Living In Austria: Challenges And Rewards

Austria is a highly developed and industrialised country that offers a high standard of living to its residents. The country boasts excellent healthcare, education, work-life balance, and economy, making it a central point for expats moving to Europe.

However, living in Austria has its pros and cons. The cost of living in Austria is high, especially in cities like Vienna, and it can be difficult to settle in due to a perceived lack of friendliness among Austrians.

If you're considering a move to Austria, it's important to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages to determine if it's the right choice for you.

Cost of living

Austria is known to be an expensive country to live in, with costs in the capital, Vienna, comparable to those of other major European cities such as Barcelona and Paris. The cost of living in Austria varies from city to city, but on the whole, accommodation can be expensive, especially if you want to buy property.

Housing

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna's city centre is €846 per month, while you would pay €963 per square meter in Barcelona and €1,194 per square meter in Paris. In general, Vienna and Innsbruck are consistently ranked as the most expensive cities in Austria, while Graz and Klagenfurt are among the most affordable.

Utilities

Utilities bills in Austria are calculated based on the size of the home rather than the resources consumed. For example, Austrian households pay an average of €20 per month for electricity. For the internet, prices range from around €9 to €83 depending on the supplier and speed.

Food

The cost of food and groceries in Austria is relatively affordable. A loaf of bread costs around €1.80, a bottle of wine is €7, and a bottle of beer is €1.10.

Eating Out

Eating out in Austria typically costs between €12 and €50, depending on the restaurant.

Transport

A single trip on public transportation in Austria costs between €1.80 and €2.20. A monthly pass for public transportation in Vienna is €51, while an annual ticket is €365.

Education

Austria has a free public education system, and around 90% of Austrian children attend these schools. Private secondary schools can be significantly more expensive, costing up to €55,000 if the child is boarding.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Austria is universal and accessible, with the vast majority of health concerns and medications covered. Social security pays for about 45% of total healthcare costs in Austria. If you are employed, 18.12% of your salary goes to social security, and your employer will contribute half of this.

Salaries

The average monthly salary in Austria is between €1,700 and €2,200, depending on the city.

Visa and residency requirements

The requirements for visas and residency in Austria vary depending on the applicant's country of origin and their reasons for moving. Here is an overview of the visa and residency requirements for Austria:

For EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens:

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can enter and reside in Austria without a visa. If they plan to stay longer than three months, they must register their stay with the local Austrian authorities. They are free to work, study, or join family members who are Austrian citizens.

For Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens (Third-Country Nationals):

Third-country nationals who want to move to Austria generally need a visa and a residence permit. The specific type of visa and permit will depend on their purpose for relocating, such as work, study, or family reunification. Here are the details for each category:

• Work: To work in Austria, non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need to apply for a work permit and a long-stay visa (D visa). Austria issues the Red-White-Red Card work permit to highly skilled non-EU nationals, which is valid for up to two years. The EU Blue Card is another option for highly skilled workers with a job offer from an Austrian employer, allowing them to bring their family members to Austria.
• Study: Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens wishing to study in Austria need to obtain a student visa, either Visa C or Visa D. Visa D is a long-term visa that can be switched to a student residence permit. Students must first enrol in an Austrian university and receive an acceptance letter before applying for the visa at the local embassy or consulate in their home country.
• Family Reunification: Third-country nationals legally residing in Austria can apply for a family reunification visa at the Austrian embassy or consulate to bring their family members to join them. This includes minor children under 18, partners in long-term relationships, and other relatives under specific circumstances. The family member residing in Austria must hold Austrian citizenship or a residence permit.
• Retirement: Austria does not offer retirement visas. However, financially independent individuals can obtain a "settlement permit except gainful employment," which is a type of residence permit. This permit is issued for 12 months and does not allow the holder to work.
• Investment: Austria offers residency by investment through its Private Residence Program. Applicants must have a minimum of EUR 40,000 in liquid funds, permanent residential real estate, private health insurance, and documented German language skills (A1 level). The program has a strict annual quota of around 300 individuals.

Regardless of their origin, all applicants should be prepared to provide the necessary documentation, meet the financial requirements, and follow the specified procedures for obtaining visas and residence permits. It is essential to refer to the official Austrian government sources and consult with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa and residency requirements.

Healthcare

Austria has a two-tier healthcare system, with nearly universal coverage. The system is complex, with responsibilities divided between the federal and regional governments.

Funding

The healthcare system is funded by a mix of general tax revenues and compulsory social health insurance (SHI) contributions. Income-related SHI contributions make up about 60% of publicly financed health expenditures, with the remaining 40% coming from general taxation.

Coverage

Austria's healthcare system covers all residents, as well as those from other EU countries. EU/EEA or Swiss students with national health insurance in their home country can use the European Health Insurance Card. Self-insured students must pay an insurance fee of €52.68 per month.

Enrollment

Enrollment in the public healthcare system is generally automatic and linked to employment. However, insurance is also guaranteed for spouses and dependents, pensioners, students, the disabled, and those receiving unemployment benefits. Enrollment is compulsory, and employers register their employees with the correct institution, deducting the health insurance tax from salaries. The self-employed are not automatically enrolled but are eligible to enroll. The cost of public insurance is based on income, not individual medical history or risk factors.

