Relocating To Austria: A Guide For Nigerians

If you're considering relocating from Nigeria to Austria, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, the process of relocating differs depending on your citizenship. If you're an EU or EEA citizen, you won't need a visa or work permit, but you'll need to register at a municipal council and provide proof of sufficient income and health insurance. For non-EU/EEA citizens, a visa is required, along with a residence and work permit. Austria boasts a high quality of life, with excellent transportation, affordable childcare and education, and a top-ranked healthcare system. However, it's important to be aware of cultural differences, as Austrians are known for being friendly but cautious when it comes to forming friendships. Knowledge of German and its dialects is also essential for job opportunities and settling into the country.

Relocating to Austria from Nigeria

Visa and work permit requirements

As Nigeria is a non-EU/EEA country, you will need to apply for a visa to relocate to Austria. There are different types of visas available, each with its own set of requirements and restrictions. Here is an overview of the visa and work permit requirements for relocating from Nigeria to Austria:

Tourist or Schengen Visa:

Firstly, if you are just visiting Austria, you will need to obtain a tourist or Schengen visa. This type of visa allows you to stay in the country for a short period, usually up to 90 days. It is important to note that a tourist visa does not permit you to work in Austria.

Residence Permit:

If you plan to stay in Austria for an extended period, you will need to obtain a residence permit. This involves registering with the municipal council or registry office, which comes with a fee of 50 euros. You will also need to provide proof of sufficient income, demonstrating that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Austria without relying on state aid. Additionally, you must present proof of private health insurance coverage.

Work Permit for Foreigners:

To work in Austria as a non-EU/EEA citizen, you will need to obtain a work permit for foreigners, which is independent of the residence permit. There are different types of work permits available:

• Restricted Work Permit: This type of permit is valid for one year and may have specific conditions or restrictions attached to it.
• Work Permit: The standard work permit has a validity of two years.
• Unrestricted Work Permit: This permit allows unrestricted access to the labour market and is valid for five years.

To increase your chances of obtaining a work permit, it is beneficial to have academic credentials, qualifications, work experience, language skills (German), and a suitable job offer with a minimum income.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining visas and work permits may change, so it is advisable to consult the official Austrian government websites or seek guidance from the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Housing and accommodation

When relocating to Austria from Nigeria, it is important to consider the differences in housing and accommodation. Austria has a range of housing options, including detached houses and apartments, with about 45% of the population living in these forms of housing, while about 7% live in apartments. The cost of accommodation in Austria can vary depending on the location and type of housing. For example, accommodation in the capital city of Vienna is generally more expensive than in other towns and cities in Austria, but it is still relatively affordable compared to other popular European cities. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna's city center is 846 EUR (935 USD), while you would pay 963 EUR (1,064 USD) per square meter in Barcelona and 1,194 EUR (1,319 USD) per square meter in Paris.

There are also special types of houses in Austria, such as the Maierhof housing estate in the town of Bludenz, which is surrounded by mountainous scenery. All the houses in this particular estate are made from timber and were designed by Feld72. Additionally, if you are planning to relocate to Austria with your family, it is important to consider the eligibility requirements for family members of Austrian citizens or residents. To apply for a family reunion visa, you must be a spouse, registered partner, or child of an Austrian citizen or resident, and provide proof of income and accommodation of the sponsor.

When applying for a visa to relocate to Austria from Nigeria, you will need to submit various documents, including a passport, proof of qualifications, employment contract, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and proof of funds. It is important to start the application process well in advance and ensure that all the required documents are accurate and up-to-date. The processing time for visa applications can take up to 12 weeks, and you may be required to attend a visa interview at the Austrian Embassy or Consulate.

Overall, Austria offers a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, a strong economy, and good infrastructure. The country also has a low crime rate and is known for its safety, making it an ideal place to live and raise a family. Additionally, there are vibrant Nigerian and African communities in Austria, particularly in larger cities like Vienna, which can provide support and help you feel more at home.

