Living in Salzburg: the ultimate expat guide

Salzburg's economy thrives on a mix of tourism, manufacturing, and multinational corporate presence. The city benefits from Austria's strong labor market, with employment rates above the EU average. For qualified professionals, opportunities exist across multiple sectors, though knowledge of German significantly improves job prospects in most fields.

Key Industries and Employers

The tourism and hospitality sector (HORECA) drives much of Salzburg's economy, with constant demand for skilled workers in hotels, restaurants, and event management. The Red Bull global headquarters employs thousands in marketing, media production, and business operations. Manufacturing, particularly in the automotive supply chain with companies connected to Porsche and BMW, offers engineering and technical positions. Healthcare and education sectors continue expanding due to demographic trends.

Work Permits and the Red-White-Red Card

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Austria. Non-EU nationals need the Red-White-Red Card, a combined residence and work permit valid for 24 months. As of 2025, key workers must earn a minimum gross salary of €3,225 per month. The card uses a points-based system evaluating qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age. Austria publishes an annual Shortage Occupation List with 81 nationwide and 66 regional occupations receiving priority processing.

The following table summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: European Commission, EURES Austria

Salzburg hosts several respected higher education institutions attracting students from around the world. The city's compact size creates a vibrant student atmosphere, with academic life closely integrated into the cultural fabric of the historic center.

Paris Lodron University of Salzburg

Founded in 1622, the University of Salzburg (PLUS) ranks among Europe's top 300 universities and serves as the largest institution in the Salzburg region. It offers programs across faculties including Law, Cultural Studies, Natural Sciences, Digital and Analytical Sciences, and Theology. Several master's programs are taught entirely in English, including Political Science, Data Science, Human-Computer Interaction, and Chemistry and Physics of Materials. EU/EEA students pay only the €20.70 ÖH fee per semester, while non-EU students pay approximately €726.72 per semester. The academic year runs from October to January (winter semester) and March to June (summer semester). Applications for the winter semester typically open in February and close in July.

Other Institutions

Salzburg College offers American-style study abroad programs with semester tuition around €9,900. The Mozarteum University specializes in music and performing arts, drawing international talent to its conservatory programs. For applied sciences, students can access programs at nearby institutions in Linz and Vienna with excellent rail connections.

For detailed program information and application procedures, visit the University of Salzburg admissions page.

Salzburg attracts retirees seeking cultural richness combined with access to nature and excellent healthcare. Austria's comprehensive social security system extends to legal residents, making it a practical choice for those planning their later years in Europe.

Residence Options for Retirees

Non-EU retirees can apply for a Settlement Permit – Independent Means (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Rentier), which requires proof of sufficient financial resources to live without employment (approximately €1,500 per month for a single person, €2,300 for couples), comprehensive health insurance, and suitable accommodation. EU citizens can register freely with proof of income and insurance. The permit requires renewal initially, with long-term residence available after five years of continuous legal stay.

Healthcare for Retirees

Austria's public healthcare system, funded through social insurance contributions, provides comprehensive coverage including hospital care, specialist visits, and subsidized medications. Retirees receiving pensions from EU countries may access Austrian public healthcare through coordination agreements. Private health insurance offers shorter wait times and additional specialist access. Salzburg University Hospital (Landeskrankenhaus) ranks among Austria's leading medical centers. The city also hosts numerous specialized clinics and multilingual private practices serving the international community.

Lifestyle Considerations

Salzburg's compact size suits an active retirement—most daily needs are walkable or accessible by bus. Cultural activities from the Mozarteum concerts to the Festival keep minds engaged. The spa town of Bad Reichenhall lies just across the German border for wellness retreats. Senior discounts apply widely on public transport, museums, and cultural events.

Austria provides free public education for all residents, with compulsory schooling from ages 6 to 15. Salzburg offers both Austrian state schools and international options for families preferring English-language instruction or specific curricula.

Austrian Public School System

Children begin Volksschule (primary school) at age six, lasting four years. At age ten, students transition to either Mittelschule (middle school) or AHS Gymnasium (academic secondary school) based on academic performance. Public schools are free, with parents paying only for supplies and occasional field trips. Non-German-speaking children receive intensive language support and can attend as außerordentliche Schüler (non-regular pupils) while developing fluency. Kindergarten is mandatory and free for children aged five.

International Schools

For English-medium education, Salzburg offers several options:

SALIS operates as a bilingual program within the public BG Zaunergasse, offering the Austrian Matura alongside the IB Diploma at minimal cost. AIS-Salzburg provides an American college-preparatory curriculum with boarding options. St. Gilgen International School, located 30 minutes from Salzburg on Lake Wolfgang, offers IB programs in a stunning Alpine setting.

Sources: AIS-Salzburg, SALIS

Salzburg's housing market remains competitive, with demand consistently exceeding supply in desirable areas. The city's compact size means most neighborhoods offer good access to services and transport, though rental prices vary significantly by location and property condition.

Rental Market Overview

Apartments dominate Salzburg's housing stock. Renting typically requires a deposit of 2–3 months' rent plus potential agency fees of 1–2 months' rent. Leases often run for a minimum of three years, with notice periods typically requiring one year before termination. Rental prices increased by approximately €17.35/m² for 60m² apartments in 2024. Expect to provide proof of income, employment contract, and identification when applying.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Altstadt (Old Town) offers historic charm with higher prices, ideal for those prioritizing walkability and culture. Riedenburg and Aigen attract families seeking quieter residential streets near green spaces. Maxglan provides good value with excellent transport links. Nonntal and Parsch combine convenience with a neighborhood feel. For budget-conscious renters, Lehen, Gnigl, and Liefering offer lower prices while remaining well-connected.

The following table shows typical monthly rents:

Sources: Numbeo, Engel & Völkers Market Report 2024

Salzburg's cultural calendar rivals cities many times its size. From world-class music festivals to outdoor adventures in the surrounding Alps, residents enjoy year-round activities that make the most of this unique location.

Music and Performing Arts

The Salzburg Festival (July 18–August 31, 2025) stands as one of the world's most prestigious performing arts events, featuring over 170 opera, concert, and theater performances. Year-round, the Mozarteum hosts classical concerts, while venues like Rockhouse cater to contemporary music fans. The Landestheater Salzburg presents opera, ballet, and drama throughout the season. Don't miss Jedermann (Everyman), performed on the Cathedral Square since 1920—a defining Salzburg tradition.

Museums and Attractions

Hohensalzburg Fortress, accessible by funicular, offers panoramic views and medieval history. Mozart's Birthplace on Getreidegasse and Mozart's Residence on Makartplatz document the composer's early years. The DomQuartier connects the Residenz, Cathedral, and museum galleries in a single route through 1,300 years of history. Haus der Natur provides interactive science and natural history exhibits popular with families. The Museum of Modern Art (MdM) showcases contemporary works with views over the city.

Outdoor Activities

The Alps begin at Salzburg's doorstep. The Untersberg cable car whisks residents to 1,853 meters for hiking and skiing. Lake Wolfgang and the Salzkammergut region offer swimming, sailing, and lakeside trails within 30 minutes. Winter brings skiing at Obertauern (90 minutes) and dozens of smaller resorts. Summer hiking trails range from gentle riverside paths to challenging Alpine routes. The annual Salzburger Bauernherbst (Harvest Festival) from August to October celebrates regional food and traditions across the province.

Daily life in Salzburg balances urban convenience with easy access to nature. The city's manageable size means most errands take under 30 minutes, whether by bus, bicycle, or on foot. Shops typically close by 6–7 PM on weekdays and early afternoon on Saturdays, with Sundays reserved for rest—a cultural norm requiring advance planning.

Getting Around

Salzburg operates an efficient trolleybus network covering the city and suburbs. The electric trolleybuses (O-Bus) run at intervals of 10–20 minutes during peak hours. A monthly pass for the core zone costs approximately €52. Single tickets purchased in advance from kiosks cost less than buying from the driver. The Salzburg Verkehr app provides real-time schedules and mobile ticketing.

Cycling ranks as the preferred transport mode for over 20% of residents, earning Salzburg recognition as Austria's cycling capital. Well-maintained bike paths line the Salzach River and connect all major districts. Crossing the city north to south takes under 30 minutes by bicycle. Salzburg Airport (W.A. Mozart) offers connections to major European cities and sits 20 minutes from the center by bus.

Practical Considerations

Registration at the local Meldeamt (registration office) is mandatory within three days of establishing residence. You'll need this Meldezettel (registration certificate) for everything from opening a bank account to enrolling children in school. German language skills, while not strictly required for daily life in tourist areas, significantly improve integration and access to services. The city offers German courses through institutions like the University of Salzburg Language Center and various private providers.

Salzburg ranks among Austria's most expensive cities, though costs remain reasonable compared to major cities like London or Zurich. Planning a realistic budget requires accounting for higher housing costs balanced against efficient public services and comprehensive healthcare included in employment contributions.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following table estimates monthly expenses for a single professional:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo (December 2025), LivingCost.org