Living in Austria: the ultimate expat guide
Everything you need to know for a successful life in Austria.
Famous for its beer, pastries and impressive mountainous and lush green landscapes, Austria is one of Europe's major economic powerhouses. The country is deemed to be a real haven for outsourcing companies. Indeed, it is very open to the setting up of small and medium enterprises.
Austria is also a multicultural country welcoming expatriates from across the globe with open arms.
Austria's geography and demography
The country is surrounded by eight European neighbors: Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. You will find some of the best skiing areas in the world in the southern and western parts of the country (Tyrol, Salzburg, Carinthia, and Vorarlberg), including some of the best ski resorts and densely forested areas.
A quarter of Austria's population (almost 9,1 million, the population has increased in recent years) lives in Vienna, and this is also where most expatriates' lives revolve around. In total, as many as one-third of all Austrians live in Vienna and Lower Austria.
Austria's economy
Austria's main economic, intellectual, and business activities are taking place in its capital city Vienna. But there is also an exciting cultural program and prestigious universities and colleges in the other larger and smaller cities such as Salzburg, Linz, Krems and Innsbruck. Companies and organizations have locations all over Austria.
Many international organizations (United Nations' institutions, NGOs, and energy companies) have their headquarters in Vienna.
Big organizations and professionals benefit from Austria's access to the single European market, its proximity to emerging markets such as Hungary and the Czech Republic, an exemplary private banking system, and its continuous promotion of entrepreneurship with a special focus on social entrepreneurship. But Vienna successfully combines the past with the present, and from one moment to another, visitors get transported to a time when the palaces were filled with waltzers.
Social life in Austria
Austrians are very respectful of their work-life balance, and this is something they are proud of — getting work done shouldn't mean sacrificing family time or staying in the office until late hours. They also find it reasonable to pay higher taxes when education and healthcare are covered and come at high quality. Austria is very rich in culture and home to many famous musicians and composers like Joseph Hayden, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, Josef Strauss, and Herbert von Karajan. Some of the famous artists are Friedensreich Hundertwasser and Gustav Klimt whose art you can enjoy in one of the many museums like the Albertina and the Leopold Museum.
This results in numerous prestigious music universities in Vienna. In the western part of Austria, there are the Alps, which aren't just beautiful to enjoy some fantastic days sliding down the slopes but are also home to many great athletes like ski racer Marcel Hirscher or Hermann Maier.
Quick Information
Capital: Vienna |
Official Language: German Minority Languages: Burgenland-Croatian, Czech, Hungarian, Romani, Slovenian, Slovak |
Currency: Euro |
Area: 83858 Km² |
Population: 9,078,237 |
Calling Code: 43 |
Timezone: Europe/Vienna, UTC 1 |
Generalities
Get an overview of living in Austria with general information to discover the destination.
Formalities
Find out more on visas, passports and entry requirements to travel to Austria.

Getting married in Austria
If you wish to get married in Austria, it is important to know that only civil ceremonies are legally binding in the country. However, you may ...
Visas
All you need to know on work visas, work permits, working holiday visas and residence permits to live and work in Austria.
Work
Dive into the Austria labour market, legal framework and tips on how to find a job in Austria.

Working in Austria
The Austrian economy is strong, with a high gross domestic product and a high quality of life for ...

Setting up a business in Austria
If you are seeking more than employment, starting your own business in Austria would be the other ...

Jobs in Austria
Discover professional opportunities in Austria and boost your career.
Accommodation
Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Austria. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.
Study
Universities, training courses, student visas, registration procedures: all you need to know about being an international student in Austria.

Study in Austria
Austrian universities are highly esteemed throughout Europe, boasting a diverse range of courses available in both German and English. Studying in ...
Health care
Understanding the healthcare system in Austria: public and private health system, health insurance...

The health system in Austria
Choosing to move to Austria is a very good decision if it's for having a stable and high-class ...

Accidents and emergencies in Austria
It is important to be prepared and aware of the available resources in case of an emergency or when ...

Health insurance for expats in Austria
Protect your health during your expatriation.
Bank
Navigate the banking system in Austria: how to choose a bank and open a bank account.
Tax
All you need to know about income tax, the tax system and filing your taxes as an expat in Austria.

