Relocating To Vienna: A Comprehensive Guide To Moving To Austria's Capital

Vienna, Austria's capital, is a beautiful city with a high quality of life. It has a long tradition and a deeply rooted culture, yet it is still multicultural and lively. The city is extremely safe, has a wide range of activities, and a good political and economic climate. The cost of living is affordable compared to other large European capitals, and there are many employment opportunities. However, if you're considering a move to Vienna, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, familiarize yourself with the different residency and work permits required. Depending on your profession and the duration of your stay, you may need to apply for a specific permit. Additionally, all necessary documents, such as birth certificates or degrees, need to be translated into German or English and legalized. Housing options in Vienna include apartments, houses, and state-subsidized options, but rental prices can fluctuate. Finally, keep in mind that learning German will be essential, as even those practising in English may be required to learn the language to a certain level.

Visa and residency requirements

Austria deals with immigrants' affairs based on two acts of law. The Aliens Police Act refers to short-term stays of up to six months. Expats planning to move to Vienna for a longer period are subject to the Settlement and Residence Act. If you are an EU citizen or are permanently settled within the EU, you enjoy freedom of movement and do not need to apply for a residency permit. However, you are still required to register locally with the municipal district office after moving to Vienna.

Nationals of other countries require a visa to enter Austria, which entitles them to a stay of up to six months. To stay in Austria for longer than six months, all nationals of other countries require a residence permit. For any additional information on becoming a long-term resident or naturalized citizen of Austria, it is recommended to contact the Austrian embassy or consulate near your current address.

When it comes to long-term residency, permits are closely tied to employment and passing a language test as part of the "Integration Agreement". The Red-White-Red Card is valid for twelve months and requires you to pass language module 1, the EU Blue Card is valid for 24 months and has no language test requirement, and the long-term work permit is valid for five years and requires you to pass language module 2. A settlement permit is issued for "dependents" (relatives) of Red-White-Red Card holders or for self-employed key workers who have held the Red-White-Red Card for one year. After two years of living in Austria, the settlement permit can be extended for another three years.

If you are a US citizen, it is important to note that you may need to get a nostrification for your degree. Additionally, if you are a physician, you will need to fulfill the Austrian residency training requirements, which are likely to be different from those in the US. Austria also requires that you learn B2 German, even if you are practicing in English or over the internet outside of Austria.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Vienna, Austria, varies depending on your income, lifestyle, and location. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect in terms of expenses:

Housing

Housing in Vienna can be expensive, with the city having some of the highest rents in Europe. The cost of rent depends on the location, size, and quality of the apartment. A minimalist three-bedroom apartment outside the city center can start at 1600 euros per month, and you may still need to compromise on location, quality, or layout. Apartments in Vienna typically come unfurnished, so you will need to factor in the cost of furniture and appliances. Additionally, you may need to pay extra for parking.

Income and Taxes

The average income in Vienna varies depending on qualifications and skills. Low-skilled workers may earn less than 2000 euros net per month, while high-skilled workers can earn 3000 euros net or more. The average gross income for all of Austria was reported as 31,400 euros in 2021, but this includes all levels of skilled workers. There is a progressive tax rate of up to 48%, and if you exceed a certain level of income, you may be subject to double taxation from the US and Austria, which can total about 84% of your income.

Food and Groceries

The cost of groceries in Vienna can vary depending on your dietary preferences and shopping habits. A single person who cooks mainly vegetarian meals may spend around 20 to 57 euros per grocery trip. Eating out at restaurants can range from 8 to 80 euros per meal, with 80 euros being on the expensive side for Vienna. Tipping is not required in Austria, but it is common to tip around 10% when possible. Alcoholic drinks are relatively affordable, with wine costing around 7 to 11 euros per bottle at grocery stores.

Utilities and Internet

Utilities, such as energy costs, can vary depending on the size and efficiency of your accommodation. For a three-bedroom house close to the city center, energy costs can be around 118 euros per month with good insulation and double glazing. Internet and bandwidth are considered expensive relative to neighboring countries like Germany and Switzerland.

Transportation

Public transportation in Vienna is affordable and easy to use. A single ticket for public transport costs 2.70 euros, and there are also weekly, monthly, and annual passes available at a discounted rate.

Leisure and Entertainment

Leisure activities and entertainment in Vienna can vary in cost. A cycling class in English was mentioned to cost 18 euros, and a yoga class booked through an app costs about 25 euros. A book can cost around 22 euros, and a women's conference was priced at 33 euros to attend.

Healthcare

Austria offers publicly funded healthcare, but you also have the option to purchase private health insurance. Private health insurance can cost around 169 euros per month.

Employment opportunities

As an international hub, Vienna offers a plethora of English-speaking job opportunities. Major global firms like Siemens, IBM, and Microsoft have a significant presence in Austria, offering a range of job opportunities in sectors like technology, engineering, and finance. Additionally, multinational corporations such as Novartis, Volkswagen, and Deloitte actively recruit professionals in Austria, creating a wealth of opportunities in diverse fields.

If your profession is among those in demand, you can apply for the Red-White-Red Card for Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations. Occupations currently experiencing a shortage in Austria include engineers and technicians, healthcare professionals, and gastronomy and hospitality employees.

