Immigration To Austria: Easy Or Challenging?

Austria is a popular destination for expats, with 19.6% of its population born in a foreign country. However, immigrating to Austria is not easy, and the process depends on your nationality and personal circumstances. EU citizens do not need a visa to visit or stay in Austria for up to three months, but for longer stays, they must register with their municipality and provide proof of employment, financial means, or school enrolment. Non-EU citizens, on the other hand, face more complicated visa options and may need an entry visa even for short stays.

For permanent immigration, third-country nationals need a residence permit, while EU and EEA citizens do not. Austria offers several types of residence permits, including the Red-White-Red Card for highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, graduates of Austrian universities, and regular workers in specific industries. Family members of cardholders can apply for the Red-White-Red Plus Card.

Overall, immigrating to Austria can be a complex process, and it is important for individuals to understand the specific requirements and procedures based on their unique situation.

Visa requirements for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of non-EU/EEA countries and those who are not Swiss nationals are required to obtain a visa to enter Austria. The type of visa depends on the purpose and duration of the stay.

For stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, some third-country nationals are exempt from obtaining a visa if their purpose is tourism. However, for stays exceeding 90 days, a visa is necessary. The Visa D (national visa) is issued for stays between 91 days and six months and can be valid for one or more entries. It is important to note that Visa D cannot be extended in Austria, and for longer stays, a residence permit must be applied for.

The requirements for obtaining a Visa D include providing documentation such as a completed application form, a valid passport, biometric data, proof of travel purpose, means of subsistence, travel medical insurance, and more. The processing time for a visa application is generally around 15 days but can be longer in certain cases.

For those seeking to live and work in Austria, the Red-White-Red Card is an option. This card is issued for 24 months and allows the holder to work and settle in the country. To be eligible, individuals must fall under specific categories, including highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, graduates of Austrian universities, and more.

Another option for residence and work is the EU Blue Card, which provides a residence permit for two years. To obtain this card, applicants must have a university degree recognised in Austria, conclude an agreement with a local employer, and meet a minimum salary requirement.

Austria also offers residence permits for financially independent individuals who can demonstrate a certain level of income, have a substantial bank deposit, and meet other criteria. This type of permit does not grant the right to work in the country.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining visas and residence permits may vary, and interested individuals should refer to the official websites of Austrian authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Residence permits

Third-country nationals (those who are not EEA citizens or Swiss nationals) who plan to stay in Austria for longer than six months require a residence permit. For stays of up to six months, third-country nationals need a visa. For stays of up to 90 days within 180 days, some third-country nationals do not need a visa, depending on their citizenship.

There are several types of residence permits available, including:

• Red-White-Red Card: This is for qualified workers and citizens of a third country (a country outside the EU) who want to live and work in Austria. It is issued for 24 months and allows the holder to work for a specified employer. To be eligible, you must be a very highly qualified worker, a skilled worker in a shortage occupation, a graduate of an Austrian university or college, a regular worker in tourism, agriculture, or forestry, or a self-employed key worker.
• Red-White-Red Card Plus: This is for family members of Red-White-Red Card and Blue Card holders.
• Blue Card EU: This provides a residence permit with the right to work for two years. To obtain this, you must have a university degree recognised in Austria, an agreement with a local employer, and an annual salary of €66,593 before taxes.
• Student Residence Permit: Full-time students of Austrian universities are entitled to a student residence permit. Applicants must have basic German language skills and present a document confirming their admission to the university.
• Residence Permit for Financially Independent Persons: Austria offers residence permits to individuals who can confirm financial independence. The conditions include an income of €2,000 per month for each family member, a bank account with a deposit of €20,000 for an adult and €10,000 for each child, a certificate of no criminal record, and a diploma of higher education.
• Golden Visa: The Austria Golden Visa offers the opportunity for German-speaking persons of independent means to become residents of an EU member state and gain visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area. The requirements include a minimum of €40,000 in liquid funds, permanent accommodation, private healthcare insurance, and documented German language skills (at A1 level).

The general requirements for issuing residence permits include having adequate means of subsistence, adequate accommodation, and not posing a threat to public order, security, or Austria's relations with other countries.

The cost of living in Austria

The average net salary in Austria is approximately €2,996 per month, which makes the country quite affordable for full-time workers. However, the cost of living can vary significantly depending on the city. For example, accommodation in Vienna is more expensive than in most other towns and cities. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna's city centre is €846, while you would pay €963 per square meter in Barcelona and €1,194 in Paris.

