Immigrant's Guide To Austria: Is It A Good Choice?

Austria is a popular destination for immigrants, attracting millions of foreigners each year. The country boasts the best quality of life in the world, with stable political, social, economic, academic, healthcare, and environmental systems. It is also known for its efficient public transportation, high-quality education, and universal healthcare. However, there are some challenges that immigrants may face when moving to Austria, such as the high cost of living, language barriers, and cultural differences.

High quality of life

Austria has a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, education, and efficient public transport. In fact, a 2019 global study placed Austria in second place for quality of life, and Vienna has been ranked the most liveable city in the world for ten consecutive years.

Austria's political, social, economic, academic, healthcare, and environmental systems are stable, and it ranks highly for press freedom, women's rights, and human rights. The country also has low crime rates, a rich culture, and high levels of social welfare.

The country's efficient public transport system is worth noting. Within cities, buses, trams, and metros are extensive, and the ÖBB Railjet travels between cities at speeds of up to 143 miles per hour. Austria's education system is also high-quality and well-developed, offering free universal pre-school, public primary, and secondary education. Students can choose between vocational and academic schools, and Austrian and EU students can attend public universities for free. For non-EU students, fees are incredibly low, typically between €1,000 and €2,000.

Healthcare in Austria is universal and accessible, with the vast majority of health concerns and medications covered. Treatment is of a high standard and efficient, and many people travel to Austria specifically to seek medical care. Private healthcare is also available, offering more choice in physicians and shorter waiting times.

Austria's stable economy is another factor contributing to its high quality of life. The country has a strong job market, with Vienna being a hub for international managers and companies. The city is home to the headquarters of many Central and Eastern European businesses and is also the base for the United Nations.

Austria's stable and well-organised systems, combined with its efficient infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and education, make it an attractive destination for immigrants seeking a high quality of life.

High cost of living

Austria is known for its high quality of life, with efficient public transport, high-quality healthcare and education, and a stable political, social, economic, academic, and environmental system. However, the cost of living in Austria, especially in large cities like Vienna, can be a challenge for immigrants.

The cost of living in Austria is high, and this is a significant factor to consider when planning to immigrate. A single person living in Vienna, the capital city, can expect to spend around €1,600 per month, while a family of four may spend approximately €3,600. This is because the overall cost of living in Austria is 1.65 times more expensive than the world's average.

Housing is a significant expense, and affordable housing can be challenging to find. In Vienna, more than 60% of residents live in subsidised housing due to the high costs. The average monthly living cost for one person in Austria is roughly €1,584, but this can vary depending on location, lifestyle, and type of housing. For students, monthly living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance, and entertainment, can total around €1,200.

Immigrants from the USA will also need to deal with currency conversion fees and the weaker US dollar, which will further add to their expenses. They may find themselves paying more for the same goods and services in Austria. For example, as of April 2023, one US dollar is equivalent to 0.84 euros.

Additionally, immigrants may need to adjust their lifestyle and spending habits to fit Austrian standards. Utilities, groceries, clothing, and other necessities tend to be more expensive. Entertainment expenses, such as dining out or travelling, may also be higher.

However, it is worth noting that salaries in Austria tend to be high enough to offset the high cost of living. The average monthly salary ranges from €1,700 to €2,200, and the government provides subsidies in housing, education, health, and transport.

Comparison to Other Cities

While Vienna is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, smaller cities like Graz and Klagenfurt offer a more reasonable cost of living while still maintaining a high quality of life. These cities have good infrastructure, healthcare, education, and cultural offerings.

Language barrier

Austria is known for its high quality of life, efficient public transport, high-quality healthcare and education, and convenient location. However, for immigrants, a significant challenge is the language barrier.

Austria's official language is German, and while many people speak English, it becomes harder to find English speakers outside of the cities or for more specific needs. Austrian German also has regional variations, making it quite different from standard German. This can make it difficult for immigrants who don't speak German to access certain services, find employment, or enrol in educational programs.

For example, the education system in Austria is highly regarded, offering free universal pre-school, primary, and secondary schooling. However, to take advantage of the public university system, which is also free for Austrian and EU students, one needs to be able to speak German.

Similarly, while healthcare in Austria is universal and accessible, with high-quality treatment, navigating the system can be challenging for those who don't speak the language. Private healthcare is also an option, but it can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.

