Immigration Challenges: Austria's Tough Entry Requirements

Austria is a highly developed and industrialized country that offers a high standard of living to its residents. It has a lot of pros, such as free healthcare, a high-quality education system, and a safe environment with a low crime rate. However, it is known to be an expensive country to live in, especially in cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. So, is it hard to immigrate to Austria? The answer depends on where you are coming from. If you are an EU/EEA citizen or from Switzerland, you can move to Austria permanently without a visa. After three months, you simply need to register your stay with the local Austrian authorities. On the other hand, if you are not an EU/EEA citizen or from Switzerland, the process is more complicated. You will need a visa and a residence permit to move to Austria, and you will have to obtain these before settling at an Austrian embassy or through immigration authorities. You will also need to prove that you have sufficient funds and meet various other requirements.

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can move to Austria without a visa, but non-EU citizens need a visa and a residence permit

Moving to Austria as an EU/EEA/Swiss Citizen

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens have the right to reside in Austria for up to three months without a visa. After this period, they can continue to live in Austria without a visa if they meet certain requirements, including:

• Being an employee or self-employed worker in Austria
• Having sufficient resources and comprehensive sickness insurance cover for themselves and their family members
• Having the principal aim of obtaining a qualification from a state school or recognised private educational institution, and having sufficient sickness insurance cover and resources for themselves and their family members

EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who plan to stay in Austria for longer than three months are required to notify the settlement authority and will receive a 'registration certificate' upon request. After five years of legal and continuous residence in Austria, they can request a 'certificate of permanent residence'.

Moving to Austria as a Non-EU Citizen

Non-EU citizens who are planning to stay in Austria for longer than six months need a residence permit. There are different types of residence permits available, including the Red-White-Red Card and the Blue Card. The requirements for obtaining a residence permit include:

• Adequate means of subsistence (a fixed and regular personal income to cover living costs without resorting to welfare aid)
• Health insurance coverage that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks
• Adequate accommodation (a legal title to locally customary accommodation, considered adequate for family size)
• No threat to public order, security, or Austria's relations with other countries

In addition to a residence permit, non-EU citizens also need a visa to enter and stay in Austria. The type of visa and residence permit required will depend on the individual's specific circumstances, such as their country of origin, qualifications, and intended duration of stay.

Austria offers free healthcare to all its residents

Immigration laws vary from country to country, and each country has its own set of requirements and procedures. While some countries may have more lenient immigration policies, others may have stricter ones. Here are some insights into immigrating to Austria and how its free healthcare system works for all its residents.

Austria's Immigration Requirements

Austria has a points-based immigration scheme, and one of the requirements is to find an employer who is willing to hire you over an Austrian candidate. This can be challenging, as employers need to demonstrate that they couldn't find a suitable Austrian candidate for the job. Additionally, for permanent residency, you will need to speak German at a minimum of B1 level, and knowing the language will be essential for day-to-day living.

Austria's Healthcare System

Austria has a two-tier healthcare system, offering publicly funded care to all residents while also providing the option to purchase supplementary private health insurance. The public healthcare system in Austria is known for its quality and ease of access. It is considered a fundamental right, and everyone, including asylum seekers, refugees, and those without legal residence, is guaranteed access to essential medical help.

Publicly Funded Healthcare

The Austrian healthcare system is funded by a combination of government spending, social health insurance, and employee contributions. While medical insurance is mandatory for certain groups, others can voluntarily sign up for public or private insurance. The public sector offers almost universal medical coverage, and even those without insurance can access essential treatments.

Private Healthcare Options

Many residents in Austria opt for private health insurance to access quicker and more comprehensive care. Private insurance offers additional benefits such as shorter waiting times, direct access to specialists, and higher levels of comfort and flexibility in hospitals and clinics. However, it is worth noting that private healthcare comes at a cost, and not everyone may be able to afford it.

Accessing Healthcare as a Foreigner

Foreigners can access healthcare in Austria through different means. EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for medically necessary treatments during their temporary stay. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals must take out private insurance as part of their visa application. Expats from EU/EEA/UK can also use their EHIC card or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for healthcare services.

Overall Impressions

Austria's healthcare system is highly regarded, ranking 9th in the World Health Organization's international ranking in the mid-2000s. It is known for its quality, accessibility, and comprehensive coverage. However, there may be longer wait times for certain elective procedures, and waitlists for specific treatments can vary across the country.

In summary, while immigrating to Austria may have its challenges, the country offers a robust healthcare system that provides coverage to all its residents, ensuring that essential medical needs are met.