Utility costs in Austria can also vary, and they may or may not be included in your rental agreement. If they are not included, you should budget around €347 per month. Food expenses can also differ depending on where you live and shop. On average, you should set aside around €330 per month for groceries.

Other costs to consider when living in Austria include health insurance, leisure activities, and public transportation. International students, for example, can opt for public health insurance through ÖGK, which costs around €69.13 per month. Employed individuals are automatically enrolled in the public health insurance system, with contributions deducted from their salary based on income. Leisure activities can range from €180 to €320 per month, and public transportation passes are available for regular commuters.

Job opportunities in Austria

Austria has the 12th largest economy in the world, with a thriving service industry and a large manufacturing sector. The country's stable economy is fuelled by a network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and its high standard of living makes it an attractive destination for professionals seeking new career opportunities.

Industries with Job Opportunities

Austria's economy relies heavily on industries such as building and construction, tourism, motor vehicle production, electronics, food, and transportation. The textile industry is also key to the country's financial stability. The service industry generates the biggest share of Austria's income, while manufacturing, particularly in mechanical and steel engineering, chemicals, and automotive manufacturing, supports the country's industrial sector.

In-Demand Jobs

A skilled workforce is in high demand across various sectors, including:

• Engineers and construction professionals
• Registered nurses
• Certified social workers
• Data processing engineers
• Ophthalmic opticians

Job Search Platforms

When searching for job vacancies in Austria, you can use online platforms such as:

• Glassdoor
• Jobted Austria
• EURES
• LinkedIn
• Snow Season Central (for winter positions)
• International Voluntary Service (IVS) in Britain
• WWOOF Austria (for volunteering on organic farms)

Language Requirements

While English is widely spoken, German is Austria's official language, and fluency is essential for success in the workplace. For non-German speakers, some positions, like au pair roles, do not require fluency in German. However, learning the language will boost your CV and open doors to a deeper cultural experience.

Work Culture

Austria's work culture values punctuality, privacy, organisation, and hierarchy. Academic achievement and industry experience are highly regarded in determining senior roles. Staff in Austria generally feel a sense of responsibility for the companies they work for, and decisions usually follow traditional routes. The average workweek is 40 hours, with a generous five weeks of leave per year, increasing to six weeks after 25 years of service. Additionally, there are 13 annual paid public holidays.

Salary and Benefits

The average monthly net salary in Austria is €1,848, while the average monthly gross salary is €2,688. There is no nationwide minimum wage, but in 2017, social partners agreed to implement a monthly gross minimum wage of €1,500 for all sectors by 2020.

Austria offers a range of benefits, including social security, sick pay, and severance pay. Maternity and paternity leave are also provided, with mothers and fathers eligible for parental leave for up to two years.

Language and culture

German is the official language of Austria, and knowledge of the language is important for participating in the working, economic, and social life of the country. However, English is taught as the first foreign language in most schools. Additionally, Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian are recognised as official languages of autonomous population groups in some regions.

Austrian culture is characterised by historical and modern influences, including interactions between various ethnic groups such as the Celtic, Roman, Slavic, and Germanic peoples. Austria is particularly known for its classical music, folk music, baroque architecture, coffee culture, winter sports, and Alpine traditions.

Austria has a rich history in classical music, with Vienna, its capital, serving as a centre of musical innovation for centuries. Composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Johann Strauss Jr. are associated with the city. The country is also known for its folk music, with the most popular form being Viennese Schrammelmusik, played with an accordion and a double-necked guitar.

Austrian literature can be divided into two main periods: the first extends until the mid-20th century, and the second begins after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian and German empires. Complementing its artistic side, Austria has also produced many renowned poets, writers, and novelists, including Arthur Schnitzler, Stefan Zweig, and Elfriede Jelinek.

Austrian culture is heavily influenced by its long Catholic tradition. However, daily life and legislation are strictly secular, with social cohesion and tolerance being of utmost importance. While approximately 64% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic, the country also guarantees religious freedom.

Austrians tend to be quite formal in their social and business interactions. They typically greet each other with "Grüß Gott" (literally "greet God") and farewell with "Auf Wiedersehen". It is customary to bring flowers for the hostess when invited to dinner, and the Church is held in high regard in Austrian society.

Frequently asked questions