Vienna has even been ranked by so many studies as the best city in the world to live in. It’s no wonder why millions of people are now applying for Austrian citizenship.
In this article, we’ll be revealing everything you need to know if you want to relocate to Austria. This guide is quite handy for people that may have visited the country before and are looking for legal options to relocate to one of the best countries on Earth.
How is life in Austria?
Just in case you have never been to Austria, we are going to walk you through all you need to know before you can move to this EU country. For starters, this European country offers its residents the highest quality of life and standard of living on Earth. It even surpassed 65 other countries that shared similar traits.
It is also connected with other European states including Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Slovakia, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, and Liechtenstein. Since Austria has a very developed public sector, you may not need a car to get around the country and even visit other EU countries.
Austria also boasts of an excellent social security system, high-quality academic system, and healthcare. There are more than enough hospitals and pharmacies in the country for everyone to receive their treatment and medications on time.
Even higher education is free for EU/EEA citizens. This feat is not common in the EU and other developed countries in the world. Students from countries outside the European Union can also be enrolled in any tertiary institution of their choice and spend just €1,200 on tuition every year.
Just in case you’re not relocating to the country for the educational or healthcare benefits, you should know that the country has a lot of stunning landscapes and incredible culture just in case you want to turn a new leaf and start life all over again with the best experience.
There are hundreds of mountains, lakes, parks, rivers, hills, glacier waterfalls, and forests that you can explore to rediscover yourself. This is one of the few reasons why many foreigners choose Austria as their chosen destination.
I can boldly tell you that life in Austria is simply fantastic.
How can I move to Austria?
Relocating to Austria is easier than you think. The government has removed a lot of roadblocks and bureaucracy to ensure the smooth movement of people, goods, and services.
So if you think that moving to Austria would cost you a fortune, don’t be alarmed, you can even complete your relocation on a small budget.
It is however easier to relocate to Austria if you are an EU national than if you are a citizen of a third-country state. If you are a citizen of any EU country, your relocation is straightforward and does not require too much paperwork.
Non-EU nationals may have to wait for their application to be approved and even complete another set of applications after they’ve arrived in the country. Here’s a complete guide on how to move to Austria from EU and Non-EU countries.
Austria relocation guide for EU nationals
The relocation process is super easy for EU nationals and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland because they don’t need a travel visa or work permit to reside and work in Austria.
National of the countries that signed the agreements on the abolition of visa requirements can travel and live in Austria for a maximum period of 90 days before they can file for a residence permit.
Austria relocation guide for Non-EU nationals
Foreign nationals from countries outside the EU must possess a valid visa permit if they want to reside in Austria and a work permit if they wish to attain employment or get paid for product or service during their stay.
The Austrian visa application is straightforward but doesn’t ensure your permanent relocation. You’d have to possess a residence permit before you move to Austria if you plan to live in the country for more than six months.
You can complete your application at any Austrian embassy or consulate in your country. The application for these travel documents will cost you less than €250 (depending on your country and your relationship with Austria). Your application must be filed with the following documents.
- A valid passport
- Two passport photographs
- Copies of your Schengen visas [if available]
- A cover letter of the purpose of your visit and itinerary
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Proof of status (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or similar)
- Proof of financial sustenance [bank statement]
If you are relocating for work or employment or plan to get employed during your stay, you must also bring the following documents.
- Invitation letter from the company you got employed in.
- A certificate from your employer explaining the purpose of your trip.
- Memorandum and Article of Association
- Trade insurance
You must apply for your visa and permit at least 3 months before your travel because these applications take time to process. You should also verify the required documents needed from any diplomatic representation near you.
You can find an Austrian embassy or representation in your own country here.
How to complete your relocation to Austria
After you’ve arrived in Austria, you must register your residence with the authorities (Meldebehörde) within three days. The procedure is also very simple, fast, and free of charge.
You must bring an identification document like your international passport or ID card to verify your identity before you can be given a Residence Registration Form (Meldezettel) to fill out.
Once your application is recognized, you’ll receive written confirmation of registration (Bestätigung der Meldung). You can use this confirmation as proof of address, open a bank account, get employment, and sign a telephone contract…
European Union nationals and citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are also required to apply for a Registration Certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung) if they plan on staying for more than 3 months.
Once this is done, you are legally registered and free to live in Austria as long as you want. If you are from a Non-EU country, you’ll have to renew your residence permit if you want to continue living in the country.