A New Life: Austria Or America?

Moving abroad is a big decision, and there are many things to consider when choosing between Austria and America. Here are some key points to help you decide:

Visa and Residency Requirements:

If you're an EU/EEA citizen, you can move to Austria without a visa and reside there indefinitely. However, if you plan to stay for more than three months, you need to apply for a registration certificate. On the other hand, non-EU citizens need a visa and a residence permit to live in Austria. Similar visa requirements apply for the US, with non-immigrant visas being the most common way for non-US citizens to enter the country temporarily.

Cost of Living:

Austria, especially cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, is known for its high living costs, with expensive housing being a significant factor. In contrast, the cost of living in the US varies widely depending on the city and state, with some areas being more affordable than others.

Healthcare:

Both Austria and the US offer high-quality healthcare. Austria has a public-private healthcare system, with almost everyone covered by the public system. Healthcare is mandatory and primarily provided through employers. The US also has a mix of public and private healthcare, but it is not mandatory, and costs can vary significantly.

Education and Work Opportunities:

Austria boasts a well-developed education system, offering free universal preschool, primary, and secondary education. It also has many respected universities. The country has a high demand for highly skilled workers. The US also has a diverse range of educational institutions and job opportunities, but the quality and accessibility can vary depending on the state and individual circumstances.

Culture and Lifestyle:

Austria is known for its rich culture, stunning scenery, and high quality of life. It offers a safe environment, excellent healthcare and education, and a good work-life balance. The US, being a much larger and more diverse country, offers a wide range of cultural experiences and lifestyles, but these can vary significantly depending on the region.

Ultimately, the decision to move to Austria or stay in America depends on your personal circumstances, preferences, and goals. Both countries have their unique advantages and challenges, so it's essential to research and carefully consider all aspects of life in each country before making such a significant decision.

Visa and residency requirements

Austria

If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you do not need a visa, residence permit, or work permit to live in Austria. However, if you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need to apply for a visa. This can be a restricted work permit (valid for one year), a work permit (valid for two years), or an unrestricted work permit (valid for five years).

If you plan to stay in Austria for more than six months, you must apply for a residence permit before moving there. You can do this at any Austrian embassy or consulate. If you plan to stay for less than six months, you should apply for an entry permit instead. Austria visa requirements include providing biometric data, so you will need to make an appointment at an application centre to have your fingerprints taken.

If you are a citizen of a third country (a country outside the EU), you will need a Red-White-Red Card to live and work in Austria. This is issued for a period of 24 months and entitles you to fixed-term settlement and employment by the employer specified in your application. To be eligible, you must belong to one of the following groups:

• Very Highly Qualified Workers
• Skilled Workers in Shortage Occupations
• Graduates of Austrian Universities and Colleges of Higher Education
• Regular Workers in Tourism, Agriculture and Forestry
• Self-employed Key Workers

To obtain a residence permit, you must meet the following general requirements:

• Adequate means of subsistence: You must have a fixed and regular personal income that enables you to cover your living costs without resorting to welfare aid.
• Health insurance Coverage: You must have health insurance that provides benefits in Austria and covers all risks.
• Adequate Accommodation: You must provide evidence of a legal title to locally customary accommodation, considered adequate for your family size.
• No threat to public order or security: Your stay must not be contrary to public order or security, or substantially affect Austria's relations with other countries.

United States of America

To obtain a nonimmigrant US visa, you will need the following:

• A completed online DS-160 application form.
• A valid passport, valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay. Your passport must also have at least one blank page.
• One photograph, which you can upload while applying online.
• Receipt of payment of a $185 nonimmigrant US visa application fee.
• A list of your social media accounts and history from the previous five years.
• Any documents not in English or the official language of the interview location must be translated and certified by a competent translator.

In addition to these main documents, you may also need to provide:

• An older passport if you have previously visited the US.
• An invitation letter from a US citizen or legal resident confirming they are willing to admit you and have enough room for your entire stay.
• A travel itinerary, including flight reservations and inner flight reservations if applicable.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or a letter from a friend or relative.
• Proof of property in your home country or elsewhere.
• Employment or professional documents, such as a letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, and length of employment.
• A letter from a physician, following a medical examination with an embassy-approved doctor.
• Fingerprints, which will be taken either before or after the interview.

There are several ways to obtain permanent residency in the US, including:

• An employer-sponsored green card application, based on a specific, permanent, full-time job offer.
• A self-sponsored employment-based green card application without the need for a specific job offer.
• Marriage to a US citizen.
• Sponsorship by a close relative who is a US citizen or legal permanent resident.
• The US Department of State diversity lottery program.

Job opportunities

Austria has the 12th largest economy in the world and 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.

If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you can move to Austria without a visa, residence, or work permit. You can work, study, and live there freely. After three months, you must register your stay with the local Austrian authorities.

