Strategically located in the heart of Europe, Austria has long played an important role in the history of the European continent. From this rich past, the country has preserved a remarkable monumental heritage that gives it a cultural identity. Austria's mountains, the home of top-class skiing, reveal their unexpected charms during the summer months. The many lakes and national parks that dot the country testify to the exceptional nature.  Emigrating to Austria may be the best solution. So, we have created a guide with all the secrets to emigrating and working in Austria.

Read more about Austrian citizenship by investment, as well as the benefits, requirements and application procedure here.

The best places to visit in Austria: the main sights to see and do - find here.

More information on emigrating to Austria

Austria is a small, traditional country in the heart of Europe, with a population of about 8.8 million. Many things will surprise you when you decide to settle in Austria. The first thing that catches your eye is the climate. It is quite cold in winter, but only snow and ice for a few days, not all the time; while in summer it is hot.

Also, you need the meet new people, so Austrians are friendly and approachable, but it can take years to take the next step, friendship. Austrians are very cold, and it is not easy to get them to trust you. Once they do, however, it's forever.

How to emigrate to Austria

A dialect of German is spoken in Austria. And within the country, there are different dialects in individual regions. Knowledge of them is a prerequisite for getting a job in Austria and, if necessary, a residence permit. If you are a member of the European Union (EU), you do not need a visa or a work permit for Austria; a passport or an identity card suffices. If you are not a member of the EU, you will need a tourist or Schengen visa to start staying in the country, then a residence permit, as well as a work permit for foreigners, which is independent of the previous permit and without which you cannot work. The latter must be requested by the employer and obtained before the employee arrives in the country. 

If you are an EU citizen, you do not need a work permit in Austria, but you have to register at the municipal council or registry office, which costs 50 euros. In addition, you have to provide proof of sufficient income, that is, proof that you have enough money to live in Austria without having to apply for any help, and registration with private health insurance, if possible. 

A second medical consultation for discharge requires a deposit of €150, part of which is refunded to you if necessary. It is therefore important to have private insurance.

For all these procedures, you need to have the following documents at hand: 

1. Your passport or ID card

2. Birth certificate

3. Your driver's license (if you have one)

4. A registration form for your address in Austria (for which you need the signature of the landlord if rented, or documents proving that you are the owner of the apartment) 

5. Marriage certificate (if you have one) 

6. Children's birth certificates (if any), as well as a family book and even a census of your pets (after paying the annual tax)

7. Job application documents (letter of application, resume, certificate in German and English, and photo). 

It is also not a bad idea to bring all your academic credentials with you, because you will be registered with a familiar name with which you will be approached, and this is very, very important in Austria and can open many doors. The more diplomas the better.

Qualified immigration opens up new opportunities

The main criteria are qualifications, work experience, age, language skills, minimum income, and a suitable job offer. The new Austrian immigration system applies to the following groups of people:

• Highly qualified persons
• Skilled workers in professions with a shortage of skilled labour
• Other key employees
• Self-employed key workers
• Foreigners with higher education in Austria
• Start-up founders.

Residing, working, or studying in Austria

As a citizen of an EU country, you have the right to travel to any other EU country. All you need is a valid identity card or passport. Since January 1, 2006, EU citizens who have settled in Austria must apply for a registration certificate. This formality, which is separate from the declaration of residence, has to be fulfilled within 3 months from the date of taking up residence in the municipality. Your right to travel can only be restricted for reasons of public order, public safety, or public health. 

Thus, your right to travel does not depend on your situation: whether you travel for professional or private reasons, whether you are an employee, self-employed, or a tourist, you have the right to travel anywhere in the EU.

Since the official recognition of foreign qualifications in Austria is very complex, already in 2012 the ABC brochure on the recognition of qualifications and the Berufsanerkennung website were made publicly available. The information in the brochure and on the website has been updated and is available in several languages.

Are you a non-EU citizen and want to settle in Austria?

As a non-EU citizen with a valid EU residence permit, you can stay in Austria for up to 3 months (as a tourist) without a visa.

A "C" or "D" visa is required for other purposes (internship, work, etc.) as well as for stays of 3 to 6 months. 

If you want to stay in Austria for more than 6 months, you need a residence permit, which you can get if you live in France from the consular section of the Austrian Embassy in Paris or from the Austrian Consulate General in Strasbourg (if you live in the Alsace, Lorraine, and Franche-Comté regions). Other consulates do not issue visas.

Passport and visa requirements

The document and passport requirements for travel to Austria depend on the type of entry permit you are applying for. In general, however, they will be as follows:

1. A passport with at least 6 months validity
2. Photo 3.5 cm x 4 cm, current and against a white background
3. Proof of travel to Austria
4. Proof of hotel accommodation
5. Proof of financial solvency
6. Proof of private or Austrian medical insurance
7. Payment of applicable consular fees.

Residence visa for Austria

There are different types of residence permits in Austria, which depend on what you are going to do in Austria and for how long.

1. Short-term visa (less than 6 months).

2. Aufenthaltserlaubnis, a residence permit for work or study for a defined period

3. Niederlassungsnachweis, to settle in Austria for an indefinite period.

Please note:

Applications for all residence permits in Austria must be submitted to the embassy or consulate of the country of origin (before arrival in Austria).

If the traveller is in Austria on a tourist visa, he/she will not be able to obtain other permits.

This is a slow process, so it must be done in good time. For each procedure general and specific requirements must be met. The consular fee must be paid.

Is it worth moving to Austria?

In conclusion, if you are thinking about emigrating to Austria, it is best to have a good command of the German language and at least a university or college degree. Get all your documents in order before you leave home because you will be asked for them, including diplomas and any letters of recommendation you may have. Check out job openings and even sign up for job search courses before you move, and most importantly, have a place to live and savings to help you get through the first 6 months. Otherwise, Austria is not the best option for you.