The tax system in Austria
Tax revenue is a crucial element of the Austrian economy and plays a significant role in funding essential services, including healthcare, education, ...
Transport
From public transports to renting or buying a car, explore the best options to getting around in Austria.

Getting around Austria
Austria has a number of modern airports that serve international and domestic flights. The largest airports, most likely to be used by ...
Driving
Essential information on driving requirements in Austria, driver's license exchange and international permits.

Driving in Austria
In general, the age that gives you permission to drive is your 18th birthday. And in a country like Austria, this marks a very special event for most ...
Removal
Moving to Austria? Find useful information and tips to organize your move.

Relocating to Austria
To make your move to Austria as smooth as possible, take the time to plan and prepare for ...

Relocating to Austria with your pets
Austria is known to be a very pet-friendly country, and most house owners have various of ...

Free quotes for your move
Get the best offers to easily organize your relocation to Austria.
Communications
Internet and phone providers, plans, and everything you need to stay connected in Austria.

Phones, internet and mail in Austria
Austria offers fast and secure telecommunications throughout the country and has been known to be one of the best countries when it ...
Leisure
Sports, leisure, culture and other activities expats can enjoy in their spare time in Austria.

Things to do in Austria
As the western terrain in Austria is very mountainous, skiing and snowboarding are very popular in the winter, with Austria being home to ...
Everyday life
Eager to discover what life in Austria looks like? Here's a taste.

Moving to Austria with children
There are several international schools in Austria, located mainly in Vienna and Salzburg. These schools provide a curriculum based on the American ...
News & testimonies
KC in Vienna: "I love living in an international city"
US expat, KC has spent several years in Vienna before moving back to her home country. Nowadays, she lives and works in a management position in Vienna. She particularly enjoys the quality of life, cultural events and green spaces.
A new girl in Vienna
My name is Kerry Smith (aka a new girl in vienna). I was born in Brighton, England (UK) and have lived there most of my life. I am currently living in Vienna, the capital of Austria.
Moving abroad in uncertain times: How they made it work
In the wake of Covid-19 and ongoing economic uncertainty, more people are seriously considering life abroad. For some, it's still just a distant dream. But for others, that dream becomes a lived reality. Life as an expat, however, is rarely a fairytale. Those who share their stories know the challenges firsthand. It takes persistence—and often struggle—to find one's footing in a foreign country.
Thinking of buying a home overseas? Read this first
Thinking of buying property abroad? It's a dream for many—and with the right preparation, it can become reality. But just like buying a home in your own country, investing in real estate overseas comes with its own set of rules. Before you sign anything, make sure you understand the local laws, legal procedures, and required documents. Contracts, regulations, and paperwork can vary widely—and so can the risks. So what should you look out for? What are the common mistakes to avoid?
What are your career options after studying abroad?
Studying abroad opens doors to more than just academic credentials—it shapes a global outlook. But how do you turn that into a career advantage? Beyond classic international fields like diplomacy, development, and tourism, new opportunities are emerging in innovation, design, tech, and entrepreneurship. These fast-evolving sectors value fresh ideas, cross-cultural thinking, and adaptability—traits that international graduates often bring to the table. Today, standing out in the global job market means not just having foreign experience but knowing how to frame it as a competitive edge.
Saudi Arabia cracks down on expat sponsorship violations
The Saudi Ministry of Interior has reiterated that violations of residency rules—such as overstaying a visa—affect not only expatriates but also their sponsors. Sponsors may face serious consequences, including fines, imprisonment, and even deportation if they are foreign nationals.
How to cope with the loss of a loved one while living overseas
Grieving is never easy. But for expatriates, separated from family and the familiar rituals that usually accompany loss, the process can feel distant and muted. How do you come to terms with absence when life around you continues as if nothing has changed? Palliative care therapist Sophie Gidrol sheds light on the challenges of grieving from afar and offers guidance to help navigate this deeply human experience.
UAE: Sharjah opens real estate to expats
Sharjah has unveiled a bold new opportunity for foreign investment: a 100-year lease for non-Arab expatriates. This long-term lease scheme is part of the AI Saja'a Industrial Land project, launched by ASAS Real Estate, the property development arm of Sharjah Islamic Bank.