Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
MOVING TO AUSTRIA means setting foot in a country that is both highly organized and profoundly warm, where mountains coexist with a vibrant cultural life, a generous welfare state, and a rather dynamic job market. But to prevent the dream from turning into an administrative obstacle course, it’s better to arrive prepared: visa, health insurance, housing search, taxation, children’s schooling, daily life… everything is connected.
This guide brings together the key information for French speakers planning to move to Austria, specifically addressing health, insurance, employment, cost of living, and essential administrative procedures.
Understanding the general framework: a strong and structured welfare state
AUSTRIA is an Alpine country, landlocked in the heart of Central Europe, with Vienna as its capital. The country combines several assets rarely found in the same place: a quality of life ranked among the best in the world, high security, a nearly universal healthcare system, a solid public school system, omnipresent culture, and a stable economy.
The French social model is based on solidarity, where access to social benefits (healthcare, pensions, unemployment, family allowances) is funded by mandatory contributions and massive redistribution, not solely by individual income.
Healthcare illustrates this logic particularly well, as nearly 10% of the national GDP is devoted to health expenditure and 99 to 100% of residents are covered by public health insurance. The consequence for an expatriate is clear: once residency and work status are in order, they are quickly integrated into a very protective system.
Entering and working in AUSTRIA: visas, permits, and first steps
Before thinking about housing or school, the priority is to obtain valid residency rights and, where applicable, access to the job market.
Who does not need a visa to come and settle?
Citizens of the European Union, the EEA, and Switzerland benefit from freedom of movement. They do not need a visa or work permit to come live and work in AUSTRIA. However, they must complete registration formalities:
– Register with the town hall or the registration office (Meldeamt) within three days of moving in, using the famous Meldezettel form;
– For a stay longer than three months, apply for a certificate of registration with the competent local authority.
Britons settled before the end of 2020 retain free access to the job market thanks to the withdrawal agreement, while those arriving after are now treated as third-country nationals.
Visas and permits for non-EU/EEA nationals
For non-Europeans, the basic scheme is as follows:
Maximum length of stay without a residence permit for eligible nationals, subject to Schengen visa conditions.
AUSTRIA has developed several schemes to attract skilled workers, researchers, students, or entrepreneurs:
Main channels for professional immigration for third-country nationals wishing to work in Austria.
Main permit for skilled workers. Combines residence and work for 24 months, tied to a specific employer or project (key employee, shortage occupation, Austrian graduate, startup founder). Based on a points system.
Accessible after 21 months with the first card. Offers unlimited access to the job market without authorization to change employers.
Intended for highly qualified university graduates, with an adequate job offer and a high salary. Allows switching to a Red-White-Red Card Plus after about 21 months.
Researcher visa, student visa, job seeker visa, working holiday visa, and permits for intra-corporate transfers (ICT) complete the system.
Applications are generally made before arrival, at the AUSTRIAN embassy or consulate in the country of residence. Processing times vary (often expect 8 to 12 weeks for a work + residence permit).
Standard conditions and documents to prepare
Even though each category has its specifics, the same requirements are often found:
– Passport valid for at least three months after the intended exit date from the Schengen area;
– ID photos;
– Proof of sufficient financial resources (with indicative thresholds, e.g., approx. €1,270 per month for a single person and just over €2,000 for a couple);
– Proof of accommodation (rental contract, letter of invitation);
– Proof of health insurance covering at least €30,000 (for visas);
– Criminal record certificate sometimes required for a first application;
– Diplomas, employment references, CV, and for some permits, proof of language proficiency (German or English).
Respecting stay duration rules is crucial: visa overstays can lead to fines, entry bans, and deportation.
Registering, declaring, existing administratively
Once arrived in AUSTRIA with the correct visa or residence card, the expatriate must complete a few essential administrative steps.
Address registration, via the Meldezettel, is mandatory within three days of moving in. This document is subsequently required for almost everything: opening a bank account, registering for health insurance, tax formalities, sometimes school enrollment for children.
Upon hiring, the employer usually registers the employee with the social insurance funds. This process triggers the assignment of a social security number (Sozialversicherungsnummer). This number is essential, as it serves as the key to accessing public health insurance, the pension scheme, and other branches of social protection.
Self-employed individuals, on the other hand, must register themselves with the competent bodies (social insurance for the self-employed, tax office, etc.).
The Austrian job market: growing sectors and realities for foreigners
The AUSTRIAN economy is characterized by strong stability, rather decent wages, and a marked focus on work-life balance. Yet, figures show a contrasting reality between nationals and foreigners.