Insurance

All insured persons are issued an e-card, which must be presented when visiting a doctor. The e-card allows for the digitization of health claims and can be used for electronic signatures. Cards issued after October 2019 include a photo of the owner to prevent fraud.

Public vs Private Healthcare

Austria's healthcare system consists of public and private sectors, with almost 99% of the population being part of the public sector. Private healthcare is available for those who prefer it or cannot use public healthcare. Generally, private healthcare means no waiting times, a wider choice of physicians, and the choice of public or private clinics and hospitals. The quality of care does not vary significantly, but the comfort of care might.

Hospitals

Hospitals and clinics can be state-run or privately run. Austria has a relatively high density of hospitals and physicians. In 2011, there were 4.7 physicians per 1,000 people, slightly above the European average. In-patient care is emphasized within the Austrian healthcare system.

Waiting Times

Despite government claims that no noteworthy waits exist, medium or long waits are normal for at least some elective surgery. For example, in 2005, mean hip and knee replacement wait times ranged from 1 to 12 months, but were generally 3 to 6 months. Waiting times can be shortened by visiting a private hospital or clinic.

Language barrier

Austria is a highly developed and industrialized country that offers a high standard of living to its residents. The country has a lot to offer, from its beautiful natural scenery to its rich cultural heritage and world-class attractions. However, one of the challenges of living in Austria is the language barrier, especially if you plan to settle outside the big cities. Here are some things to consider regarding the language barrier in Austria:

Official Language

The official language of Austria is German, and while English is widely spoken, it has no official status in the country. This means that learning German can be extremely beneficial and make your transition to living in Austria much smoother. Austrians value their language, and speaking German will not only help you navigate day-to-day life but also grant you access to more job and educational opportunities.

Austrian German

It is important to note that Austrian German has regional quirks that make it different from standard German. These differences can make it more challenging to learn and understand, especially if you have prior knowledge of German. The dialect and accent vary across regions, so you may need to adjust to the specific version of Austrian German spoken in your chosen city or town.

Communication in Daily Life

In your daily life, you will likely encounter situations where knowledge of German is necessary. This includes simple tasks such as grocery shopping, navigating public transportation, and communicating with neighbors and local businesses. While many Austrians, especially the younger generation, do speak English, you may find that the farther you go from urban centers, the less English is spoken. This can be a significant challenge if you plan to live in a rural area or smaller town.

Education and Employment

If you plan to enroll your children in public schools or attend university yourself, knowledge of German is essential. While there are some international schools that offer education in English, the public education system primarily operates in German. Additionally, when it comes to employment, speaking German will open up more job opportunities. Many jobs, especially in fields like healthcare, education, and government, require proficiency in German.

Social Integration

Learning German can also facilitate your social integration and help you build friendships with locals. Austrians are known for their reserved nature, and speaking their language can be a great way to break the ice and connect with them on a deeper level. Joining local clubs, taking language classes, or participating in community events can provide opportunities to practice your German and make Austrian friends.

Resources for Learning German

There are numerous resources available to help you learn German, such as language apps, online courses, and local language schools. Additionally, Austria has a vibrant expat community, and you can connect with other expats who may be able to offer advice and support on learning the language.

Culture and social etiquette

Social Etiquette

Austrians are generally polite, formal, and reserved. They value punctuality, so it is important to arrive on time for social gatherings and appointments. If you are delayed, it is considered polite to inform your Austrian counterpart. In social situations, it is customary to arrive five to ten minutes before the designated time.

When greeting people in Austria, a quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting, accompanied by eye contact. Austrian men, particularly older men, may also greet women by kissing their hand. However, this practice is not common among foreign men. Greetings are often accompanied by verbal greetings such as "Guten Morgen" (good morning), "Guten Tag" (good day), or "Guten Abend" (good evening). It is customary to use formal titles and surnames until invited to use first names, especially in business settings.

When visiting someone's home in Austria, it is considered impolite to drop by unannounced. Instead, it is customary to call ahead and make plans before visiting. Guests are expected to offer to remove their shoes and may be provided with slippers or asked to wear socks. It is customary to stand until the host instructs guests where to sit. Hosts often offer beverages such as water, tea, coffee, or juice.

Table manners are important in Austria. It is considered rude to begin eating before everyone has been served and the host has indicated it is time to start, usually by saying "Guten Appetit" or "Mahlzeit". It is considered polite to finish everything on your plate and to use your fork to cut food, as a compliment to the cook.

Culture

Austria is a Federal Parliamentary Republic with a diverse cultural landscape influenced by its surrounding countries and its historical position within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. While it shares many similarities with Germany, Austrian culture is distinct and shaped by its unique historical episodes.

Catholicism plays an integral role in Austrian society, with over 56.9% of the population identifying as Catholic. However, the Austrian constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and there are many minority religions in the country.

German is the official language, spoken by 98% of Austrians as their native language. There are also several regional dialects, and other minority languages such as Croatian, Slovenian, and Hungarian, which are recognized as official languages in some regions due to immigration.

Austria is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Austrian Alps, and its rich cultural offerings, such as world-class museums, opera houses, theatres, and concerts. Coffee houses also play a significant role in Austrian culture and social life.

Frequently asked questions