Moving to Austria– How to Guide
🇦🇹Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Austria, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Austria at a glance?
- Flag: 🇦🇹
- Population: 9.1 million
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Average salary: Around 49553€/year
- Live EUR ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
Reviewed by the worldpopulationreview, last updated in July 2025; European Central Bank Monetary Policy Department, last updated in July 2025; SalaryExpert, last updated in July 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Your Belongings to Austria?
The cost of relocating depends on shipment size, method, origin, and additional fees. Below are typical market rates as of mid-2025:
| Shipment Method | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
| 20-ft container | ~2–6 weeks | €1,100–3,200 |
| 40-ft container | ~2–6 weeks | €2,050–4,600 |
| Air freight (per m³) | Few days | Typically much higher |
| Customs / VAT fees | — | ~€200–600 (if applicable) |
Reviewed by Freightos Market Analytics Team and Maersk Logistics Research Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I relocated to Austria in May 2025 with about 20 cubic meters of belongings using a 20-ft container. The total cost, including customs clearance and delivery to Vienna, was around €2,600. The shipment arrived in just under five weeks without any issues.” — Markus L., moved in May 2025
Many people relocating to Austria choose to settle in one of the five most popular cities for newcomers, including Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, and Innsbruck. These cities offer diverse career opportunities, rich cultural experiences, excellent public transportation, and vibrant international communities.
How to understand the cost of living in Austria?
As of mid-2025, Austria offers a comfortable lifestyle, though living costs are generally higher than in many Central European countries. According to Numbeo, a single person’s monthly expenses, excluding rent, average around €1,110, covering groceries, dining, transportation, and basic goods. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center typically costs about €875 per month, while similar accommodation outside the center averages closer to €706 per month. Utilities for an average 85 m² apartment, including electricity, heating, water, and garbage collection, come to roughly €354 each month. Public transportation is both efficient and reliable, with a monthly pass priced at around €51, while individual tickets cost about €2.50. These figures make Austria attractive for those seeking a high quality of life supported by strong infrastructure, cultural richness, and accessibility, though budgeting carefully is important in cities like Vienna or Salzburg where prices can be higher than the national averages.
| Expense Type | Approximate Monthly Cost (EUR) |
| General monthly expenses (excl. rent) | ~€1,110 (based on Graz data) |
| One-bedroom rent (city center) | ~€875 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, garbage) | ~€354 |
| Local public transport pass | ~€51 (one-way: €2.50) |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025
How to Apply for a Visa and Meet Residency Requirements for Austria?
A visa is required for most non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to live, work, or study in Austria. The most common long-term visa is the National Visa D, which allows stays of more than 90 days for purposes such as employment, study, research, or family reunification. For those planning to remain beyond six months, a residence permit is required. Eligibility typically includes proof of sufficient financial means, valid health insurance, accommodation in Austria, and a clear purpose of stay. For short visits under 90 days, travelers generally apply for a Schengen Type C visa, which covers tourism and business trips.
Visa types and eligibility check: Austrian National Visa & Residence Permits
Online application & consular booking: Austrian Consulate e-appointment system
Reviewed by the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs and the Austrian Immigration and Residence Authority, last updated in July 2025.
How to Access Healthcare and Insurance Options in Austria?
Austria offers high-quality healthcare through its public system, Österreichische Gesundheitskasse (ÖGK), covering doctor visits, hospital care, maternity services, and prescriptions. Legal residents contribute via social security deductions, usually from payroll.
New residents must register with their local municipal office to obtain a social insurance number. Many also choose private health insurance for faster access to specialists or private clinics. Registration requires proof of residence, a social security number, and valid ID.
Reviewed by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK) and Statistics Austria, last updated in July 2025
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Austria?
Renting in Austria typically requires a security deposit of one to three months’ rent, proof of income, valid identification, and sometimes a local guarantor. Rental contracts, called “Mietvertrag,” are usually signed for one year with renewal options, though longer terms are possible. Utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet are generally billed separately.
For those looking to buy property, additional costs such as property transfer tax, notary and registration fees, and real estate agency commissions can add approximately 4%–6% of the purchase price.
