Austria, known globally for its enchanting landscapes, architectural marvels, and rich cultural heritage, is an increasingly sought-after destination for expats. This European gem, offering both historic charm and modern luxuries, promises a high standard of living. However, understanding the cost of living in Austria is integral to ensure a smooth transition and an enjoyable lifestyle. … Read more

Known for its hospitality and multiculturalism, Austria is a country that many expats choose to relocate to. One of the first things you’ll need to do if you’re planning to move there is set up a bank account.It’s up to you whether you keep your bank account in your home country open, but many choose … Read more

Austria is famous for its architecture, as found in its castles, buildings and palaces. It also has a beautiful, mountainous landscape, perfect for skiing in winter and for hiking during the summer months. If you would like to move to Austria, or else stay there for a prolonged period of time, then you will need … Read more

Citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland do not need a visa to visit, live or work in Austria. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other countries – those that have a treaty with the Schengen area – do not require a visa … Read more

Coming from the US to Europe, one of the most frequently cited advantages is the overall lower cost of healthcare. Once you have registered with the Austrian health system and received your e-card, you will be entitled to public healthcare that is free at the point of service. This is a huge change from the … Read more

Austria’s Krankenkasse system means that all basic health procedures, as well as emergency care, are covered by the state. You will not need to pay any costs upfront and you won’t be charged for most healthcare.However, some expats still choose to take out supplementary health insurance in Austria, either to speed up wait times or … Read more

You do not need to register with a specific pharmacy in Austria in order to get your prescriptions. You will need to be registered with a local doctor, which you can do by taking your proof of ID and your e-card along to a surgery. Your doctor will then prescribe medication when you need it, … Read more

The state healthcare system in Austria means that health insurance is less popular here than in many other countries around the world. However, some expats do choose to take out private health cover, either to upgrade their optional extras, or to ensure that they can visit specific doctors.If you have decided to take out private … Read more

Healthcare in Austria is known as Krankenkasse and is run by the state. It covers all necessary basic care.However, many people make the decision to top up their basic health cover with private health insurance, which entitles you to a wider range of options and can bring added peace of mind. Registering For Basic Healthcare … Read more

Winter sports are very popular in Austria, and plenty of people move to the country after falling in love with it during their winter vacations. Non-winter sports such as football and rugby are also popular hobbies among residents.If you are planning to move to Austria, one of the best ways to keep yourself fit and … Read more

Standards of healthcare in Austria are generally very high, and dental care is no exception. However, there are some differences between the levels of care the state will cover for general medical complaints, and for dentistry.Those without private health insurance in Austria will find that they are not fully covered for dental care, particularly for … Read more

Maternity care in Austria is of an excellent standard, and the country is even a medical tourism destination for people who want to give birth somewhere they can be guaranteed a high quality of care.There are some differences between those who opt for state maternity care and those who choose to take out private health … Read more

The national healthcare system in Austria was first developed and implemented in 1956, around 10 years after the introduction of the NHS in the UK, and at a similar time to many other European countries. These systems were the product of new ideas about social welfare and were the first to decree that receiving healthcare … Read more

We all know that it can be difficult to make new friends in a new country. Not only do you have to learn a new language and familiarise yourself with a different social etiquette, but you’ve also got to pluck up the confidence to introduce yourself and make conversation with strangers – a skill that … Read more

McDonald’s is an icon that is synonymous with all things American. And as of Wednesday, May 15th, 2019, McDonald’s restaurants in Austria will be serving up a new speciality: emergency travel assistance.If you’re an American citizen in Austria (whether that be for residential or tourism purposes), and you require emergency travel assistance (such as if … Read more

According to the most recent survey conducted by the Austrian Economic Chamber, a skilled labour shortage is hitting almost 90 percent of Austrian companies. This increases the workload for business owners and current staff, compromises the quality of service and decreases customer satisfaction. The situation has the potential for a decline in the economic success … Read more

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) has long been recognised as a successful passport to working abroad. Native English speakers are preferred by language schools for obvious reasons, meaning it’s usually straightforward for properly-qualified, native speaking EFL teachers to find work.Austria is a popular destination. It is a beautiful, peaceful country with a high … Read more

Emigrating is stressful enough without having to micro-manage every second, but when you have a disability, all decisions must be thought out and planned in minute detail. Failure to do so can lead to the exacerbation of already heightened stress and frustration. In order to limit such negative scenarios, research and planning is a must.According … Read more

