Moving to Austria? Here is what you need to know
Moving to Austria? Here is what you need to know
Austria has become one of Europe’s most desirable destinations for expats seeking stability, safety, and a high standard of living. While the cost of living can be higher than in some neighboring countries, it is balanced by excellent public services, a world-class healthcare system, and outstanding infrastructure.
The country is known for its clean cities, efficient transport, and strong economy. From the cultural richness of Vienna to the alpine beauty of Salzburg and Innsbruck, Austria offers a lifestyle that combines urban sophistication with natural landscapes. With its central location in Europe and high quality of life, Austria continues to attract professionals, families, and students looking for long-term opportunities.
Strong
Job Market
Strong
Job Market
Foreign nationals transferring residence to the Philippines can import used household goods duty-free if owned for at least 6 months prior to arrival. You'll need a packing list, passport, visa, and a letter from the Bureau of Customs. Vehicles are subject to high duties (40-100%). Prohibited items include firearms, drugs, and certain food products. Expect customs clearance to take 1-3 weeks.
Quality of Life
Stable economy with strong demand in engineering, finance, and manufacturing sectors.
Innovation Hub
Renowned universities and strong vocational training programs.
Infrastructure
Renowned universities and strong vocational training programs.
World-Class Education
World-Class Education
Renowned universities and strong vocational training programs.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Elegant city living, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to the Alps.
600+
Verified Movers
18,000+
Reviews
800 – 2,500
Avg Local Move
9
Regions
600+
Verified Movers
18,000+
Reviews
800 – 2,500
Avg Local Move
9
Regions
600+
Verified Movers
18,000+
Reviews
800 – 2,500
Avg Local Move
9
Regions
Additional Costs to Consider
Packing Services
€150–€500
Professional packing of fragile and bulky items.
Storage
€50–€200/mo
Short or long-term storage if your new home isn’t ready.
Insurance
€100–€400
Transit insurance to protect your valuables during the move.
Specialty Items
€200–€800
Pianos, artwork, antiques, and other high-value items.
Elevator / Stairs
€50–€200
Additional fees for upper-floor apartments without elevator access.
Long Carry
€75–€250
Extra charges when the truck can’t park close to your door.
Most Asked Questions
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work in Austria without a visa. You simply need to register your residence at the local Meldeamt within 3 days of arrival and apply for a Anmeldebescheinigung (registration certificate) if staying longer than 3 months. This gives you full access to work, healthcare, and social services.
Red-White-Red Card (Skilled Workers)
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria's points-based work permit for skilled workers, graduates, and key workers from non-EU countries. Points are awarded for qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age. You need a job offer from an Austrian employer and must score at least 70 points. The permit is valid for 2 years and leads to permanent residence. Processing takes 2-3 months.
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree and a job offer paying at least €4,752/month gross (2026 threshold). The Blue Card allows you to work in Austria and later move within the EU. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence. Your family members can join you and work without a separate permit.
Student Residence Permit
Non-EU students accepted to an Austrian university can apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender). You need proof of admission, health insurance, accommodation, and sufficient funds (€606/month for students under 24). The permit allows part-time work (20 hours/week). Processing takes 2-3 months at the Austrian embassy.
Family Reunification
Non-EU family members of Austrian or EU citizens can apply for family reunification. Spouses and children under 18 are eligible. Requirements include proof of relationship, health insurance, adequate accommodation, and sufficient income (€1,217/month for couples). Processing takes 3-6 months. Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders receive a Red-White-Red Card Plus.
Customs Regulations for Household Goods
EU citizens can move household goods freely without customs duties. Non-EU citizens transferring residence to Austria can import used household goods duty-free if owned for at least 6 months prior to arrival and used for personal purposes. You need a detailed inventory list, proof of previous residence, and registration in Austria. Vehicles must be registered within 1 month. Processing at customs typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Moving Costs Breakdown
Moving Costs Breakdown
Understanding the full cost of your move
helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Local Movers
International
Long Distance
Local Moving Costs
Moving within the same city or province is the most affordable option. Prices vary based on apartment size, floor level, and volume of belongings.
Studio / 1 Bed
$400–$800
2–3 Bed Apartment
$800 – $1,800
4+ Bed / House
$1,800– $4,000
Local Movers
International
Long Distance
Local Moving Costs
Moving within the same city or province is the most affordable option. Prices vary based on apartment size, floor level, and volume of belongings.
Studio / 1 Bed
$400–$800
2–3 Bed Apartment
$800 – $1,800
4+ Bed / House
$1,800– $4,000
Additional Costs to Consider
Packing Services
$200 – $600
Professional packing of fragile and bulky items.
Storage
$50–$200/mo
Short or long-term storage if your new home isn’t ready.
Insurance
$100–$400
Transit insurance to protect your valuables during the move.
Specialty Items
$200–$1,000
Pianos, artwork, antiques, and other high-value items.
Elevator / Stairs
$50–$200
Additional fees for upper-floor apartments without elevator access.
Long Carry
$30–$100
Extra charges when the truck can’t park close to your door.
Additional Costs to Consider
Packing Services
$200 – $600
Professional packing of fragile and bulky items.
Storage
$50–$200/mo
Short or long-term storage if your new home isn’t ready.
Insurance
$100–$400
Transit insurance to protect your valuables during the move.
Specialty Items
$200–$1,000
Pianos, artwork, antiques, and other high-value items.
Elevator / Stairs
$50–$200
Additional fees for upper-floor apartments without elevator access.
Long Carry
$30–$100
Extra charges when the truck can’t park close to your door.
Additional Costs to Consider
Packing Services
$200 – $600
Professional packing of fragile and bulky items.
Storage
$50–$200/mo
Short or long-term storage if your new home isn’t ready.
Insurance
$100–$400
Transit insurance to protect your valuables during the move.
Specialty Items
$200–$1,000
Pianos, artwork, antiques, and other high-value items.
Elevator / Stairs
$50–$200
Additional fees for upper-floor apartments without elevator access.
Long Carry
$30–$100
Extra charges when the truck can’t park close to your door.
· Research cities and regions that fit your lifestyle · Start decluttering and deciding what to ship vs. buy locally · Begin gathering quotes from verified international movers · Check passport validity and visa requirements for Austria
· Book your preferred moving company · Start your visa or residence permit application · Notify your landlord or list your current property · Research health insurance options (public or private)
· Arrange international packing and shipping services · Open an Austrian bank account (Erste Bank, Raiffeisen, or Bank Austria) · Organize important documents: birth certificates, diplomas, apostilles · Begin cancelling or transferring utility accounts
· Confirm all moving dates and logistics with your mover · Arrange temporary accommodation (Airbnb or hotel) for arrival · Purchase travel insurance for the international move · Notify relevant authorities of your change of address
· Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first few weeks · