Essential Information For Your Move To Austria

what information must I provide when moving to austria

If you're considering a move to Austria, there are several things you'll need to organise. The requirements vary depending on your nationality, but for non-Austrians, you'll need to apply for a visa or residence permit. If you're an EU/EEA citizen or a Swiss national, you can reside in Austria for up to 3 months without a visa, but you'll need to apply for a registration certificate if you plan to stay longer. For non-EU citizens, you'll need a job or university acceptance letter to apply for a visa and residence permit. You'll also need to provide various documents, including a passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and proof of financial means. It's also mandatory to have health insurance if you're employed, self-employed, or a student in Austria. If you're bringing pets, they'll need to be microchipped and have the necessary vaccinations.

Characteristics Values
Visa requirements EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa to live in Austria, nor a residence or work permit. Non-EU/EEA citizens will need to apply for a visa, which 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).
Proof of accommodation Required for visa application.
Health insurance Proof of health insurance is required for the visa application.
Income No proof of income is necessary according to the Settlement and Residence Act. However, there are special requirements concerning income when applying for a Red-White-Red Card or a Blue Card EU.
Education Non-EU citizens need to have a university acceptance letter to apply for a visa and residence permit.
Employment Non-EU citizens need to have a signed work contract to apply for a visa and residence permit.
Criminal record check A police record certificate is required for visa applications.

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Visa requirements

The visa requirements for moving to Austria depend on your citizenship. If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you do not need a visa to live in Austria, nor do you need a residence or work permit. However, if you plan to stay in Austria for more than three months, you will need to apply for a registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) within four months of your arrival. To obtain this certificate, you must notify the local or municipal authorities of your place of residence within three days of your arrival. Additionally, you must be employed or enrolled at an educational institute, have sufficient finances, and have health insurance coverage. All necessary documents, such as birth certificates or higher education degrees, need to be translated into German or English and legalized.

If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need to apply for a visa to stay in Austria for up to six months. For longer stays, you will require a residence permit. There are several types of visas available for non-EU/EEA citizens:

  • Restricted work permit: This type of permit lasts for one year.
  • Work permit: This permit is valid for two years.
  • Unrestricted work permit: This permit allows for a stay of up to five years.
  • Red-White-Red Card: This card is for qualified employees. There are special requirements concerning income according to the "Act Governing the Employment of Foreign Nations".

To apply for a visa, you must provide certain documents, including a police record certificate and proof of health insurance coverage. Austrian government offices will require an "APOSTILLE" authentication on documents presented with the visa application. Additionally, you must prove that you have found suitable accommodation. Booking temporary hotel stays is not sufficient, as you need to register your address within three days of your arrival.

It is important to note that the requirements and procedures for obtaining a visa may change, and it is always best to refer to the official websites and authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

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Housing

When it comes to housing in Austria, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to build a robust budget to ensure you are financially prepared for the cost of living in Austria. Rental prices can fluctuate significantly depending on the city, so it is essential to research the market in your desired location. For example, renting an apartment in Vienna can cost approximately €1,200 per month, while a room might be around €590, and a studio could be about €916 per month.

When renting a home in Austria, you will typically need to sign a lease and provide proof of identity. In some cases, you may also be asked for proof of employment, your visa, and references from previous landlords. Additionally, it is mandatory to register your address with the municipal authorities within three working days of entering the country and whenever you change addresses. This process is free of charge and can be done at a Registration Service Centre in the city or by mail. If you are an EU citizen, you can stay in Austria for up to three months without any restrictions and without needing a visa. However, if you plan to stay longer, you must register with the authorities and apply for a registration certificate.

Your rent in Austria will typically comprise three parts: your base rent, operating costs, and any applicable taxes. The base rent is your fixed monthly payment, which may be controlled by the government or reflect market conditions depending on the region. Operating costs cover water, waste, sewage, building insurance, and improvements, and there may be additional costs for elevator maintenance. In terms of the type of housing available, there is a range of options, from studio apartments and urban flats to wooden cabins and cottages in the mountains. Many of the newer buildings in Austria are known for their high-quality, eco-friendly construction.