The ability to speak German also opens up more job opportunities. While some sectors, such as tourism or international companies, may offer positions that only require English, overall, speaking German grants access to a broader range of career options.

To overcome the language barrier, immigrants can consider taking German language courses, either before arriving in Austria or once they are settled. There are also free or low-cost online resources available for learning the language. Additionally, many Austrian students are now required to take English classes before finishing high school, so younger Austrians may be more comfortable speaking English.

Immigrants can also try to find support within the expat community, as there are often groups dedicated to socializing, business, and travel, where they may be able to connect with others who speak their native language.

Immigration criteria

Austria is a desirable destination for immigrants due to its high quality of life, safety, and economic and political stability. The country offers a range of immigration options, each with its own set of criteria and requirements. Here is an overview of the immigration criteria for Austria:

Red-White-Red Card

The Red-White-Red Card is a residence and work permit for qualified third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA citizens). It is valid for 24 months and allows holders to work for a specific employer. The card is aimed at skilled workers, including:

• Very Highly Qualified Workers: Individuals with exceptional qualifications and work experience.
• Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations: Experts in jobs that are in high demand in Austria.
• Other Important Workers: People with skills beneficial to the Austrian economy.
• Graduates of Austrian Universities and Colleges: Individuals who have completed their studies in Austria.
• Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture, and Forestry: People employed in these sectors.
• Self-employed Key Workers: Those who want to start their own businesses.
• Start-up Founders: Entrepreneurs creating new businesses in Austria.

To be eligible for the Red-White-Red Card, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• Adequate means of subsistence: Demonstrating sufficient funds to cover living costs without relying on welfare aid.
• Adequate accommodation: Providing evidence of legal title to locally customary accommodation.
• No threat to public order or security: The stay must not negatively impact public order, security, or Austria's international relations.
• Health insurance coverage: Holding health insurance that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks.

EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly skilled workers from non-EU/EEA countries. It provides the right to work for two years and facilitates faster permanent residency compared to the Red-White-Red Card. Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a university degree recognised in Austria.
• Have at least five years of work experience.
• Earn a minimum annual salary of €66,593 before taxes.

Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons

Austria offers a residence permit for financially independent individuals who can demonstrate:

• An income of €2,000 per month for each family member.
• A bank account with a deposit of €20,000 for adults and €10,000 for each child.
• A clean criminal record and a diploma of higher education.
• Basic knowledge of the German language, with improvements expected over time.

Student Residence Permit

Full-time students accepted into Austrian universities can obtain a student residence permit. They must have basic German language skills and are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.

Job Seeker Visa

The Job Seeker Visa is a residence permit for highly skilled individuals seeking employment in Austria. The eligibility criteria include:

• Holding a Bachelor's or Master's degree from a recognised university, with a minimum duration of four years.
• Possessing at least five years of relevant work experience in the field of expertise.
• Demonstrating adequate financial means to cover living expenses in Austria for six months.
• Attaining a minimum score of 70 points out of 100 on a points-based assessment that considers education, work experience, language skills, age, and other factors.

Retirement Visa

Austria offers a retirement visa for individuals with sufficient financial means to support themselves without working. However, there are a limited number of these permits available, and specific eligibility criteria apply.

Healthcare

Austria's healthcare system is considered one of the best in the world, covering nearly 99% of its citizens. It is a mix of public and private coverage, with the public system offering almost universal medical coverage. The system is funded by mandatory health insurance, with employees contributing 3.87% of their net income as of 2024.

Public healthcare in Austria is accessible to all Austrian citizens and EU/EEA citizens. It is also available to students from EU/EEA countries with a European Health Insurance Card. Self-insured students based in Austria must pay around 50 EUR per month for national health insurance.

Public healthcare covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, mandatory vaccinations, hospital and emergency care, dental check-ups, childbirth, and therapeutic aids. However, there are some co-payments and out-of-pocket expenses for certain treatments and medications.

Private health insurance in Austria offers additional coverage and benefits, such as shorter waiting times, access to exclusive physicians, private hospital rooms, and more personalized care. It is often used to complement public healthcare or to access better and quicker care.

Overall, Austria's healthcare system provides excellent coverage and accessibility to its citizens and residents, with a focus on ensuring that everyone has access to the medical care they need.

Frequently asked questions