To find job opportunities in Vienna, explore online job boards, social media channels, and printed publications. Employers actively promote job openings through these channels and the public employment service, which also offers valuable information on labor laws and practical job application tips. Attending job fairs and networking events can also provide excellent opportunities to connect with potential employers.

As an employee in Austria, you will be required to contribute to the social security system, which will provide you with access to healthcare, pension benefits, and other social services. Health insurance is mandatory for everyone working in Austria, and your employer will register you for social security when you arrive, granting you access to public healthcare services.

If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, you will typically need a work visa and residence permit to work in Vienna, based on your job type, duration, and qualifications. You may need to prove that your skills and qualifications match the permit's requirements and that an Austrian or EU/EEA citizen cannot fill the position through a labor market test. Your prospective employer usually needs to play a role in the application process by providing documentation and confirming the job offer.

Education and language

Education in Vienna is compulsory between the ages of 6 and 15. The education system is divided into four years of primary school ("Volksschule") and eight years of secondary school ("Gymnasium"). The latter is further divided into lower secondary school (four years) and upper secondary school, with vocational or academic training offered for the final four years.

Children between the ages of 0 and 6 can receive free childcare and early education. You only have to pay for meals and additional activities. Day nurseries (crèche) are available for children from 0 to 3 years, and daycare with registered childminders is an option for children from 0 to 6 years. Kindergarten is mandatory for all children who turn 5 before 2 September of any year, and it starts in September. This kindergarten year prepares children for school.

If you move to Vienna during the school year, your child can start at a school immediately. You will have to register your child at a primary school near your home in Vienna ("Einschreibung"). After the 4th grade of primary school, there are two different school options: AHS (Academic High School) or secondary school. AHS provides a comprehensive general education and is particularly suited as a preliminary stage for further higher education. To be admitted, your child needs good grades in their 4th-grade primary school report.

Vienna offers a variety of schooling options for expats, including bilingual public schools, international schools, and special-needs education with expert tutoring support. The language of instruction in standard public schools is German, which may pose a challenge for expat children. Bilingual schools, where students are taught in both German and English, are a good alternative for expats staying in the city for a short time. These schools are effectively public schools, so fees are low or non-existent. However, there are only about 10 bilingual schools in Vienna, so competition for placements is high, and it is recommended to apply as soon as possible.

International schools, on the other hand, are highly regarded but incredibly expensive. The benefit of these schools is that your children can continue studying their home curriculum, and you will have the opportunity to connect with other expat families.

For older students, there is the option of entering an apprenticeship to learn a trade after completing compulsory schooling. They will have an apprenticeship contract with a company and spend most of their time (80%) learning on the job, with the remaining 20% in a vocational school. It is also possible to complete an apprenticeship with a Vocational Matura ("Berufsmatura"), a higher education entrance examination.

As for language, while some Austrians do speak English, learning German can be beneficial. Denglish (German with English words) is also accepted as a charming alternative. There are several language schools in Vienna that offer German courses, such as Deutschakademie, Universität Wien Deutschkurs, and i-diom: Professionelles Sprachtraining.

Neighbourhoods and housing

Vienna is divided into 23 districts, and each has its own unique character. The 1st District, or Innere Stadt, is the most expensive area to live in. It boasts many architectural highlights, including St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace. Rental properties are hard to come by, and those available are likely to be very expensive. Leopoldstadt, or District 2, is significantly cheaper and has a multicultural feel. Property here tends to be small, and the area has a mix of old and new interiors.

The 19th District is a sought-after area for expats, with a mix of international schools and nurseries, and beautiful parks. It is also home to the American International School and is popular with families. The quarter of Grinzing is a former village known for its wine and wine bars. Historic villas here average €2 million to €3 million, with the most impressive homes going for as much as €15 million to €20 million.

Josefstadt, the smallest district, is named after the Holy Roman Emperor Joseph I. It is an architecturally impressive area, with a mix of new-age and traditional shops and cafes. It is also home to several former Austrian presidents and is popular with families. Neubau is a popular district with young students and creatives, with vintage shops and ancient, Baroque-style buildings. The neighbouring district of Mariahilf is more residential, with theatres, bookstores, and cafes. It is also a hotspot for the LGBTQ community.

The Jewish Quarter has been remodelled in recent years and is now a hub for young creatives, with many restaurants and coffee shops. The 15th district has also seen an influx of coffee shops, restaurants, and shops, distancing itself from its former reputation as a drab area.

In general, immigrants to Vienna settle evenly across all districts, and the difference between the 'rich' and 'poor' areas is less pronounced than in other cities of a similar size. However, some areas, such as Favoriten (District 10), are known for having higher crime rates.

When moving to Vienna, it is important to familiarise yourself with the different residency and work permits. EU citizens and those permanently settled within the EU do not need a residency permit, but they must register with their municipal district office. Nationals of other countries require a visa to enter Austria, which entitles them to a stay of up to six months. For longer stays, a residence permit is required. Long-term residency permits are closely tied to employment and language proficiency.

Frequently asked questions