Recent key figures
Recent data highlights:
– Moderate overall unemployment, around 5-6% in recent years;
– An unemployment rate for foreigners around 10.4%, compared to less than 4% for AUSTRIANS;
– A foreigner share of the population close to 19%;
– A notable growth in the technology sector (over 12% in one year), with projected employment growth in tech.
In parallel, the state has significantly expanded the list of shortage occupations for 2025, adding over a hundred professions.
Sectors with high demand and sought-after profiles
For a skilled expatriate, opportunities do exist, particularly in:
Overview of main professional fields facing specific skill shortages in France, requiring active recruitment.
General practitioners and specialists, nurses, midwives, medical technicians and assistants.
Developers, mechanical/electrical engineers, data specialists, cloud, cybersecurity, DevOps, and machine learning specialists.
Electricians, plumbers, roofers, carpenters, masons, turners, and toolmakers.
Teachers (science, languages), educators, social workers, and daycare staff.
Chefs, cooks, pastry chefs, hotel managers, and qualified service staff.
Bus drivers, truck drivers, and train drivers.
Large AUSTRIAN companies (OMV, Red Bull, Voestalpine, Erste, Raiffeisen) coexist with a multitude of exporting SMEs and a very lively startup ecosystem, especially in Vienna (over 1,300 active startups, success stories like Bitpanda or GoStudent).
Indicative salaries: some benchmarks
Salaries vary greatly by sector, experience, and region, but we can outline indicative ranges:
| Sector / Profile | Approximate gross annual range |
|---|---|
| Developer / software engineer | €43,000 to €105,000 |
| Engineers (general) | €50,000 to €70,000 |
| IT / Tech (average) | ~ €4,700 gross monthly |
| Healthcare professionals | €40,000 to €90,000 |
| Finance / banking | €45,000 to €100,000 |
| Chefs / experienced cooks | €30,000 to €45,000 |
| Bus / train drivers | €35,000 to €50,000 |
To live comfortably, a single person is generally comfortable from around €2,500 to €3,500 net per month, while a household of three people typically aims for €4,000 to €5,000 net.
Work culture and conditions
Work culture in AUSTRIA is formal but balanced:
In Austria, the average work week is 38 to 40 hours. Employees receive at least 25 days of paid annual leave, plus 13 public holidays. Salary is frequently paid 14 times a year, including a 13th and 14th month, these additional payments often benefiting from reduced tax rates. Professional culture places great importance on punctuality, rigorous planning, and respecting a clear hierarchy. A clear separation between private and professional life is also a marked characteristic, particularly observable in Vienna.
Standard benefits include health insurance, pension, sometimes contributions to a supplementary pension fund, meal vouchers, transport support, or childcare assistance.
The AUSTRIAN healthcare system: a pillar for expatriates
Health insurance is at the heart of AUSTRIAN social life. For an expatriate, understanding how this system works avoids misunderstandings and allows for full benefit.
How is the healthcare system structured?
The AUSTRIAN system is based on mandatory basic health insurance (public insurance) and, alongside it, a multitude of optional private contracts.
Funding comes primarily from social security contributions deducted from salaries. Employees and employers share the cost, with a health insurance contribution rate of around 3.8% to 4% for each party, within an overall envelope of nearly 40% in social contributions (pension, unemployment, accident, etc.).
Three main funds cover the majority of insured persons:
| Main Fund | Target Audience |
|---|---|
| Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK) | Private sector employees, majority of residents |
| Sozialversicherungsanstalt der Selbständigen (SVS) | Self-employed, freelancers, liberal professions |
| BVAEB | Civil servants, railway workers, miners |
The state, via the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, sets the framework and supervises.
The e-card: the key to accessing care
Upon registration with social security, each insured person receives an e-card, an electronic health insurance card. It contains personal data and data of the insurance fund, a serial number, and for recent cards, a photo. It also serves as the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
The e-card allows you to: attend events, enjoy exclusive offers, access special content, and benefit from personalized discounts.
– consult a contracted doctor (Kassenarzt) without advance payment (excluding small co-payments);
– be admitted to a public hospital;
– benefit from numerous preventive care services, maternity, rehabilitation, etc.
A low annual fee is charged for the service, generally a little over ten euros. Exemptions are provided for certain specific groups.
What does public health insurance cover?
Public insurance is very comprehensive. It covers notably: risks related to health, old age, work accidents and occupational diseases, as well as family benefits and social assistance.