Popular residential neighborhoods for newcomers in major Austrian cities include:
- Innere Stadt, Vienna – Central, historic area with excellent services and transport
- Döbling, Vienna – Green, family-friendly district with parks and international schools
- Lend, Graz – Modern apartments near universities and cultural venues
- Maxglan, Salzburg – Quiet suburban living with local amenities and scenic surroundings
Reviewed by ImmobilienScout24 Austria Research and RE/MAX Austria Market Insights, last updated in July 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Austria?
If you are a tax resident in Austria (generally if you spend more than 183 days per year in Austria or maintain your primary residence there), you are subject to taxation on your worldwide income. Employees and self-employed individuals must also contribute to Austria’s social security system, which funds pensions, healthcare, and unemployment benefits. Austria has signed multiple double taxation treaties to prevent residents from being taxed twice on the same income earned abroad.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax (Einkommensteuer) | Tax on global income | Progressive rates from 0% up to 55% depending on income |
| Social Security (Sozialversicherung) | Mandatory contributions for pensions, healthcare, and welfare | Paid by both employer & employee; includes health insurance, pension, unemployment contributions |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Agreements with 90+ countries |
Reviewed by the Austrian Ministry of Finance (BMF) and the Austrian Social Insurance Authority (ÖGK), last updated in April 2025
How to Comply with Customs and Duty Rules When Moving to Austria?
When relocating to Austria, you may import your used personal belongings duty-free if they have been owned and used for at least six months and are intended solely for personal use. To qualify for exemption, you will need to provide a detailed inventory, proof of residence transfer to Austria, a bill of lading or airway bill, and valid identification such as a passport or residence permit.
New items or commercial goods are typically subject to import duties and Austrian VAT. Certain restricted items—such as alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or high-value electronics—may require special permits or additional documentation. Making an accurate and transparent customs declaration is essential to avoid inspection delays, fines, or unexpected charges. Major customs offices in Austria, including Vienna, Graz, and Linz, handle most relocation-related clearances.
Reviewed by the Austrian Customs Office (Zollamt Österreich), last updated in February 2025
Real-life case:
“When I moved from Zurich to Vienna, I prepared a detailed inventory of my used household belongings and submitted it to Austrian customs. Under Austria’s transfer of residence rules, my shipment was approved without issues and exempt from import duties.” — Anna M.
How to Manage Pet Relocation When Moving to Austria?
Pets entering Austria must comply with health and identification regulations. Dogs, cats, and ferrets are required to have a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. For pets arriving from non-EU countries, additional certified documents such as an EU Animal Health Certificate may be necessary, and some animals could be subject to extra checks or short-term quarantine at Austrian entry points.
Reviewed by the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit – AGES), last updated in March 2025
How to Import a Car and Swap Your Driver’s Licence in Austria?
Imported vehicles must be declared to Austrian Customs (Zollamt Österreich). Cars from outside the EU may be subject to import duties, VAT, and must meet EU safety and environmental standards. Permanent imports require a technical inspection and registration with the local district authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat). Key documents include the original title, proof of ownership, and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC).
Foreign driver’s licenses are valid for temporary stays, but residents must exchange them within six months. EU/EEA licenses are swapped without tests, while many non-EU licenses require theory and driving exams.
Reviewed by the Austrian Ministry of Climate Action (BMK) and Austrian Customs, last updated in July 2025
How to Open a Bank Account and Obtain a Tax ID in Austria?
To open a bank account in Austria, you generally need a valid passport or national ID, proof of Austrian address (such as a rental contract or utility bill), and in many cases your Austrian tax identification number (Steuernummer or Sozialversicherungsnummer). This number is essential for a wide range of financial and legal activities, including employment, healthcare registration, and rental agreements.
Major Austrian banks—such as Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, and UniCredit Bank Austria—offer accounts for non-residents and newcomers. Many provide English-language services, online banking, and tailored products for expatriates. Non-residents can often open a basic account with different requirements, and once legal residency is confirmed, the account can be upgraded to access additional services like overdrafts, loans, and investment opportunities.
The tax identification number can be obtained through the Austrian Tax Office (Finanzamt) and is required for employment registration, signing contracts, or accessing certain public services.
Reviewed by the Austrian National Bank (Oesterreichische Nationalbank – OeNB) and Austrian Tax Office (Finanzamt), last updated in July 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Germany and Italy with ReloAdvisor.
