable shipping method, such as sea freight or air freight, considering factors like cost, transit time, and reliability. Ensure that you have adequate transit insurance coverage for your household goods during the shipment. This insurance will provide financial protection in case of loss, damage, or delays during the shipping process.
Step 6: Delivery and Unpacking
Once your household goods arrive in Austria, coordinate with your chosen shipping company or agent for delivery to your new residence. Be present during the delivery to oversee the process and inspect your items for any damage. Unpack your goods carefully and verify them against your inventory list. Report any issues or damages to the shipping company promptly.
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Relocating with pets
When relocating to Austria with pets, there are several important regulations to keep in mind. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:
Classifying Your Move
First, determine whether your move is classified as "non-commercial" or "commercial." This distinction is essential as the requirements for each type of transport differ. For a move to be considered non-commercial, the following conditions must be met:
- Your pet must travel with or within five days of you, the owner. You will need to provide proof of travel.
- The transport applies to no more than five pets, unless they are meant for a competition or show and are over six months old.
- The purpose of the transport must not be for the adoption, sale, or exchange of ownership of the pet.
Veterinary Requirements
Before initiating any pet export procedures, ensure that your veterinarian is approved by the governing veterinary authority in your pet's country of origin. This veterinarian should be licensed by the agency responsible for the movement of live animals. It is the veterinarian's responsibility to ensure your pet meets all health requirements. Failure to do so may result in difficulties obtaining certificate endorsement or issues upon arrival in Austria.
Microchipping and Rabies Vaccination
Your pet must have a working microchip that is ISO-compliant. If the microchip is not ISO-compliant, you will need to travel with your own scanner or have a second ISO-compliant microchip implanted. Both microchips should be listed on the health certificate. Additionally, your pet must have a current rabies vaccination. There is a minimum age requirement for rabies vaccination, which varies depending on the pet's age and country of origin. For pets from unlisted countries, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period after the blood draw for the rabies antibody test.
Health Certificates
Your pet will need a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian. This certificate must be legible, accurate, and complete. For travel to Austria, you may need an Animal Health Certificate or a pet passport, depending on your country of origin. This will include proof of microchipping, rabies vaccination, and a rabies titer test (for some countries).
Airline Requirements
If you are flying to Austria with your pet, check the requirements of your chosen airline. For example, Austrian Airlines only permits trained assistance dogs in the cabin and charges an additional fee for transporting other pets in the cargo hold or passenger cabin, depending on their size and weight.
Entry Points
When entering Austria with your pet, you must declare your pet to the customs office at the airports of Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Graz, or Klagenfurt. Pets entering Austria by air from non-EU countries must do so at Border Inspection Posts at the International Airport at Linz or Vienna.
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Healthcare and insurance
Austria's healthcare system is inclusive, covering nearly all health issues, medication requirements, and protecting all members of society. The public healthcare system offers universal medical coverage to 99.9% of the population. It is funded by mandatory health insurance, which is paid into each month.
If you are employed in Austria, you will be signed up for health insurance automatically, and your employer is obligated to register you with Social Insurance within seven days of your start date. If you are not working, you should take out voluntary insurance. You can also purchase additional private health insurance, which offers benefits such as shorter waiting times and access to exclusive physicians.
If you are a new resident of Austria, you may be able to use the health insurance from your home country. Expats from the EU or EFTA can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). People from the UK can access public healthcare with their Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). Other residents may fill out an S1 form to use their home country's healthcare rights in Austria.
Public health insurance covers all essential care in Austria, including doctor visits and emergency care. However, certain treatments require co-payments, and private health services are not or only partly covered. Patients themselves must pay for specific services, such as treatment by private doctors, in private hospitals, orthodontic treatments, and dental bridges. However, part of the costs will be reimbursed by their health insurance fund. In the event of hospitalisation, a certain sum is payable by the patient for each day spent in hospital.
If you are planning to study in Austria, you can insure yourself at a reduced premium rate with a Care Austria Education policy. This costs €51.00 per month and covers outpatient, inpatient, and analgesic dental treatment.
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Education system
The Austrian education system has many advantages, including its affordability. Public universities, such as the Vienna University of Economics and Business and Johannes Kepler University Linz, are free for applicants from the European Union and the European Economic Area. For other applicants, fees range from a thousand euros per year to tens of thousands per year, depending on whether the university is public or private.
Austria has a high percentage of four-year-olds in primary education and five-year-olds in early childhood education and care (ECEC). The first four years of primary school, also called "Volksschule", are the same for everyone. The next five years differ based on the aptitude and interests of the student. They can go to either the "Gymnasium" (a more academically focused education) or to the "Berufsschule" (a vocational school, before which the student spends a year in a polytechnic institute).
Secondary school flows seamlessly into two tracks: higher education ("Höhere Schule") and vocational school ("Berufsbildende Höhere Schule"). Both last between four and five years and generally require an entrance exam or good grades in previous education. At the end, students must sit an exam called the "Matura" which serves as the final exam for their secondary education. Their results will be important for getting into universities.
The Austrian government, along with many organisations and schools, provides scholarships or grants for international students, ranging from about 300 euros to almost 1000 euros.
Australia offers a high standard of education, with a wide range of schooling options, including public, private, and international schools. The cost of education varies depending on the type of school and the state or territory. Public schools are free for permanent residents, but expats on temporary residency visas will likely need to pay some fixed tuition fees associated with their state or territory. Private schools can be expensive, with fees ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $30,000 per year. International schools can also be expensive, with fees ranging from a few thousand dollars to over $40,000 per year.
There are scholarships available for expat students, including international and expat students for all levels of education, including secondary and higher education. Scholarships are also offered by the Public Education Foundation for all levels: primary, secondary, and tertiary.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're staying for less than six months, you don't need a residence permit, but you will need a visa. For stays longer than six months, you will need a residence permit. If you're an EU or EEA citizen, you don't need a visa or a residence permit. If you're from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need to apply for a visa, which can be a restricted work permit (1 year), a work permit (2 years), or an unrestricted work permit (5 years). You will also need to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints.
To apply for permanent residency in Austria, you must have had legal status in the country for the past five years, be financially self-sufficient, and have had health insurance for five years. You will also need to provide proof of a legal title to locally customary accommodation.
All children residing in Austria are subject to compulsory schooling from the year they turn six by 31 August until they are 15. If your child's native tongue is not German, they will need to take remedial German classes.
You will need to register your address and obtain a residence registration certificate within three days of your arrival. If you have a non-EU driver's license, you must convert it within six months of moving to Austria.
