Settling In Austria: A Guide For Indians

Austria is a popular destination for professionals and students alike, offering a high quality of life, a strong economy, and a stable infrastructure. For those relocating from India, there are several key considerations to make. Firstly, it is important to determine the type of residence permit required, depending on the purpose and duration of the stay. While short-term stays of less than six months require a visa, longer stays necessitate a residence permit, which can be obtained for employment, study, or research purposes. It is advisable to have a source of income and meet the necessary health insurance and language requirements. Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg are among the best cities to live in, offering a blend of economic opportunities and cultural experiences.

Residence permits and visas

If you are planning to stay in Austria for less than six months, you will not need a residence permit, but you will need a visa. For stays exceeding six months, a residence permit is required. The application for a residence permit should be made in person and in your home country before entering Austria. Residence permits are issued for either employment, study, or research.

• Nufenthaltsbewilligung or temporary residence permit (for temporary stays in Austria)
• Betriebsentsandter for employees sent on temporary duty
• Rotationsarbeitskraft for company representatives, managers, and executives
• Selbsttändiger for self-employed individuals
• Forscher for researchers in Austrian educational institutions
• Künstler for self-employed artists
• Sonderfälle unselbständiger Erwerbstätigkeit for journalists and guest lecturers
• Student for individuals attending college or university in Austria
• Schüler for students attending school (grades 1-12) in Austria
• Niederlassungsbewilligung - This visa is for foreign nationals planning to live in Austria for over 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 through employment or self-employment.
• You must have health insurance for those five years.
• You must achieve a B1 level of German proficiency by fulfilling Module 2 of the Integration Agreement.
• You must submit a complete application in person. If the applicant is a minor, the application should be signed by both parents.
• Processing time will take at least one month as applications are sent to Austria.
• You must have a valid passport with at least three months of validity from the date of return.
• You will need a completed application form with a receipt for payment of consular fees and a recent passport-sized photo.
• A notarized copy of your birth certificate, a certificate proving good conduct and absence of any criminal record, and proof of health, travel, and accident insurance coverage are required.
• You must provide proof of funds and arranged accommodation in Austria.

Employment opportunities

Austria's flexible immigration model, the Red-White-Red Card, offers qualified third-country workers and their family members a single permit for working and settling permanently in Austria.

Austria is one of the wealthiest and most economically stable locations in Europe. It is characterised by its high purchasing power nationwide, and Vienna's economic performance is around 150% above the EU average. This favourable economic climate and stable infrastructure offer opportunities for established companies, startups, and innovative entrepreneurs.

English is widely spoken in Vienna, and German is more commonly spoken in smaller towns. However, Austria ranks third in the English Proficiency Index, and a quarter of Austrians grow up bilingual. Learning German is recommended, and there are many schools that teach German to adults.

To work in Austria, you will need a residence permit. The application should be made in person and in your home country before entering Austria. Residence permits are issued for employment, study, or research. You need to have a fixed and regular source of income to meet your living costs.

If you are a graduate of an Austrian university or university of applied sciences, you can take up employment after your university education in Austria.

If you are a highly qualified worker, you can apply for a Job Seeker Visa and residence permit. If you are a skilled worker in a shortage occupation, you can apply for a Red-White-Red Card.

Best Cities to Live In

The best cities to live in Austria include Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. Vienna is a popular destination for professionals looking to boost their careers abroad and is a great place to study.

Cost of living

The average monthly living expense for a student in Austria is around 1,450 euros. This may vary depending on the location and financial situation. The monthly living expenses for students are estimated as follows:

• Housing: 450 euros
• Food: 350 euros
• Utility bills: 150 euros
• Telecommunications: 40 euros
• Transport: 60 euros
• Studies and personal needs: 400 euros

According to a cost of living comparison, Austria is 5.2 times more expensive than India. Here are some specific categories and how they compare:

• Restaurants: 7.9 times more expensive
• Groceries: 4.0 times more expensive
• Transportation: 3.8 times more expensive
• Housing: 7.0 times more expensive
• Childcare: 8.4 times more expensive
• Entertainment and sports: 2.7 times more expensive
• Clothing: 2.8 times more expensive

Education for children

Education is mandatory for nine years in Austria, starting from the age of six. The academic year in Austria usually starts in September and ends in July. The school system in Austria is divided into primary and secondary education.

Primary Education

Children start their primary education in elementary school (also known as primary school or Volksschule). This lasts for four years.

Secondary Education

After completing their primary education, children move on to lower secondary education, which lasts for another four years. There are a few options for schools at this stage:

• A school for lower secondary education (Mittelschule)
• A grammar school (Gymnasium)
• A junior high school or secondary school (Hauptschule or Kooperative Mitterschule)
• A ‘new middle school' (Neue Mittelschule) (only available in certain provinces, such as Vienna)
• The lower grades of a higher general secondary school (allgemeinbildende höhere Schule (AHS))

After completing their lower secondary education, students can either continue on to higher secondary education or go down the vocational route.

Higher Secondary Education

Students who want to continue their studies and go down the academic route will attend an institution of higher education (Höhere Schule) or a vocational school with a higher education entrance qualification (Berufsbildende Höhere Schule). These options usually last for four to five years.