Austria is an expensive country to live in, especially in cities like Vienna

Austria is an expensive country to live in, and this is especially true in cities like Vienna. The cost of living in Vienna is higher than in 68% of cities in the world.

For a single person, the estimated monthly costs are around 1057.5$ (1029.5€) without rent, and a family of four can expect to pay around 3662.7$ (3565.8€) per month, excluding rent. Rent prices in Vienna are high, with a small apartment in the city centre costing upwards of 1000€ per month. Utilities for a studio apartment for one person are approximately 100€ per month, while utilities for a larger apartment for a family can reach 400€ or more.

Food expenses in Vienna are also significant. Groceries for one person are estimated at 400-500€ per month, and eating out can be costly. A basic lunchtime meal in the business district costs around 10€, and a dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant can be upwards of 50€.

Transportation costs are another factor to consider. A monthly public transport pass costs around 80€, and taxi fares start at 4€ and increase quickly.

Other essential expenses include internet service, which is approximately 30€ per month for an 8 Mbps connection, and mobile phone plans, which can be 20€ or more per month.

Overall, the high cost of living in Austria, and particularly in Vienna, is a significant consideration for anyone thinking of relocating there. While salaries in Vienna may be higher than in other parts of the country, the cost of living is also considerably higher. As such, it is important to carefully research and plan before making the move to ensure a comfortable standard of living.

Austria is ranked as the second most liveable country in the world

Austria's capital, Vienna, has been recognised as Europe's centre for classical music innovation, with famous composers such as Franz Schubert and Johann Strauss born in the city, and Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart spending much of their lives there.

However, Austria has also been ranked as one of the most difficult countries for foreigners to settle in, with low scores in the Ease of Settling In category of the Expat Insider Survey. It seems that Austrians are generally unfriendly to foreign residents, making it hard for internationals to make Austrian friends. More than two in five international residents find that Austrians are particularly unfriendly towards foreigners, and over half of the residents find it hard to make local friends. This may be due to the language barrier, as 56% of foreigners find it difficult to learn German, which is necessary to live in Austria.

For those looking to immigrate to Austria, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, Austria has a points-based immigration scheme, and you will need to find an employer who is willing to hire you over an Austrian national. Secondly, for permanent residency, you will need to speak German at a minimum of B1 level. Thirdly, if you are not an EU/EEA citizen or Swiss national, you will need a visa to enter Austria, and this will entitle you to a stay of up to six months. To stay longer than six months, you will need a residence permit. Finally, all children under the age of 18 living in the same household must be registered with the competent authority.

Despite the challenges of settling in, Austria remains an attractive option for immigrants due to its high quality of life, central location in Europe, and strong economy.

To obtain Austrian citizenship, you must give up your previous citizenship

Austria has strict requirements for immigration and acquiring citizenship. While it is not impossible to immigrate to the country, there are several steps and criteria that must be met. One of the critical requirements for obtaining Austrian citizenship is that individuals must generally give up their previous citizenship. This is a crucial aspect of becoming an Austrian citizen, and it is essential to understand the process and the limited exceptions to this rule.

Austria's citizenship law typically does not permit dual citizenship, and individuals seeking Austrian citizenship are expected to renounce their previous nationality. This means that those applying for Austrian citizenship must submit proof that they have given up their prior citizenship. This can be a complex process, as the steps to renounce one's citizenship vary depending on the applicant's country of origin. However, Austria does recognise that, in some cases, it may not be possible or reasonable for an applicant to give up their previous citizenship. In such situations, the competent office of the provincial government will make an assessment and determine whether an exception can be made.

There are a few specific exceptions to the rule of single citizenship. For instance, children born with dual citizenship—for example, when one parent is Austrian and the other is a foreign citizen—will not lose their Austrian citizenship. Additionally, in rare cases, Austria may waive the requirement to renounce previous citizenship if it serves the special interests of the Republic of Austria due to the foreign national's extraordinary achievements or expected future accomplishments.

It is important to note that the process of obtaining Austrian citizenship also involves fulfilling other criteria. These include demonstrating German language proficiency, basic knowledge of Austria's democratic system and history, and meeting specific residency requirements. Applicants must also show that they have no criminal record or pending criminal proceedings and can financially support themselves.

While the process of immigrating to Austria and obtaining citizenship may be challenging, it is not impossible. However, it is essential to carefully review the requirements, understand the exceptions, and be prepared to meet the criteria set forth by the Austrian government.

Frequently asked questions