Moving To Austria: A Uk Citizen's Guide

Moving to a new country can be a daunting and challenging process, and Austria is no exception. With its stunning Alpine landscapes, unique culture, and strong economy, Austria has long been a popular destination for expats. However, post-Brexit, the process for UK citizens to move to Austria has become more complex, with various bureaucratic barriers and visa requirements to navigate. In this guide, we will explore the key considerations for UK citizens looking to relocate to Austria, including visas, residence permits, and the cost of living. We will also provide practical advice on international removal companies and the packing process, to ensure your move is as seamless as possible.

Visas, residence permits, and healthcare

As a UK citizen, you can visit Austria for up to 90 days without a visa, as long as you have a valid UK passport. However, if you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit. There are several types of residence permits available, depending on your personal situation. These include permits for students, pupils, seconded employees, artists, researchers, family reunification, and gainful employment. One example of a residence permit is the Red-White-Red Card, which allows holders to accept jobs in Austria according to their qualifications and offers on the labour market. To apply for this card, you will need a valid passport, medical insurance, and legalized copies of your birth certificate, as well as proof of payment for the associated fees.

If you are a highly qualified worker, you can apply for a Job Seeker Visa, which is valid for six months, by scoring over 70 points on the Austrian immigration points system. Once you have received a job offer, you can then apply for the Red-White-Red Card. If you are a graduate of an Austrian university, you may extend your student residence permit for up to 12 months to find work or start your own business. To remain in Austria long-term, you will need to earn at least €2,500 per month.

Another option is the EU Blue Card, which requires applicants to be educated at the university level, pass labour market tests, have received a job offer in Austria, and earn one and a half times the average Austrian salary. This card allows free movement within the EU and the right to reside permanently in Austria.

It is important to note that not all residence permits allow you to work in Austria. You may also need a work permit or additional governmental authorization. Employers can often obtain these permits on behalf of their employees, and self-employed individuals can apply for a business permit. To live and work in Austria, a good understanding of the German language is essential, as many employers require a certain level of proficiency.

In terms of healthcare, you will need to ensure that you have valid medical insurance when applying for your residence permit. It is also important to understand how your income will be taxed in Austria and whether you qualify for any tax credits or exemptions. You can seek professional advice or connect with tax professionals to understand these aspects better.

Removal companies and costs

When moving to Austria from the UK, it is important to consider the costs of removal companies, which can vary depending on several factors such as the volume of items being transported and the distance between the collection and destination locations.

Cost Factors

The cost of removal companies will depend on the volume of items you need to move and the distance between your current location in the UK and your destination in Austria. Some companies may offer a part load service, which can be more cost-effective if you are only moving a few household goods.

Average Costs

According to various websites, the average cost of moving from the UK to Austria can range from £739 for 40 big boxes to £859 for a part load. These prices can vary depending on the company and the specific details of your move, so it is always a good idea to request quotes from multiple companies to compare prices and find the best deal.

Finding a Removal Company

When choosing a removal company, it is important to consider their reputation and level of service. Some companies, such as VanOne and MyCheapRemovals, offer instant removal quotes and claim to provide reliable and friendly services at competitive prices. Other companies, such as Shiply, provide a platform where you can receive bids from multiple transport providers and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Logistics and Planning

In addition to the cost of removal companies, you should also consider the logistics and planning involved in your move. This includes packing your items securely, completing any necessary paperwork, and ensuring that you have the necessary visas, residence permits, and other official documentation required for your move to Austria. It is recommended to research every element of living in Austria, including visas, residency permits, healthcare, and other bureaucratic barriers, to ensure a seamless transition.

Taxes and income

As a UK citizen, it's essential to understand the tax implications of relocating to Austria, especially in the post-Brexit era. While I cannot offer tax advice, here is some general information on taxes and income to consider when planning your move.

Taxes:

Firstly, you need to inform HM Revenue and Customs of your move to avoid being taxed in both the UK and Austria. Secondly, it is highly recommended to seek professional tax advice to understand your tax liabilities in Austria. Taxes in Austria may differ from what you are used to in the UK, and a tax professional can guide you through the local tax system, including any tax credits or exemptions you may qualify for.

Income:

To work in Austria, you will likely need a residence permit and possibly a work permit or additional governmental authorization. The type of permit you need depends on your personal situation and can vary based on factors such as your qualifications, capital, intentions, and employment status.