The origin of modern day Austria, which has a population of 8.7 million people, can be traced back to the times of the Holy Roman Empire. It shares boundaries with Germany and Czech Republic on the northern side while to the south, we have Slovenia and Italy. Austria is flanked by Hungary and Slovakia to … Read more

Bright blue skies, high green fields, glassy lakes, fresh mountain air, and rolling countryside will all immediately remind you of the picture perfect Austria. However, there is a lot more than meets the eye to this forward-looking, landlocked European nation than its scenic beauty. This country is located in Central Europe and is bordered by … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Austria and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.American Expats in Austria and SlovakiaFacebook Group … Read more

The EU state of Austria is a founding member of the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development). Austria offers its residents a high standard of living and good job opportunities. The country’s appeal is further enhanced by virtue of its warm and friendly population. Austria is a multicultural country and is home to a … Read more

Austrian culture is often mistaken for that of its neighbour Germany’s, a faux pas that expats living in the region should be careful not to make. With German being the official language of Austria, some of the country’s literature, art and even people can be (and often are) wrongly labeled by outsiders.Austrians are quite proud … Read more

The Republic of Austria is famous all over the world for its Alpine mountains, vast forests and glassy lakes. Situated in Central Europe, it is bordered by Germany, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Liechtenstein, and Italy. This EU State has its origins in the Celtic Kingdom as well as the Roman Empire. Today, … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Austria and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there. The Viennese Girlhttp://theviennesegirl.com/ Growing up by the Grecian sea, Silia had … Read more

Located pretty much in the centre of Europe, with the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Italy, Hungary and Slovakia around it, Austria is one of the most popular destinations on the continent for both tourists and expats. The country has a high per capita GDP, a high standard of living, and is home to … Read more

If you are planning to move to Austria, you will find its high cost of living a small premium to pay for the excellent standard of life. Expats from the UK in France actually find Austria cheaper than their home countries, while those from Spain and The Netherlands find it more expensive. So how much … Read more

If you love food, you’ll love Austria. The country has an endless list of restaurants that you’ll want to eat at, from little cafes to fine dining establishments, and from authentic Austrian dishes to innovative international cuisine. As a tourist, it’s rather heartbreaking – there’s absolutely no way to leave without feeling that you should … Read more

Expats moving to Austria with their families can expect to find a good number of international schools in various different cities. These schools follow the national curriculum of their respective home countries, which is an advantage for expats who may be staying in Austria for a limited period of time before returning home. The fees … Read more

Austria has about 140 registered golf courses and its golf clubs have a combined membership of more than 95,000 members. Golfing in Austria is a unique experience as the courses are surrounded by some of the most spectacular views of nature. These international quality courses are set amidst lakes, vineyards, hills and mountains and are … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Austria and some of the bloggers who write about living there.Comedic Grievanceshttp://www.comedicgrievances.com A self-confessed caffeine addict and American expat in Vienna, Holly writes about … Read more

Austria has a varied cuisine that has evolved over the centuries. The country is known for its delectable and creamy dishes that constitute the ideal comfort food for many around people the world. Many Austrian specialties have originated in countries belonging to the former monarchy, including Hungary, Italy and Bohemia. But while the dishes may … Read more

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your company Our company is one of the leading real estate agencies in the federal state of Salzburg and Tyrol in Austria, offering more than 450 properties. The area covered includes all major skiing destinations in Salzburg and Tyrol. 17 full time employees provide a full-service real … Read more

Across Europe and the rest of the world, superfast broadband is harder to find in the countryside than the towns. Whilst 99.9% of households in Europe have access to basic broadband services, that number nearly halves for Next Generation Access (NGA) technologies. The United Kingdom is far ahead of the curve, with the latest figures … Read more

Internationally known for Freud, Mozart and The Sound of Music, Austria is a hub of arts and culture and often quoted as one of the best places to build a new life. If anything, it can feel like there are too many options here; flicking through guidebooks on each city proclaims all of their advantages … Read more

There are a plenty of helpful articles focusing on how an expatriate can find a dream job abroad, get a work visa, and settle into the adopted country. All of these represent big hurtles needing guidance in and of themselves, but what happens when you start actually working? What are the real challenges? And how … Read more