
Austria has a history of emigration, with 4.3 million emigrants to the United States between 1860 and 1974, and a large Austrian community in Buenos Aires, Argentina. However, since the 1960s, Austrian emigration has decreased, and the country now attracts immigrants, with 27.2% of the population having a migrant background as of 2024.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Destination of Austrian emigrants between 1860 and 1974 | United States |
| Number of Austrian emigrants to the United States between 1860 and 1974 | 4.3 million |
| States with the largest Austrian American populations | New York, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, and Ohio |
| Austrian emigration to North America between 1919 and 1924 | fewer than 20,000, mainly from Burgenland |
| Yearly Austrian emigration to the United States in 1941 | 29,000, mostly Jewish |
| Yearly Austrian emigration to the United States between 1945 and 1960 | 40,000 |
| Number of Americans of Austrian descent according to the 1990 U.S. census | 948,558 |
| Number of Canadians of Austrian descent according to the 2016 Census | 207,050 |
| Destination of Austrian emigrants during the First and Second World Wars | Argentina |
| Number of Austrian descendants in Buenos Aires in the early 1930s | approximately 9,000 |
| Number of Austrian descendants in Buenos Aires according to the Austrian Embassy in the early 1930s | approximately 7,000 |
| Top foreign nationalities in Austria as of February 2024 | Germans, Romanians, Turks, and Serbians |
| Foreign nationalities in Austria that increased the most since 2015 | Syrians, Romanians, Ukrainians, Germans, and Hungarians |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Emigration to the United States
Austrian migration to the United States probably began in 1734 when 50 families from Salzburg, Austria, migrated to Georgia. This migration was due to Catholic repression in their country. In the first 50 years of the 19th century, more Austrians emigrated to the United States, although the number did not exceed a thousand. In 1864, Johann Michael Kohler and his family migrated from Schnepfau, Vorarlberg, to Minnesota, where they farmed.
During the second half of the 19th century, Austrian emigration to the United States increased significantly, and by 1900, there were 275,000 Austrians living in the US. Between 1901 and 1910, Austrians were one of the ten most significant immigrant groups in the United States, with more than 2.1 million Austrians emigrating during this period. Many of them, more than 35%, returned to Austria with their savings.
From 1919 to 1924, fewer than 20,000 Austrians emigrated to the United States, mainly from Burgenland. However, since the late 1930s, many Austrians, particularly Jews, fled to the United States to escape Nazi persecution. In 1941, around 29,000 Jewish Austrians had emigrated to the United States, and after World War II ended, approximately 40,000 more Austrians emigrated.
Since the 1960s, Austrian immigration to the United States has been relatively small due to Austria's development and the reduction of poverty and political oppression in the country. According to the 2000 US census, there were 735,128 Americans of full or partial Austrian descent, accounting for 0.3% of the population. The states with the largest Austrian American populations are New York, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, and Ohio.
The Complex Alliance: Germany and Austria-Hungary's Pact
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Emigration to Canada and Latin America
Emigration to Canada
Austrian migration to Canada dates back to the 17th century when soldiers from the Austro-Hungarian Empire settled in New France. Emigration to Canada increased in the late 19th century and early 20th century, until it was tightened in 1914 at the onset of World War I. According to the 2016 Census, there were 207,050 Canadians who claimed full or partial Austrian ancestry, with a higher concentration in Western Canada.
Emigration to the United States
Austrian migration to the United States has a long history, possibly beginning in 1734 when 50 families from Salzburg, Austria, migrated to Georgia due to religious persecution. From 1860 to 1974, approximately 4.3 million Austrians emigrated to the United States, including ethnic Germans, Poles, Czechs, and others. During this period, many Austrians also emigrated to Latin America. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 735,128 Americans of full or partial Austrian descent, with the largest populations in New York, California, and Pennsylvania.
Emigration to Latin America
While specific numbers are not provided, it is mentioned that during the same period of high emigration to the United States (1860-1974), many Austrians also emigrated to Latin America. The countries of Latin America that have received Austrian emigrants include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Austria-Hungary's Role in the Balkan Wars: Complex and Complicated
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Austrian visas and residency
Austria is a popular destination for expats, with a welcoming community and a high quality of life. The country boasts a top-tier healthcare system, a strong social security network, and a diverse and highly-regarded education system.
If you're considering a move to Austria, here's an overview of the visa and residency requirements:
Visas:
- EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals can stay in Austria for up to three months without a visa. They can also reside longer-term if they meet certain requirements due to their right to free movement within the EU.
- Nationals of other countries require a visa for stays over 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa entitles them to stay in Austria for up to six months.
- For longer stays, a residence permit is required. This includes the Red-White-Red Card, which is for qualified workers from non-EU countries, and their family members. It is issued for 24 months and allows fixed-term settlement and employment.