Vocational Education

Students who want to take up a vocational route will attend a polytechnic institute (Polytechnische Schule) for a year. After finding an apprentice position, they will then attend a vocational school (Berufsschule) for three years. This can be done either by attending full-time for about four months or by attending one day a week for around 12 months.

Examinations

To enter higher education, students will need to take the matriculation (Matura) exam. After completing their higher education, students can then go on to university. However, some subjects may require additional exams, such as medicine.

Private Schools

It should be noted that the majority of schools in Austria are public and free to attend. Private schools usually require tuition fees and only account for about 8-10% of the total number of schools in Austria. Many of these private schools are run by the Roman Catholic Church and are known for their strict discipline and high academic standards.

Learning German

German is the official language of Austria and is widely spoken throughout the country. Learning German will be crucial in helping you settle into local life, improving your job prospects, and making friends.

It can be very useful to learn German before moving to Austria, as this will make the transition less daunting. Basic German skills will be helpful when setting up the basics of life in Austria, such as finding a place to live, opening a bank account, or getting a phone plan.

There are several international German-language schools that offer courses in many countries, so you may be able to find one in your home country. Here are some schools to consider:

• Berlitz: A popular language school that offers German and other languages, with offices worldwide.
• Goethe Institute: The leading international destination for German culture and language, with a location in Vienna and many other cities.

You can also choose to learn German after arriving in Austria, which may be a better option due to the greater number of benefits. You will likely have access to a wider range of German courses and language schools, and you will be fully immersed in the language, providing many opportunities to practice.

There are plenty of language schools in Austria to choose from, offering similar ranges of German courses. Here are some popular options:

• ABC bildungzentrum: Based in Vienna, this institute offers German classes at different levels, as well as day classes, business language courses, and grammar courses.
• Actilingua Academy: One of Austria's most popular language schools, with offices throughout the country, offering group and private classes, holiday sessions, and intensive immersion courses.
• Deutsch in Osterreich: Run by the University of Klagenfurt, offering evening classes, private and group courses, and exam preparation.
• Internationales kulturinstitute: Located in Vienna, offering private and group classes for all levels, with prices including books, certificates, and worksheets.
• Inlingua: A Viennese language school providing group and individual courses, online classes, and placement tests for German and other languages.
• University of Vienna Language School: Part of one of Europe's most prestigious universities, offering academically-driven German courses in a university environment.

Government-Supported German Lessons in Austria

The Austrian government and local authorities often provide lessons and subsidies for migrants who want to learn German. For example, the City of Vienna offers language vouchers (Wiener Sprachgutscheine) that can be used for specific German courses and are valid for 30 months.

There are also free German courses available in Austria, offered by various institutions and organizations. Here are some options:

• Büchereien WienInterkulturelle (Vienna Libraries): Vienna's public libraries offer free conversational courses to practice German.
• Nachbarschaftszentren des Wiener Hilfswerks (Viennese District Neighborhood Centers): Find casual free German courses in your neighborhood.
• Peregrina: Offers free German classes for women aged 16 and over.
• PROSAProjekt Schule für Alle: Provides free German courses for people over 16.
• Station Wien: Offers German courses for women.
• Verein zur Integration von Zuwanderer (Association for the Integration of Migrants): Provides free German courses at different levels.
• VHS Basisbildungskurse: Offers free German courses for adults.

Online German Learning Resources

Online courses and resources can be a convenient way to learn German at your own pace. Here are some popular options:

• Babbel: A well-known language learning app that offers one free beginner's class, followed by a subscription for access to more courses.
• Berlitz: Offers resources such as bite-size lessons, interactive activities, videos, and private sessions with instructors, with subsidies available for job seekers, employees, and companies.
• SmarterGerman: Expertly-crafted online lessons tailored to your needs.
• Goethe Institute: Courses at all levels, access to personal tutors, and one-to-one learning options, starting at €675.
• Deutschakademie: Free online German courses with over 20,000 vocabulary and grammar exercises, messaging, and a help forum.
• Deutsch Lernen: A website with great beginner's resources, including word lists, exercises, and verb conjugations, as well as advanced lessons.
• Italki: 1-to-1 online lessons and access to a global community of language learners.
• LanguaTalk: 1-to-1 online tuition with native-speaking teachers.
• Deutsche Welle: A user-friendly website offering resources for beginners and advanced learners.
• BBC: Offers free German lessons for beginners.

As an expat in Austria, you can also learn German outside the classroom by interacting with locals and practicing your skills in everyday situations. Here are some ideas:

• Live with native speakers or find roommates: Sharing an apartment with Austrian roommates will encourage you to practice your German and learn colloquialisms faster.
• Listen to Austrian music: Find and listen to native Austrian bands and music from the region you're living in.
• Practice at restaurants and other service-driven spots: Austrians tend to be patient and encouraging, so don't be afraid to try out your German when ordering food or asking for directions.
• Join social organizations or clubs: Stepping out of your comfort zone and interacting with others will help you pick up the language faster. Consider joining a church group, sports club, or social club.
• Watch movies and TV: Many Hollywood movies and popular TV shows are dubbed into German, which can help you build your vocabulary. Additionally, seek out Austrian-produced shows to familiarize yourself with conversational German and the local accent.
• Give yourself time to improve: Learning German takes time, so be patient with yourself and remember that Austrians tend to be welcoming to those who are trying to speak their language.

Frequently asked questions