Healthcare and insurance

Austria's healthcare system is designed to cater to everyone, including foreigners and expats. The system is made up of two tiers: public and private. The vast majority of individuals in Austria receive publicly funded healthcare, which is known for its high quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Austria is linked to employment. Typically, your insurance is arranged through your employer, with monthly payments deducted from your salary. The healthcare system is funded 50% by the employee and 50% by the employer. Employers are responsible for enrolling their staff on public health insurance. It is not possible for you to pick your insurance company; however, you can purchase supplementary private health insurance if you wish.

Private Healthcare

Private health insurance covers treatments that are excluded from public healthcare. In 2023, 38.4% of the population was privately insured. Some insurance companies cater to students, working parents, pensioners, and internationals with global coverage and special English- or other foreign language services.

Health Insurance for Foreigners/Expats

Expats from outside the EU/EFTA/UK must have valid health insurance to get a visa for Austria. You can access public healthcare in Austria with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). These cards allow you to access Austrian public healthcare on the same basis as an Austrian citizen, but are only for temporary stays. If you are in Austria on an exchange program, you can use your home country's health insurance.

Dependants

Children can be included in the insurance of their parent(s) or guardian(s) free of charge. This also applies to spouses, registered partners, and life companions in families with children. Dependants are entitled to receive medical care from a general practitioner, specialist, or dentist who has a contract with the health insurance fund.

Sickness Benefits

If an employee is unable to work due to illness (that is not a result of their negligence), the employer will usually continue to pay their wages/salary for up to twelve weeks. After that, sickness benefits will be paid by the health insurance fund until the incapacity for work ends. Persons requiring long-term care due to illness or disability are eligible for a care allowance, which must be applied for through the relevant health insurance fund.

Vaccinations and pet requirements

When relocating to Austria from Nigeria, there are several requirements you must fulfil regarding vaccinations and pet travel.

Vaccinations

There are no specific vaccination requirements for humans when moving to Austria. However, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor to ensure that you are up to date with all necessary vaccinations and health checks before relocating.

Pet Requirements

If you are bringing your pet to Austria, there are several important steps you must follow. Firstly, your pet must have a working microchip that complies with ISO standards (ISO 11784 and ISO 11785). This microchip must be implanted before your pet receives its rabies vaccination. You may need to travel with your own scanner if the microchip is not ISO-compliant.

Secondly, your pet must have a valid rabies vaccination. This vaccination must be administered by an authorised veterinarian, and your pet must wait at least 21 days after the vaccination before travelling to Austria. Some vaccine manufacturers recommend a longer waiting period of 30 days to ensure immunity. A booster rabies vaccination is required within 12 months of the primary vaccination to maintain validity.

Thirdly, your pet will need a pet passport, which includes proof of microchipping, rabies vaccination, and an EU health certificate. If you are travelling from an EU country, your veterinarian can provide an up-to-date pet passport. However, if you are coming from a non-EU country like Nigeria, you may need additional documentation, such as a serological rabies test or a declaration in accordance with Article 12 Para. 1 letter c of Regulation (EU) No. 576/2013.

It is important to note that there are restrictions on bringing pets to Austria from non-EU countries. You are not allowed to bring pets with the intention of selling or giving them to another owner. There is also a limit of five dogs, cats, or ferrets per person. Ensure that you carefully research and comply with all relevant Austrian and EU regulations to avoid any issues when relocating with your pets.

Social life and networking

Firstly, it is worth noting that Austrians are generally friendly and approachable, but it can take time to develop deeper friendships. They can be initially cold and it may take years to gain their trust, but once you do, these friendships can be very loyal and long-lasting.

To meet people, consider attending social events, both online and in-person, which are often organised specifically for expats and global minds to connect. These events can be a great way to meet like-minded individuals who may be going through similar experiences as yourself.

Language can be a barrier, as Austrians speak German, and within the country, there are different dialects in individual regions. Learning some German, or at least the dialect spoken in the region you plan to live in, can be very beneficial and may even be a prerequisite for certain jobs and residence permits.

Another way to meet people and build a network is by joining clubs or groups based on your interests. These could include sports clubs, book clubs, language exchange groups, or volunteer groups, for example.

Finally, bringing and sharing your academic credentials and qualifications can be important in Austria, as this can open doors and provide networking opportunities.

Frequently asked questions