– consultations with contracted GPs and specialists;
– hospital stays, with abolition of patient charges for standard hospitalizations since 2017;
– prevention (vaccinations, screenings, check-ups);
– maternity and pregnancy-related care, as well as generous maternity leave (salary maintained at 100% from 8 weeks before to 8 weeks after birth);
– prescribed medication, with a co-payment per medication (a few euros);
– basic dental care;
– rehabilitation, spa treatments, and convalescent stays on prescription;
– part of assistive devices (wheelchairs, etc.), varying by federal state.
Certain categories benefit from almost total free coverage: retirees, non-working spouses of workers, unemployment benefit recipients, or persons recognized as unfit for work.
Private supplementary insurance: what for?
Even though public insurance is of very high quality, many residents opt for private supplementary health insurance – especially managers, elderly people, or families concerned about comfort.
Private plans are called “special class” or “comfort class” and offer for example:
Top-tier plans offer a single or double room in a private facility with amenities (bathroom, TV, Wi-Fi), free choice of practitioner (even non-contracted), and reduce waiting times for certain treatments. They improve dental and optical coverage, cover alternative therapies like acupuncture, and may include international medical evacuation. Additional benefits (fitness memberships, health check-ups, travel assistance) are sometimes offered.
Premiums do not depend on income but on age, health status, and level of coverage. Coverage for children can be found from a few tens of euros per month, but seniors may pay €450 to €500 monthly. For an adult, an average premium of around €200–€220 per month is often cited.
Note that a private contract is in principle a lifetime relationship: the company cannot terminate arbitrarily nor unilaterally restrict coverage as long as premiums are paid.
Special cases: who has access to what?
For expatriates, access to health insurance largely depends on status:
For employees, registration is automatic by the employer. Self-employed individuals must register with the SVS. Foreign students must take out student insurance (ÖGK) for a long stay. EU/EEA citizens use the EHIC for a temporary stay but must register locally for permanent settlement. Asylum seekers are automatically covered. Tourists, while not strictly required for some, should strongly recommend travel insurance.
Dependents (spouses, registered partners, children up to 18 or older if they are studying or unemployed) can be attached to the insurance of the main insured person, often with no additional premium for children.
How to consult and use the system daily?
Finding a doctor is relatively easy thanks to platforms like Praxisplan or the website of the Medical Association (Österreichische Ärztekammer), which allow filtering by specialty, location, and language (English, for example).
It is recommended to:
– choose a Kassenarzt (contracted doctor) to benefit from direct coverage;
– always present the e-card and ID;
– keep invoices in case of private consultation, for potential reimbursement (up to 80% of the contracted tariff by the public fund).
At the pharmacy (Apotheke), most medications are prescription-only and prices are regulated. Some pharmacies offer a 24/7 service, but with additional night service fees.
In an emergency, the important numbers are:
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Ambulance / medical emergency | 144 |
| On-call medical service | 141 |
| European emergency | 112 |
| Psychiatric distress | 01 313 30 |
| Suicide prevention | 01 713 3374 |
Responders mainly speak German, but many understand English.
Housing in AUSTRIA: market realities and legal framework
Housing is often the trickiest part of settling, especially in Vienna where demand is very high. AUSTRIA, however, has a large social housing stock and protective rental rules.
Types of housing and rent levels
The market mainly consists of apartments, especially in cities, with single-family homes more on the outskirts or in rural areas. In Vienna, older classic-style buildings are very common, sometimes unrenovated but with high ceilings and spacious rooms.
Rents vary greatly depending on the city and location:
| City (1-bedroom apartment) | Approximate average monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Vienna | ~ €1,000 – €1,050 |
| Salzburg | ~ €1,050 |
| Graz | ~ €730 |
For a three-room apartment:
| City (3 rooms) | Approximate average monthly rent |
|---|---|
| Vienna | ~ €1,900 – €2,000 |
| Salzburg | ~ €1,650 |
| Graz | ~ €1,340 |
Generally, studios and small apartments have a higher price per square meter than larger ones.
In Vienna, over 60% of the population lives in social or subsidized housing, which helps limit rent increases, even though access to this housing often requires a minimum residence period (e.g., five years for non-nationals) and income criteria.
Utilities, deposit, and additional costs
In addition to rent, several costs apply:
– building charges (water, common areas, waste, etc.), often around 25% of the net rent;
– electricity and gas, to be contracted with a provider (Verbund, Energie Steiermark, aWATTar, etc.);
– possibly separate heating, depending on the installation type;
– internet, generally €25 to €40 per month for a high-speed connection.
