Moving To Austria: A Guide To Permanent Residency

Austria is a popular destination for immigrants and expats, thanks to its high standard of living, impressive ecology, ample job opportunities, and high-quality public healthcare system. If you're considering a permanent move to Austria, there are several things you should know. Firstly, research is key. Understanding the visa requirements, cost of living, and cultural nuances will help ensure a seamless transition. Secondly, if you're an EU or EEA citizen, you won't need a visa, residence permit, or work permit, but you must register at the municipal council or registry office and provide proof of sufficient income and health insurance. For non-EU/EEA citizens, a visa and residence and work permits are necessary, and you may also need to meet language requirements. Lastly, be prepared for the climate, which can be cold in winter, and the unique Austrian dialects, which can differ between regions.

Visas and permits

The process of moving to Austria is much easier if you are an EU or EEA citizen, as you do not need a visa, residence permit, or work permit. However, if you are planning to stay for longer than three months, you must notify the settlement authority and register with the authorities in accordance with the Austrian Registration Act (Meldegesetz). You will receive a 'registration certificate' as evidence of your right of residence under EU law, and after five years, you can receive a 'certificate of permanent residence'. It is also recommended to carry proof of identity, as public safety bodies (police) can check your identity in certain circumstances.

For those from a non-EU/EEA country, the process is more complex. You will need to apply for a visa and possibly a work permit, depending on your specific circumstances. The type of visa and work permit you need will depend on your qualifications, work experience, age, language skills, income, and job offer. Visas can be restricted work permits (lasting one year), work permits (lasting two years), or unrestricted work permits (lasting five years). The "Red-White-Red" card is an option for highly skilled workers who have found employment in Austria and allows you to stay for up to a year. The "Jobseeker" visa allows you to stay for up to six months to look for a job, but it does not permit you to work in Austria and is only available for highly skilled workers from non-EU countries. If you plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, you must apply for a residence permit before moving. You can do this at any Austrian embassy or consulate.

Healthcare and insurance

Austria has one of the best public healthcare systems in Europe. Basic healthcare is accessible to Austrian citizens and residents. Expats, on the other hand, are required to pay tax into a health insurance scheme, which covers health, accident, or pension insurance for the taxpayer and their family. The Austrian healthcare system is of very high quality and includes treatment in public hospitals, basic dental care, medication, and some specialist consultations.

If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a work permit in Austria, but you must register at the municipal council or registry office, which costs 50 euros. You must also provide proof of sufficient income, demonstrating that you can support yourself financially in Austria without needing to apply for aid. Additionally, you need to present proof of private health insurance if possible. A second medical consultation for discharge requires a deposit of €150, part of which is refunded if not needed. It is, therefore, important to have private insurance.

If you are not an EU citizen, you will need a visa to enter Austria. Citizens from non-EU/EEA countries need a visa, a work permit, and a residence permit. The “Red-White-Red” card is an option for highly skilled workers who have found employment in Austria. This document will allow you to stay for up to 1 year. The “Jobseeker” visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months to look for a job, but it does not permit you to work in Austria and is only available for highly skilled workers from non-EU countries.

For students, there are insurance options such as Care Austria, which costs €51.00/month and is tailored to meet the needs of non-citizens in Austria. This insurance is valid for submission to embassies, consulates, and border stations and is officially approved by the Austrian Ministry of Inner Affairs for visas and residence permits.

Shipping and removals

When moving to Austria, you have several options for shipping and removals. The best option for you will depend on your budget, how many items you have, and how quickly you need your items to arrive.

Sea Freight

Sea freight is a popular option for shipping to Austria due to its relatively low cost and improved carbon footprint compared to other methods. It takes approximately 2-5 days to ship your household goods from the UK to Austria by sea. However, as Austria is landlocked, you will also need to arrange road freight to transport your items from the port to your final destination. There are a limited number of ports, so you may have to travel to collect your goods or pay additional fees to have them delivered.

Air Freight

Air freight is the fastest way to send your goods to Austria, with an average transit time of 1-3 days. However, it is also the most expensive option, costing up to five times the price of road transport or 12 to 16 times the cost of sea freight. Air freight is best suited for sending smaller or lighter items, as there is limited space available on flights.

Road Freight

Road transport accounted for 68% of total inland freight transport in Austria in 2020, making it a popular and cost-effective choice. It takes approximately 3-4 days to reach Austria from the UK by road freight. You can choose between a dedicated removals van or a shared van, depending on the number of items you have.

International Removal Companies

Several international removal companies offer specialised services for shipping and removals to Austria, including SDC International Shipping, Pinnacle Removals, and Simpsons UK. These companies can provide door-to-door service, packing services, and assistance with customs paperwork. They can also help you find the most cost-effective shipping option based on your specific needs.

Culture and language

Austria is a landlocked country in Central Europe with nine federated states. The culture of Austria has been influenced by the cultures of surrounding countries, as well as its historical position within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This has resulted in cultural diversity within the country, with variations in dialect, food, customs, and architecture.

German is the most widely spoken language in Austria, with Austro-Bavarian being the most-used variant outside of Vorarlberg. However, there are distinct differences in the dialects spoken across the country. Additionally, Slovene is an official language in the southern province of Carinthia, and Croatian and Hungarian are also recognised minority languages.

Austrians tend to be direct and blunt, which is not intended as a sign of rudeness but rather their desire to be efficient. They are generally suspicious of displays of emotion and hyperbole. Written communication is also highly valued, both to maintain a record of discussions and to back up decisions.

The family is the foundation of Austrian social structure, with weekends typically dedicated to family activities and shared meals. Austrians take pride in their homes, keeping them neat and tidy. They also value punctuality and expect advance notice if you are going to be delayed for an appointment.

If you are considering relocating to Austria, it is worth noting that the cost of living can be high, especially in cities like Vienna, Salzburg, and the capital, Vienna. However, there are cheaper alternatives, such as the medieval town of Feldkirch, which offers a more affordable option while still providing access to beautiful architecture and Austrian culture.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Austria varies significantly between different provinces and cities. The capital, Vienna, is among the most expensive destinations in the country, with monthly living expenses of around €850, excluding rent. However, Vienna offers a great work-life balance, excellent quality of life, and a lucrative job market, with some of the largest global companies based there.

Other major cities, such as Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Graz, also tend to be pricier due to their popularity and amenities. For example, rent in Salzburg can range from €550 to €1500, depending on the type and location of the apartment. Graz, the second-largest city in Austria, is slightly more affordable and is well-known for its vibrant student life.

If you're looking for cheaper alternatives, smaller cities and regions like Linz, Wels, and Feldkirch offer more budget-friendly living options without sacrificing quality of life. Linz, for instance, has efficient public transportation and a lively social culture, making it ideal for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.

The cost of transportation in Austria depends on whether you plan to use public transit or drive your own car. Public transport tickets typically cost €2 to €2.60 for a single trip, with longer-term passes offering better value. Driving in Austria comes with additional costs, such as motorway tolls and stickers, which can add up.

Utilities are often charged separately from rent and can be expensive, especially in larger homes. A monthly gym pass will cost you around €32, while a cinema ticket is approximately €10. Internet prices vary depending on the supplier and speed but generally range from €9 to €83.

Overall, Austria's tax system supports its high standard of living, with progressive income tax rates that can reach up to 55%. Social security contributions are mandatory, and the country collects taxes on goods and services, corporate profits, and real estate transactions.

The cost of living in Austria for different demographics breaks down as follows:

• For a single person: €1516-€1604 per month
• For a student: €700-€1000 per month
• For a family of four: €3899 per month

Frequently asked questions