- Austria also offers a Golden Visa program, which provides residency in an EU member state and visa-free access to Europe's Schengen Area. This option has strict requirements, including having approximately €50,000 in liquid funds, permanent accommodation, German language skills, and private health insurance.
- Students from third countries require an employment permit if they wish to work during their studies.
- Austria also has a Private Residence Program with strict quotas, requiring proof of funds, permanent housing, German language skills, private health insurance, and more.
Housing and Property:
Austria offers various housing options, including detached houses, apartments, and unique estates like the Maierhof housing estate in Bludenz. If you're not an Austrian national, certain provinces don't allow non-EU citizens to purchase property in their name, but it can be registered with a legal entity.
Social and Health:
Austria's social insurance system includes health, accident, pension, and unemployment insurance. Health insurance is mandatory for workers and is typically handled by the employer. Family members can often be insured under the same policy.
Education:
Compulsory schooling in Austria starts the year a child turns six by August 31st and lasts for nine years. The education system is diverse and highly regarded, but most instruction is in German.
In conclusion, Austria offers a range of visa and residency options, catering to various needs and backgrounds. The process can be intimidating, but with proper planning and meeting the requirements, you can take advantage of the opportunities this Alpine country presents.
Exploring Dallas to Vienna: The Cost of Flight Travel
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Austrian social insurance and healthcare
Austria's healthcare system is ranked in the top ten globally by the World Health Organization. It is split into two tiers: public health insurance and private health insurance. The Austrian social insurance system is based on the principle of solidarity and includes health insurance, accident insurance, pension insurance, and unemployment insurance. Health insurance is mandatory for all workers in Austria and is handled by the employer. Self-employed people with a trade license, new self-employed persons, and contractors must pay their social security contributions themselves. The Austrian social insurance system consists of several pillars, with contribution rates varying depending on the specific group of employees an individual belongs to, such as wage earners, salary earners, or apprentices.
The underlying prerequisite for accessing health insurance benefits is presenting an e-card, which every insured person receives from their medical insurance provider within 14 days of registration. For those without Austrian citizenship, an additional step is required after receiving a social security number: they must bring a passport photo to one of the registration offices to obtain their e-card.
In addition to covering the costs of medical treatment, hospitalisation, and medical check-ups, the Austrian health insurance system also covers childcare allowances, sickness benefits, and payments during maternity leave. It also assumes costs for dental care, rehabilitation, home nursing, therapeutic aids, and examinations within the context of the mother-child pass and nursing.
Austria has a multicultural society with a diverse and high-quality education system. All children residing in Austria are subject to compulsory schooling, which starts in the year a child turns six by 31 August and lasts for nine years. Children whose native language is not German can attend German remedial classes.
The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle: Ending the War of Austrian Succession
You may want to see also

Driving in Austria
If you're taking your own vehicle to Austria, there are a few requirements to be aware of. Since 28th September 2021, vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters 'UK' when driven in Austria. This can be incorporated into the number plate or displayed as a separate sticker. You can drive in Austria with a UK-issued driving licence, but it's important to have your licence with you at all times. If you have a foreign driving licence, you can use it for up to three months after moving to Austria, after which you'll need to obtain an Austrian licence.
There are also some essential items you must carry in your vehicle by law, including a warning triangle and reflective jackets, which should be worn if you break down outside built-up areas and on all major routes. Additionally, everyone in the car must have a safety vest that meets the EN471 standard requirements and must be worn in case of an emergency or breakdown. You will also need to purchase a toll vignette, which allows you to drive on Austrian roads legally. During the winter months, snow chains are mandatory if indicated by signs, and winter tires are required between 1st November and 15th April.
It's important to familiarize yourself with Austria's traffic rules to avoid fines and stay safe. For example, children always have priority when crossing the street, and the speed limit on motorways is typically 130 km/h. Using a mobile phone while driving or cycling is prohibited, and you must give way to emergency services. Keep in mind that Austria takes its road rules seriously, and violations can result in hefty fines and penalties.
Exploring Europe: Austria and Spain's Distance Delights
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Since the 1960s, Austrian emigration has been small. However, in the past, many Austrians have moved to the United States, Latin America, and the United Kingdom.
The states with the largest Austrian American populations are New York, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, New Jersey, and Ohio.
Between 1860 and 1974, 4.3 million emigrants from Austria moved to the United States.
Austrian immigration to the United States occurred in large waves between 1919 and 1924, and again between 1945 and 1960.
Many Austrians, particularly Jewish Austrians, fled Nazi persecution following the Annexation of Austria in 1938.
























