Moving to another country is a significant and challenging life decision at the same time. It is something that not many people are willing to go through, and for good reasons. Moving for work or school means leaving your home, family, friends, and everything you’re familiar with behind. That’s why it’s essential to ensure that you are fully prepared before moving to Austria or any other foreign country.
Relocating to Austria involves many administrative processes, initial costs, and adjustments. However, if you have your mind set on moving to Austria – this comprehensive guide will help you plan the move from start to finish. Depending on various circumstances, such as personal preferences and budget, there are certain things you need to know about how to move to Austria from the US and general advice about what is expected of you once you arrive in Austria.
Research employment opportunities
Getting a job in Austria is the first thing you would need because it is what will get you going. Luckily, Austria has a diverse economy, and many different types of jobs are available. You can look for work in engineering, technology, science, health care, education, manufacturing, consulting, or business. You can also search for jobs that utilize your language skills, such as working with international clients, or jobs that require a specific degree, such as education.
When applying for a job in Austria, include a cover letter in English. Many companies require their employees to be multilingual, but English is expected. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the Austrian hiring process. Many companies have a strict process with several rounds of interviews.
It is best to start looking for jobs several months before you plan to move. It is also recommended to check the job market before you move to Austria. This way, you will have a general idea of how competitive the job market is and what kinds of jobs are available in Austria. Use online resources, such as Indeed or ZoomInfo to see which jobs are available in Austria and how competitive they are. You can also check out job boards, such as Monster and Human Resources sites, to get an idea of what jobs are available in Austria.
Moving to Austria
Check your documents before moving
If you are coming to Austria from a non-EU country, it would be a good idea to check your travel documents and ensure they are valid for at least six months after your arrival date. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after arriving in Austria.
Remember to provide a valid passport when applying for a visa. If you have a visa, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your arrival date. If you are studying in Austria, be sure to check the terms and conditions of your visa. You may be allowed to stay in the country for an extra two months after finishing your course.
Besides your travel documents, you also need your birth certificate, especially if you are going to stay for long or seek permanent residency in Austria. A birth certificate is an important document that you will use to prove your identity and citizenship. It is also essential, especially when applying for a visa. Check that you have the original birth certificate and copies of the same.
Your academic certificates and records are as necessary as your travel documents, especially if you are contemplating looking for a job or enrolling in a local university once you move to Austria from the US. These can include your degree certificates, diplomas, academic transcripts, or other relevant academic documentation from the various institutions you attended.
If you are moving with your children, then it’s even crucial because these documents will help them with a smooth transition into new schools in Austria.
Marriage certificates are essential documents you should keep if you intend to move to Austria with your wife or husband.
Visa and Immigration Requirements for Austria
It is vital for people who are moving to Austria from a non-EU country to apply for a visa in advance. Applying for a visa in advance will help you save time and money when you arrive in Austria. The Austrian Embassy or Consulate in your home country will provide you with all the necessary instructions and information on applying for a visa.
When applying for an Austrian visa, the following documents are needed:
- A valid passport must remain valid for at least three months after your intended arrival date
- Proof of health insurance in Austria
- Birth or marriage certificate to prove your status
- Proof of accommodation in Austria
- Two full-face passport-size photographs
- Bank statements-to prove that you can support yourself while in Austria
- Details of your flight, including dates
Before moving to Austria, you must check the Austrian immigration and visa requirements to avoid any issues once you arrive in the country. You can find information about the visa and immigration requirements on the Austrian Federal Ministry of the Interior website.
Residence permits
First and foremost, before you even begin to think about moving to Austria, you need to secure a residence permit. This is especially true if you intend to stay in Austria for more than ninety days. Applying for a residence permit in Austria can take a few months and a year, depending on your country of origin and the type of visa you seek.
You should start the application process five months before your planned move date to ensure you have enough time to complete it.
An Austrian residence permit gives you the right to reside and work in Austria, obtain Austrian health insurance, and travel to the European Union (EU) countries. There are three types of residence permits in Austria:
- The Blue Card (BL) – This is a specialized residence permit for highly skilled employees seeking employment in Austria.
