Living and working in Austria
Austria is known for its stunning landscapes and nature that invite to outdoor adventures, from skiing in the Alps to hiking in picturesque valleys.
Here we aim to provide you with a better understanding of what it would be like to actually live and work in Austria.
Latest available jobs in Austria
German Legal Counsel, telecom – Vienna
Do you speak German? Then join an international team and work with contracts, data protection, and global compliance. Kick-start your legal career in the tech world now
German Responsible Gaming Agent – Linz, Hybrid
Do you speak German and do you want to work and live in Austria? Work 3 days from home per week and work with responsible gaming. And enjoy Austria in your freetime.
Currency
The Euro (symbol: €, ISO: EUR) is the official currency in Austria
Famous people
Some notable Austrian people are Arnold Schwarzeneggger, Mozart and Sigmund Freud
Population
Austria has a population of ~8.96 million people, many living in Vienna
Typical food
Sachertorte (chocolate cake), Chicken Paprikash (paprika chicken), Topfenknödel (Austrian dumplings)
Avg. working week
35.5, 7-8 hours daily
You are not allowed to work more than 12 hours per day
Location
Austria is located in East Central Eurupe and borders e.g. Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, and Switzerland
Languages
The official language is German, but with their own dialect
Healthcare
Austrian healthcare is ranked high and is paid for via mandatory social contributions
Working in Austria: Everything you need to know
Austria is a financially stable and dynamic country, and it’s a mecca for expats. In fact one quarter of their populations have a migrant background, and in the capital Vienna 40% of inhabitants are foreigners. With forests and mountains, the landscapes of Austria bring a peaceful energy. But the mountains are not the only captivating part of this beautiful country. Every season of the year holds charming views, from wildflowers in valleys in summer to cosy Christmas markets in December. Furthermore, their castles, palaces, and cathedrals featuring the 17th-century complete the list of amazing opportunities that living in Austria offers.
7 fun facts about Austria
- In Austria, it is considered bad luck if you toast with your glasses and don’t keep eye contact while doing it.
- The highest waterfalls in Europe are in Austria, the Krimml Waterfalls. They reach a height of 380 metres
- The Habsburgs were based in Austria.
- During the 19th century Vienna was involved in 9 political conflicts.
- The youngest political officer in the European Union is in Austria, Sebastian Kurz at 35 years old.
- Coffee is super important for Austrians: it has been served with passion since the second Turkish siege of Vienna in the 17th century. Approximately 90% of Austrians drink coffee and there is a mandatory coffee break at 3 pm.
- Some of the most known classical composers in the world were born in Austria: Joseph Haydn, Franz Liszt, Johann Strauss, Franz Schubert, and Wolfgang Mozart
Taxes in Austria
The tax identification number in Austria is called TIN, and it is a nine-digit code obtained by a local tax office.
The taxation system in Austria works on a pay-as-you-earn basis. E.g. if you earn between €11.000 and €18.000 your tax rate will be 25%, but if you earn €18.000 to €31.000, it will be 35%. Austria’s tax system allows you on tax rebates, based on exceptional situations such as special expenses like personal insurance, creation of housing, and refurbishment of housing by authorised professionals. The finance institution in Austria is called Finanzamt Österreich. A tax card is obligatory and it gives you health insurance, accident insurance, pension insurance and unemployment insurance.
To get access to all public administration in Austria, you will have to log into the FinanzOnline platform. There you can see and fill in all the formalities related to your person, including government mailbox and other government applications.
What you need to fix when you start working in Austria
There are a couple of things you have to fix before you start living and working in Austria:
- Register your adress; you must register within 3 days of moving in
- Residence permit; apply for a registration permit within 4 months
- Tax number; register with the tax office. They provide you with the number
- Health insurance; this is mandatory in Austria
- Austrian bank account; needed for salary payments and rent
- Austrian phone number
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Austria
Moving to Austria offers a captivating blend of rich culture, stunning landscapes, and a high quality of life. The country offers plenty of picturesque Alpine mountains, charming cities, and endless options of outdoor activities year-round. Austria’s public transport system, healthcare, and education opportunities make it an attractive destination for young people and families. People should live in Austria for its dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. The vibrant cities like Vienna and Salzburg offer a thriving arts and music scene, exciting nightlife, and many cultural events.
Gemutlichkeit culture in Austria
Austrian culture is about enjoying life (Gemutlichkeit), which also means the feeling of friendliness, warmth, and happiness. This includes their way of socialising with other people and it’s very common to socialise during outdoor events. So if you’re the extrovert type who likes to meet and greet people, coffee shops are a perfectly fine way to approach people and have a nice talk.
Austrians have a deep appreciation for arts, especially in music due to their famous classic composers. Vienna is also known for two genres of music, the operetta and the waltz, and this is something that has been preserved even in the younger generations. There are many conservatories and private music schools in Austria so it’s common to see many children being part of a band or a choir.