A security deposit (Kaution) equivalent to two or three months’ rent is standard, sometimes more. It is returned at the end of the lease, minus any damages beyond normal wear and tear. A detailed inventory with photos is highly recommended.
Real estate agencies usually charge a commission that can be up to two months’ rent plus VAT, unless the listing mentions provisionsfrei or keine Makler, meaning no agency fees.
Rental contracts: what you need to know
The AUSTRIAN market distinguishes between main lease (Hauptmiete) and subletting (Untermiete). The former, concluded directly with the owner or their agent, offers stronger protections to the tenant.
The Tenancy Law (Mietrechtsgesetz) regulates a large part of apartment rentals, particularly in older buildings, by setting maximum rent levels, minimum durations, and strict termination rules.
Some important principles:
The standard lease has a minimum duration of 3 years. The tenant can terminate it, usually with 3 months’ notice after an initial period. Rent cannot be increased during the lease term, except via the indexation stipulated in the contract. The tenant must comply with the house rules (quiet hours, maintenance of common areas).
It is highly recommended, before signing, to have the contract reviewed by a tenants’ association, the Chamber of Labour (Arbeiterkammer), or a lawyer. Free mediation and arbitration services exist to settle disputes.
Vienna’s social housing system is iconic: the city and non-profit cooperatives own about 440,000 apartments, with rents often between €300 and €750.
To be eligible, you must:
– have legal residency for several years (five years for non-AUSTRIANS);
– not exceed a rather generous income ceiling (over €3,200 net for a single person).
Once in the social housing system, it is generally possible to stay even if income increases later.
Cost of living: between moderation and recent price increases
Overall, AUSTRIA is classified as an expensive country but remains more affordable than other leading European capitals like London or Paris. Vienna is in the upper average of major European cities.
To get an idea:
| Profile | Estimated monthly budget (including rent) |
|---|---|
| Single person in Vienna | ~ €2,000 – €2,100 |
| Family of 4 in Vienna | ~ €5,600 |
| Student | ~ €950 – €1,300 |
| Young working professional alone | ~ €1,500 – €2,000 |
Typical expenses:
The cost of an annual public transport pass in Vienna, i.e., about €1 per day.
Rents and energy have increased sharply in recent years, which weighs particularly on low-income households despite wage stability.
AUSTRIA applies a progressive income tax with several brackets. In 2025, tax starts from a little over €13,000 of annual income:
| Annual income bracket (approx.) | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Up to ~ €13,300 | 0% |
| ~ €13,300 – €21,600 | 20% |
| ~ €21,600 – €35,800 | 30% |
| ~ €35,800 – €69,100 | 40% |
| ~ €69,100 – €103,000 | 48% |
| ~ €103,000 – €1,000,000 | 50% |
| Over €1,000,000 | 55% |
Employees have their tax withheld at source by the employer. An annual tax return may still be mandatory or advantageous to include other income, deductions (commuting costs, donations, exceptional medical expenses), or tax credits (family, children).
A U.S. citizen residing in Austria benefits from the tax treaty between the two countries to avoid double taxation. However, due to U.S. citizenship-based taxation policy, they remain required to report their worldwide income to U.S. tax authorities (IRS) in addition to their Austrian tax return. The treaty mechanisms, such as exemption or credit, then serve to prevent the same income from being taxed twice.
Social security contributions are high but cover a wide spectrum: pension, health, unemployment, work accident, family allowances… Employees contribute just over 18% of their gross salary, the employer about 22–23%.
Banking, money, and payments: what to anticipate
Opening a local bank account greatly facilitates daily life: salary deposit, rent payment, signing up for phone plans, etc.
Opening an account
To open an account in AUSTRIA, an expatriate generally needs to present:
– a passport or ID card (EU);
– proof of address (Meldezettel);
– proof of income or situation (employment contract, pay slips, enrollment certificate for students).
Most major banks (Erste, Bank Austria, Raiffeisen, BAWAG, Volksbank) offer current accounts with a debit card, online and mobile banking access. Neobanks like N26 or Revolut are also very present.
Monthly account maintenance fees generally range between €2.50 and €10. Specific offers, like the first year free or student packages, can reduce them to zero. Transfers within the Eurozone (SEPA transfers) are most often free.