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Healthcare

Austria has one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems in the world, providing medical services that are on par with the standards of other European countries. The public healthcare system and health insurance in Austria are inclusive, covering nearly 99% of its citizens. The system also benefits spouses and children of those covered by the worker's medical insurance.

If you are a UK national, you may be entitled to state-funded healthcare in Austria if you receive a UK State Pension or an exportable benefit. You may also be entitled to an S1 form if you're a frontier worker. You must contact HMRC National Insurance to find out if you're eligible. Once you have an S1 form, you must register it on the Austrian system, entitling you and your dependents to healthcare in Austria on the same basis as an Austrian citizen.

Students from EU/EEA countries can use the European Health Insurance Card to access healthcare in Austria. Self-insured students based in Austria must pay around 50 EUR per month for national health insurance. If you are a UK student, you should apply for a Student GHIC to get medically necessary, state-provided healthcare for the duration of your studies. If you already hold a valid Student EHIC, you can use this until the card expires.

Expats working in Austria must pay into a health insurance scheme, which goes into a larger social security system. The system will cover you and your family for health, accidents, or pension insurance. The amount an individual has to pay is determined by their salary level, with the employer also obliged to make a contribution. Asylum seekers and refugees in Austria are automatically insured with public health insurance if free co-insurance with relatives is not possible.

If you are an expat, you can also opt for additional private health insurance. The average cost of private health insurance in Austria is approximately 220 EUR per month, although prices vary depending on factors such as age and the features included. Before purchasing any international private health insurance, ensure that it covers medical evacuation and air evacuation.

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Education

After completing compulsory education, all young people must either continue school education or go into professional training ('Lehre') until the age of eighteen or until they have successfully completed a further educational level. Intermediate vocational schools (from age fourteen, grades nine to eleven or twelve) conclude with a technical examination. Higher vocational schools (from age fourteen, grades nine to thirteen) conclude with a technical examination and the general school-leaving examination ('Matura'). Training for around 250 professions can be obtained in basic vocational training (apprenticeship) from the age of fifteen.

The best schools for higher education can be found in various cities around Austria, so good educational options should be within a reasonable distance. The University of Vienna is the highest-ranked university in Austria, with approximately 95,000 students. Austria has 23 public and 13 private universities, which offer a full spectrum of degree programs. There are no fees for state schools, but private schools are fee-paying establishments.

If you are moving to Austria for educational purposes, you will need to apply for a student visa. This requires a university acceptance letter, as well as other documents such as a passport, proof of accommodation, health insurance, and proof of financial means. If you are a US citizen, you will also need to submit a police record certificate and provide fingerprints.

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Shipping and storing household goods

When moving to Austria, there are a few things you need to keep in mind regarding shipping and storing your household goods. Here is some detailed information to guide you through the process:

Shipping Options:

You have two main options for shipping your household goods to Austria: air freight or ocean freight. Air freight is faster but more expensive, while ocean freight is more affordable but takes longer.

Frequently asked questions

If you are an EU or EEA citizen, you do not need a visa to live in Austria. However, if you plan to stay for more than 3 months, you will need to apply for a registration certificate. If you are from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need to apply for a visa.

There are certain vaccinations you will need before moving to Austria. You should also ensure your pets have the necessary vaccinations and microchipping.

All necessary documents, such as birth certificates and education degrees, need to be translated into German or English and then legalised. Even if your documents are in English, you may need to legalise them if their authenticity is not recognised in Austria.

If you have a foreign registered vehicle, you may only use it for up to one month before having to re-register it with an Austrian license plate.

You will need to check that your foreign qualifications are recognised in Austria. You can find jobs online, such as on the Austrian Public Employment Service (AMS).

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