Your life in Austria starts here
Make your move to Austria
Alpine scenery, ski slopes and Vienna's music and coffee-house life sit alongside excellent healthcare and a safe, orderly society. English is widely spoken, making everyday life straightforward.
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Photo: Michael Pointner / Pexels
At a glance
Austria, in brief.
How Austria compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Austria ranks among the best for healthcare (2nd of 78) and english-friendliness (21st of 81) and size of expat community (21st of 81).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- High
- Property
- Moderate
- Healthcare
- Excellent
- Safety
- Safe
- Climate
- Cool (~11°C)
- English
- Very widely spoken
- Expat community
- Very large
Skilled or private-means (quota-limited)
Worldwide income, 55% top
Life in Austria
Read an interview with Gregory Venters about his life as an expat in Croatia and Austria.
Health insurance in Austria
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Compare money transfer rates
Your move plan
Austria, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Austria into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Austria.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Compare money transfer ratesFor large international transfers.05
The complete picture
The Austria moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Austria
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Austria share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Austria stories
- Salzburg
Serena
My name is Serena, I am 27, and I come from a beautiful country, rich with breath-taking landscapes, sun and genuine people.…
- Gmunden
Sarah and Eric Hollis
We are Sarah and Eric Hollis – your ordinary, animal-obsessed, travel-loving family presented with a life-changing opportunity to emBARK on a three-year,…
- Salzburg
Dr. Michèle Moriarty
/ Where, when and why did you move abroad?My name is Dr. Michèle Moriarty and I am originally from Johannesburg, South Africa.Due…
Fresh from Austria
Latest articles.
Active Retirement in Austria: Opportunities for Leisure and Recreation
Austria, with its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, is an excellent destination for expats seeking an active retirement. From hiking in the…
Living Affordably In Austria-Expat Saving Tips
This article looks at how to live affordably in Austria as an expat and examines some of the main costs to factor in when…
An Expat’s Guide To Banking And Financial Management In Austria
This article helps expats set up a bank account in Austria and understand how to bank effectively while living in Austria.
Hear it first hand
The podcast on Austria.
Conversations with people who've made the move, and the experts who help them. All Austria episodes
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