Payment methods
Even though contactless payments and e-wallets have become widespread, AUSTRIA remains very attached to cash. Many shops, cafes, or restaurants have a minimum purchase amount for cards, or even accept only cash payments.
Debit cards are widely used (in-store payments, cash withdrawals), while credit cards often require stricter proof of income.
For international transfers, specialized services (like Wise) can be more cost-effective than traditional banks.
Learning German: key to integration and employability
German is the official language and is almost universally spoken in AUSTRIA, with a multitude of regional dialects. For an expatriate, investing in the language is probably the best medium-term investment:
– It facilitates access to the job market, especially outside highly international sectors;
– It smoothens interactions with the administration, neighbors, children’s school;
– It opens the door to local cultural life beyond expatriate circles.
Universities and most higher education institutions apply a B2 or C1 level in German as an admission requirement for programs in that language.
Where and how to learn?
The course offerings are very extensive:
An overview of the main structures and course formats available for learning German in Austria, from specialized institutes to online platforms.
Schools like Österreich Institut, DeutschAkademie, Inlingua, Actilingua, or IKI offer structured courses and often recognized certifications.
Notably at the University of Vienna, they offer quality courses, often accessible to non-students.
The Volkshochschulen (VHS) provide courses at a moderate cost, accessible in many cities.
The Austrian Integration Fund portal offers thousands of exercises, videos, and specific courses (e.g., for healthcare personnel).
Intended for higher education applicants, they prepare for official recognized exams (ÖSD, Goethe, etc.).
Certain public schemes fund or co-fund German courses, particularly for new arrivals, job seekers, or skilled workers in shortage occupations.
School and studies: what options for children (and parents)?
School is compulsory from age 6 to 15, and public education is free. The AUSTRIAN system is highly developed and strongly emphasizes vocational training, with many technical and apprenticeship tracks.
Public school or international school?
Expatriate families often hesitate between: the advantages of a new culture and the desire to stay close to their roots.
Two main options exist: the local public school, ideal for integration and mastering German. It is free but may require an adaptation period for a non-German-speaking child, with linguistic support programs available. The alternative is an international or private school, more expensive but offering international programs (IB, British, American, or French systems) often taught in English. This choice is common for families not planning a long-term stay or seeking a diploma easily recognized internationally.
In Vienna, a wide network of international and bilingual schools exists: American International School, Vienna International School, Lycée Français, Danube International School, Amadeus International School, International Christian School, but also public bilingual schools with French or English.
Tuition fees can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of euros per year depending on the institution and level. It is common for companies to include these costs in expatriation packages.
Daily life and culture: what often surprises (and pleases) expatriates
Many newcomers notice within the first few weeks some constants in life in AUSTRIA:
Social and professional life in Austria is governed by precise codes. Politeness is formal, with mandatory use of titles (Herr, Frau, Doktor…). Punctuality and strict adherence to rules (traffic, waste sorting) are essential. Coffee and pastry culture (like the *Melange* or *Apfelstrudel*) is a pillar of social life. Finally, the separation between professional and personal life is clear, with Sunday traditionally reserved for family, cultural activities, and nature.
AUSTRIA remains partly marked by conservative attitudes on certain topics, and political tensions around immigration or Islam can resurface in public debate. Yet, in daily life, many expatriates testify to a generally tolerant society, with strong rights for women, minorities, and the LGBT+ community (same-sex marriage is legal, Vienna hosts a major Pride event).
Mental health, integration, and networks: not staying isolated
Even in a country with a high standard of living, expatriation can be challenging: language change, distance from family, different social codes. Several international indicators also show that assignments abroad often fail due to adaptation issues.
In AUSTRIA, many networks can help:
– InterNations, Facebook groups, Meetup, sports or arts clubs, neighborhood associations…;
– organizations dedicated to integration (ÖIF, intercultural associations, NGOs supporting migrants);
– specialized support services (coaches, psychologists, integration counselors).
International and private health insurances increasingly include psychological support services, teleconsultation, or second medical opinion, useful when one prefers to communicate in their native language.
—
Settling permanently in Austria involves managing administrative procedures such as obtaining a visa, address registration, social and tax registrations, opening a bank account, finding housing and a job, enrolling children in school, and learning German. In return, the country offers high security, quality public services, good access to healthcare, political stability, and a rich cultural life.
For an expatriate ready to play the integration game – learning the language, understanding the codes, committing for the long term – AUSTRIA can become much more than just a posting abroad: a true place to live, where it is possible to build a solid career while preserving a life balance envied in many other countries.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