- The Green Card (GR) – This is a residence permit for foreign nationals seeking employment in Austria.
- The Red Card (RK) – This is a residence permit for graduates of an Austrian university looking for jobs in Austria.
Choosing a Place to Live in Austria
You will be choosing your region of stay concerning your workplace. However, when choosing a place to live in Austria, you should consider the following factors: climate, proximity to the city center, public transportation, public safety, and amenities such as schools and grocery stores.
If you plan to find a job in Austria, it is essential to be close to the city center. However, it might be challenging to find a place that is both close to the city center and affordable. If you are willing to commute, you may have more options when choosing a place to live.
Austrian Town
Research housing options and costs
If you are moving to Austria and intend to rent a place, you should research average rental prices in Austria. This way, you will have a general idea of what type and size of apartments you can afford to rent.
Various websites provide information on average rental prices in Austria. You can also talk to people currently renting places in Austria, and they can give you a general idea of what type of rental costs you can expect.
Renting a property in Austria is relatively easy compared to other countries since real estate agents own most properties. This means you will deal directly with the agents rather than housing brokers. Although using real estate agents comes at a cost, they make the process easy and fast since they have a vast knowledge of the locations and prices of the properties.
While looking for a property to buy or rent, it is essential to consider your budget. The price of most properties in Austria depends on their location and extra amenities. Properties close to major cities and towns are often expensive, unlike those far from the city or major towns. The good news is that the Austrian government regulates the rent one should pay. No one is allowed to pay more than 20 or 25 percent of their gross income for rental payments.
Also read: How much do international movers cost
Get health insurance in Austria
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement when moving to Austria. You must obtain a valid health insurance policy at least three months before your arrival or apply for a particular extension of your current health insurance policy.
Foreigners in Austria must have health insurance covering all costs associated with an emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and prescribed medicines.
Health insurance for expats in Austria can be pretty expensive, especially for older people or people with pre-existing health conditions. Compare health insurance providers and plans to best fit your budget and needs.
Packing boxes in a Truck
Moving your belongings to Austria
Moving to a new country means moving with your things. The ease of moving your stuff to Austria from the US depends on the number of things you intend to move and your current location. If you are moving to Austria from a non-EU country like the USA, you will face certain restrictions when moving your belongings.
Some rules and regulations determine which items can be imported freely and which require a permit or special documentation. For example, you can bring personal belongings, such as clothes, books, and furniture, without special permits.
However, if you have a car that you intend to use in Austria, you have to re-register it in Austria. For more information, check out the Austrian Federal Customs Administration website. If you hire a company to ship your belongings to Austria, ensure they have the proper permits.
The cost of moving to Austria from the US can be expensive or cheap, depending on several factors. This includes the mode of transportation-either air freight or shipping, the number of items you are transporting, and the bulkiness of your items.
For instance, if you have bulky items and you consider transporting them using air freight, the cost of moving could be three or four times higher than using sea freight. However, if you have just a few items like bags, consider using air freight as the cost may be down, and you’ll have your things delivered within a short time.
When moving to Austria from the US, it is advisable to use a trusted moving company. Moving companies are equipped with the knowledge of handling household items from their point of origin to their destination. Besides, they also help with packing your items, which may be daunting, especially if you are moving to a foreign country for the first time.
You may also need to get moving quotes from these companies and compare them. Once you’ve determined their level of expertise and compared quotes, you can settle for one that you deem fit and affordable.
Opening a bank account in Austria
To open a bank account in Austria, you need to provide proof of your address and other things such as utility bills. An address is not enough to open a bank account. Check with your bank before moving to Austria to see what documents you need to provide to open a bank account.
You can open an account at an Austrian bank as an expat or an Austrian citizen. Be sure to inform your bank about your move to Austria in advance, so they can help you set up your account and transfer funds to your new account.
The bottom line about moving to Austria from the US
Moving to Austria from the US can be daunting, especially if you are a novice. From compiling all the required documents to packing and moving, the experience can be nerve-wracking.
However, it doesn’t have to be this difficult. This comprehensive guide will help you set everything in place as you prepare for your next big move from the US to Austria.
