Living in Vienna: the ultimate expat guide

Vienna hosts numerous multinational corporations, UN agencies, and international bodies, providing good opportunities for multilingual professionals and those with specialized skills in technology, finance, engineering, and healthcare.

Key sectors

Vienna's technology sector is growing rapidly, with companies seeking software engineers, data scientists, and IT professionals. The financial services industry employs thousands across banks, insurance companies, and investment firms. International organizations, including the United Nations, OPEC, and OSCE, provide opportunities for professionals with diplomatic, administrative, and technical backgrounds. Vienna is also known for its creative industries including advertising, design, and media.

Work permits and requirements

EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens can work in Austria without a permit. Non-EU nationals generally need a Red-White-Red Card, Austria’s points-based immigration system, or an EU Blue Card if they are highly qualified professionals. The Red-White-Red Card is designed for very highly qualified workers, skilled professionals in shortage occupations, and graduates of Austrian universities. Applications require a job offer, verification of qualifications, and proof of accommodation, and processing can take several months. Strong German language skills can greatly enhance job prospects and help with integration.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Statistics Austria, Austrian Ministry of Interior, Numbeo

🔍To learn more

Vienna is one of Europe’s major university cities, with a combined student population of around 140,000–150,000 across its public and private institutions. International students benefit from relatively affordable tuition compared with other Western European capitals, making the city an attractive destination for higher education.

Major universities and programs

The University of Vienna, founded in 1365, is one of the oldest and largest German-speaking universities in Europe, offering a comprehensive range of degree programs spanning humanities, sciences, and social sciences. The Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien) specializes in engineering, computer science, architecture, and related fields, drawing students from across Europe and beyond. Vienna University of Economics and Business (WU Wien) is Europe's largest business school, renowned for programs in economics, business administration, and law. The Medical University of Vienna is a leading center for medical education and research, training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Webster Vienna Private University and Modul University Vienna provide English-language programs specifically designed for international students.

Admission and requirements

EU, EEA, and Swiss students can generally enroll directly in most programs and pay only small administrative fees. Non-EU students must apply through each university’s admissions office, presenting secondary school qualifications equivalent to the Austrian Matura. German-taught programs typically require C1-level German proficiency, while English-language programs expect internationally recognized scores, such as IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90 and above. Students planning to study in Austria for more than six months must obtain a student residence permit, demonstrating admission, sufficient financial means, health insurance, and accommodation. Application deadlines for programs starting in September usually fall between February and May.

Sources: University of Vienna, TU Wien, WU Wien

Education in Vienna is compulsory from ages 6 to 15, with the school year running from early September to late June. Public schools in Vienna are free and generally high-quality, though instruction is in German. Elementary school (Volksschule) runs from ages 6-10, followed by lower secondary education in either academic-track Gymnasium, general middle school (Mittelschule/Neue Mittelschule), or other secondary options. Children do not need perfect German to enroll, and many public schools offer support programs for non-native speakers, including additional German classes. Some public Gymnasien provide bilingual or English-language sections, though these are limited and competitive. Private Austrian schools such as Theresianum and Sacré Coeur offer alternatives with smaller classes, more individual attention, and additional resources.

International schools

Vienna has a good selection of international schools catering to expat families. The Vienna International School (VIS) is the largest, offering the International Baccalaureate program from primary through diploma with around 1,500 students. The American International School Vienna (AISV) provides American curriculum with Advanced Placement courses. Lycée Français de Vienne follows French Ministry education standards, while Danube International School delivers IB programs for younger students. These international schools typically feature smaller classes, diverse student bodies, and English instruction, making transition easier for expat children.

Enrollment process

To enroll your child in a Vienna public school, register at your local district school office with proof of residence, your child's birth certificate, and vaccination records. International schools have individual application procedures, usually requiring previous school records, language assessments, and sometimes interviews. Families are advised to apply several months in advance, as spaces at popular international schools fill quickly.

Sources: City of Vienna Education, Vienna International School

Vienna's housing market offers diverse options from historic apartments in renovated buildings to modern developments in outer districts. The city is known for its high-quality social housing, though expats typically rent on the private market initially.

Popular neighborhoods for expats

Innere Stadt (1st district) is the historic center with premium pricing and stunning architecture. Neubau (7th district) attracts young professionals with trendy cafés and cultural venues. Leopoldstadt (2nd district) near the Danube provides parks and good value. Döbling (19th district), with its green spaces and international schools, appeals to families.

Rental process and and rental costs

Apartments are usually rented unfurnished, meaning without kitchens or light fixtures, requiring initial investment. Landlords typically require a security deposit of three months’ rent, and if a real estate agent is involved, the commission is usually capped at one to two months’ rent. Austrian rental law offers strong tenant protections, particularly in older regulated apartments, including limits on rent increases and security of tenure. Newly built or fully private-market apartments may have fewer restrictions, though tenants still enjoy basic legal rights.

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, City of Vienna

🔍To learn more

Vienna's cultural wealth comes from centuries of artistic tradition and continued creative vitality. The city boasts world-class opera, museums, concerts, and theater alongside outdoor recreation. Cultural offerings span classical traditions and contemporary innovations, while seasonal events create year-round entertainment. Vienna's UNESCO World Heritage historic center contains architectural treasures within walkable distance.

Museums, palaces, and cultural attractions

The Kunsthistorisches Museum holds one of the world's finest art collections, including works by Bruegel, Vermeer, and Velázquez. The Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Habsburgs' winter residence, now houses museums and the Spanish Riding School. Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens showcase imperial splendor and offer panoramic city views. The Belvedere Palace displays Austrian art, including Klimt's famous painting, The Kiss. The MuseumsQuartier combines modern art museums, performance spaces, and cafés in renovated imperial stables. The Vienna State Opera and Musikverein concert hall continue world-renowned classical music traditions.

Parks, recreation, and entertainment

The Prater features extensive parkland, cycling paths, and the iconic Riesenrad ferris wheel. The Danube Island is a popular recreational area for swimming, cycling, and water sports. The Naschmarkt is Vienna's largest market, known for international foods and Saturday flea markets. Throughout the year, Vienna hosts numerous festivals including the Viennale film festival, the Donauinselfest music festival, and Christmas markets from late November through December. The ball season includes over 450 formal balls each winter.

Sources: Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna State Opera

🔍To learn more

Vienna moves at a slower pace than most European capitals, with a relaxed approach to daily life. The city provides accessible culture, extensive green spaces, and excellent public services.

Getting around

The city’s public transport, operated by Wiener Linien, includes U-Bahn (metro) lines, trams, and buses covering all districts. Annual passes are affordable, and night buses serve major routes after hours. Central districts are highly walkable, and the Citybike Wien program and expanding cycling lanes make biking easy. Many residents find owning a car unnecessary.

Lifestyle and cultural habits

Viennese culture values punctuality and politeness, with quiet respect in public spaces. Traditional coffee houses are social hubs, serving as places to meet, work, or relax. Most shops close on Sundays, though restaurants, museums, and tourist areas stay open. The city’s famous ball season, from late autumn through winter, continues imperial traditions with elegant dancing events. Locals may seem reserved at first, but learning German opens social and professional opportunities and makes everyday life smoother.

Sources: Wiener Linien, Citybike Wien

🔍To learn more

The cost of living in Vienna is lower than many other Western European capitals, with moderate costs for high-quality services and infrastructure. Housing represents the largest expense, while groceries, transportation, and healthcare remain relatively affordable.

Monthly expenses for a single person

Data correct as of December 2025.

Monthly expenses for a family of four

Data correct as of December 2025.

Sources: Numbeo, Statistics Austria