Austrian food
The typical Austrian dishes are rich in dairy, meat and calories and vary depending on the region. It has been influenced by their neighbours’ kitchens containing a lot of different spices and sauces. They use a lot of vegetables and some of their favourite veggies are definitely tomatoes, potatoes, onions, and carrots. Different kinds of meat, various cheeses, mouthwatering desserts, and great wine and beer are also great bases for a culinary experience.
Cuisine in Austria is quickly associated with Wiener Schnitzel, Würstchen, Apfelstrudel, Goulash or Speck. But there’s much more to discover and the list of delicacies we prepared for you below could be much longer. Some of the popular dishes are:
- Sachertorte (chocolate cake)
- Käsespätzle (Austria’s answer to macaroni and cheese)
- Erdäpfelgulasch (perfect for vegans)
- Chicken Paprikash (paprika chicken)
- Topfenknödel (Austrian dumplings)
Finding accommodation in Austria
An easy way to find an apartment or room in Austria is to do it through estate agencies, however, you have to remember that the cost of their services may be between one or two months of rent. Alternatively you can look at websites with accommodation offers like this one: nestpick.com/austria/. You can also join Facebook groups about room and apartment rentals in Austria. Sometimes people are also looking for a flatmate, which is a way to get to know someone in the beginning in the new city.
Some seasons are better to look for accommodation than others. At the beginning of the academic year there is such a big interest in properties. Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that utilities are often paid separately.
How expensive is living in Austria?
While accommodation prices in Austria are comparable to other European capitals, expenses for everyday living are one of the highest, and similar to cities like Berlin or Brussels. We gathered some of the basic costs of everyday life:
- Accommodation (1-bedroom apartment outside the centre – in the centre): €550-€800 a month
- Groceries: ~€220 a month
- Gym membership: ~€105 a month
- Mobile rate per minute: €0,60
- Public transport (single bus ticket): €2,40
- Pint of beer: €3,90
Expats in Austria
When moving to Austria you will experience minimal cultural shock since the country offers excellent healthcare, transportation, and education. Many expats claim to feel right at home. You can find expat groups on social media – and don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. Many people are or were in situations similar to yours, so expand your network and exchange useful advice and tips. Having good contact with people from work is also good. Often your colleagues will become friends for life.
Be open to Austrians. Despite the fact that Austrians are slow in making friends with foreigners, once you make contact you will enjoy a great time in a local pub or restaurant. You can also practise speaking German with them: that is the best form of training you can get.
Still not convinced about Austria?
Embracing the Austrian lifestyle means enjoying a rich blend of tradition and modernity, making it an ideal destination for young minds seeking diverse experiences:
- Austria is a modern country that efficiently develops. Even though costs of living and language might appear to be a little bit of a barrier, they are not impossible to handle at all.
- You get a very high standard of living, breathtaking nature, warm welcomings from nationals, and a professional work environment that will make you have the time of your life.
Austria’s central location within Europe allows for easy travel to neighbouring countries.
Austria’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices ensures a clean and green environment.
Moreover, the country enjoys a high standard of safety, providing peace of mind for residents.
FAQ
No, EU and EEA citizens can work in Austria for three months without work permit. If you stay for more than 90 days you need to register. You can read more about it here.
The national language in Austria is German, however Austrian German differs from German spoken in Germany, there are also slight differences depending on the region. English is spoken widely in business environments, however despite the fact that a lot of nationals can speak English, they are not really willing to use it, unless there is a real need.
For this reason, it’s good to know some basic German, for the beginning at least courtesies and numbers. For those interested in learning on-site, there are courses offered for expats already in Austria and you can find them for free or paid. Look for websites like this: https://www.actilingua.com/ and get to know more about what lessons look like.
And a good tip for the end, talk German on a daily basis! In a grocery store or in a library, foreigners will appreciate your effort for sure. Remember, practice makes perfect and it may also help you to make friends with Austrians easier.
The weather in Austria will be like this on a yearly average:
- Spring: Mild and changeable. 10 to 18°C
- Summer: Warm to hot. 22 to 28°C
- Autumn: Cooling down. 10 to 17 °C
- Winter: Cold and cloudy. -2 to 4 °C
Austria has an extensive and efficient transportation system. The most common way to get around is by train, with ÖBB providing reliable connections between major cities and scenic routes through the Alps. Buses also cover smaller towns and rural areas. In cities like Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg, trams, buses, and metro systems offer convenient options. Renting a car is ideal for exploring remote areas and picturesque landscapes.
Healthcare in Austria is highly regarded for its quality and accessibility. The country provides a universal healthcare system, ensuring that all residents have access to medical services. It is funded through compulsory health insurance contributions and co-payments. Austrian healthcare facilities are well-equipped, and doctors are well-trained, making it a reliable and efficient system for residents and visitors alike.