If you are employed by a company, your employer may be able to obtain a work permit or a combination of residence and work permit on your behalf. The Red-White-Red Card is one such example, which allows holders to accept jobs in Austria according to their qualifications and the labour market. To be eligible for this card, you must have a valid passport, medical insurance, and legalized copies of your birth certificate, as well as proof of payment for the associated fees.

Alternatively, if you are a graduate who has studied at an Austrian university, you may extend your student residence permit for up to 12 months to find work or start your own business. If you wish to remain in Austria long-term, you will need to earn at least €2,500 per month.

For those who are self-employed or intend to bring their business to Austria, you can apply for a business permit. This process involves analyzing the formalities of registering your company in Austria, with the assistance of the relevant authorities, and preparing the necessary documents.

It's worth noting that a good understanding of the German language is essential for living and working in Austria, and many employers require a certain level of German proficiency from their employees.

In conclusion, while moving to Austria from the UK entails navigating certain bureaucratic processes, understanding the tax and income landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. By seeking specialized help from immigration and tax professionals, you can ensure you have the necessary visas, residence permits, and tax strategies in place for your new life in Austria.

Work permits

If you are a UK citizen and want to work in Austria, you will need to apply for a work permit. The type of work permit you need depends on your specific situation. Here are some of the options:

• EU Blue Card: This permit is for applicants who are educated at university-level, have passed labour market tests, received a job offer based in Austria, and will earn one and a half times the average Austrian salary. The EU Blue Card allows free movement within the EU and the right to reside permanently in Austria.
• Red-White-Red Card: This is a residence permit that can be obtained by the whole family. Holders of this permit can accept jobs in Austria according to their qualifications and offers on the labour market.
• Job Seeker Visa: If you score over 70 points on the Austrian immigration points system, you can apply for a Job Seeker Visa, which is valid for 6 months. Once you receive a job offer, you can then apply for the Red-White-Red Card.
• Student Residence Permit: If you have studied at an Austrian university, you may extend your student residence permit for up to 12 months to find work or start your own business. To remain in Austria long-term, you will need to earn at least €2,500 per month.
• Highly Skilled Key Worker Permit: If your UK employer provides a contractual service to an Austrian end user, you may be eligible for this permit. You must be working in a profession listed in Annex 4 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (e.g., accountants and tax advisors) and have a university degree or equivalent qualification. This permit is valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.
• Short-Term Freelancer Visa: If you are a UK-based freelancer wanting to work in Austria, you can apply for this visa. You must be providing a service listed in Annex 4 of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (e.g., research and development services, market research, and telecommunications). This visa is also valid for up to 6 months in a 12-month period or for the duration of the contract, whichever is shorter.
• Long-Term Residence and Work Permit: If you are transferring long-term from a UK-based company to a branch in Austria, working for an Austrian company on a long-term contract, or providing long-term services to a client in Austria, you will need to apply for this type of permit. It is valid for up to 2 years and can be extended.
• Posting Permit: If your UK employer has a contract or work order with an Austrian company for up to 6 months, you will need this permit. It is valid for up to 4 months and can be extended.
• C or D Visa: If you are working in Austria for up to 90 days in a 180-day period, you will need to apply for a C or D visa at the Austrian embassy.

It is recommended to research the various types of visas and work permits available and to seek specialised help from immigration lawyers to ensure you obtain the necessary permits for your move.

Language and culture

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with nine federated states and a diverse linguistic landscape. The dominant language is Austrian German, with various regional dialects, including Austro-Bavarian and Alemannic. Schoolchildren are taught to read and write in Standard German, which is also the language of business and government. While it is not necessary to speak German to live in Austria, learning the language will help you integrate more easily.

Austrian culture is characterised by historical and modern influences, including interactions between Celtic, Roman, Slavic, and Germanic peoples. The country has a strong Catholic heritage, having been the centre of the Habsburg monarchy, which championed Roman Catholicism. Austrian culture has also been influenced by its former multinational state, which included parts of modern-day Hungary, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Slovenia, among others. This is reflected in Austrian cuisine, which has been influenced by Hungarian, Czech, Jewish, and Italian cuisines.

Austria is particularly known for its classical music, folk music, baroque architecture, coffee culture, winter sports, and Alpine traditions. Vienna, the capital, has been a cultural centre since the early 16th century, and was the European capital of classical music in the 18th and 19th centuries, attracting composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn.

Austrian society is largely based on the family, with weekends devoted to family activities and dinners. Austrians take pride in their homes, keeping them neat and tidy. The dress code for business is conservative and similar to that of most European countries. Business cards are exchanged, and it is considered attentive to have one side of your card translated into German.

Frequently asked questions