If you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to apply for a type D visa (a long-stay visa) and a residence permit. You can obtain these from an Austrian embassy or immigration authority.

Austria issues work permits, known as the Red-White-Red Card, to highly skilled non-EU nationals. This type of work permit is issued for up to two years, and there are specific requirements that must be met to be eligible. You must have secured a job before applying for this type of visa.

The Red-White-Red Card is also available to very highly qualified workers from third countries. To be eligible, you must meet a set of criteria and reach a minimum of 70 points. Criteria include qualifications, skills, salary, research and innovation activities, awards, work experience, language skills, and age.

If you do not yet have a job offer, you can enter Austria with a Job-Seeker Visa, which allows you to look for work for six months.

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

Austria has a diverse range of jobs and is a great option for those seeking work-life balance and an excellent quality of life.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Austria is generally cheaper than in the United States. Overall, the United States is about 31.5% more expensive than Austria. However, the specific differences vary depending on the type of expense.

Housing

Housing in Austria is significantly cheaper than in the United States. Rent prices in the United States are 85% higher than in Austria, and the cost of utilities is also higher.

Food

Food in Austria is about 7% cheaper than in the United States. Groceries in the United States are 14.5% more expensive, and restaurant prices are 15.3% higher.

Transportation

Transportation costs in Austria are about 20% cheaper than in the United States. A new car, such as a Volkswagen Golf 1.4, will cost more in the United States.

Clothing

Clothing is one area where the United States offers better value, with prices in Austria being 21% higher.

Childcare

Childcare is substantially more expensive in the United States than in Austria.

Entertainment and Sports

Entertainment and sports-related expenses are about 25.5% higher in the United States than in Austria.

Salaries

It is important to consider salaries when comparing the cost of living between countries. While the cost of living may be lower in Austria, wages may also be lower, which could impact overall purchasing power.

In conclusion, the cost of living in Austria is generally lower than in the United States, but there are variations in specific categories, and salary differences should also be considered when making a decision about relocating.

Language barrier

One of the biggest challenges of moving to a new country is the language barrier. Austria is no exception, with German being the official language. While English is widely spoken in the business world, particularly in urban centres, it is still important to consider the language barrier when deciding whether to move to Austria.

Learning the local language is crucial for expats to fully integrate into Austrian culture and society. Austrian German differs significantly from the German spoken in Germany, and it also varies regionally within Austria. This can make it challenging for expats to understand and be understood, even if they have studied German before. Enrolling in a language class or at least learning some basic words and phrases can be incredibly helpful.

Many Austrians know some English, but they often hesitate to speak it unless necessary for communication with foreigners. This means that expats relying solely on English may struggle to connect with locals on a deeper level. It can be difficult to make friends with Austrians, as they tend to lead more private personal lives and social exchanges in public are generally more reserved. However, Austrians are known for their friendliness, and they will gladly help you improve your German.

Overcoming the language barrier in Austria can be challenging, but not impossible. It requires dedication and a willingness to learn and immerse yourself in the language. Joining international groups and communities, such as expat organisations or language exchange groups, can also help ease the transition. Additionally, carrying a small notebook to write down new words and phrases, as well as embracing mistakes and corrections, can aid in the language learning process.

The language barrier should not be underestimated when considering a move to Austria. It will likely be one of the greatest challenges expats will face. However, with effort and perseverance, it can be overcome, allowing for a more fulfilling and integrated life in Austria.

Healthcare

Austria's healthcare system is a mix of public and private coverage. The public healthcare system is funded by mandatory health insurance and offers almost universal medical coverage to 99% of the population. It covers all essential care, including doctor visits and emergency care. However, certain treatments require co-payments, and private health services are not covered.

Public health insurance is mandatory for most Austrian residents, including employees, apprentices, trainees, and people collecting unemployment benefits. For others, it is optional but highly recommended, as medical treatments can be expensive without insurance. Austria's public healthcare system is inclusive and covers virtually every health issue and medication requirement, protecting all members of society. It also benefits spouses and children of those covered by the worker's medical insurance.

In the US, healthcare workers can earn high salaries. However, the high cost of healthcare can limit access for many patients. The US system is privatised, and healthcare is not considered a right but a commodity.

In Austria, health insurance is only mandatory for certain parts of the population. For example, workers and their dependent family members are legally required to register for insurance. For others, it is optional but highly recommended. Austrian pensioners have automatic access to public health insurance, and foreign seniors can voluntarily register when relocating to Austria.

Austria's public healthcare covers all purposeful and necessary treatments, including doctor visits, mandatory vaccinations, hospital and emergency care, and dental check-ups. Some health services, such as prescription medications and hospitalisation, require a small fee.

In the US, even with insurance, individuals may have to pay large sums for medical care and treatments. Without insurance, an unexpected illness or accident could result in bankruptcy.

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Frequently asked questions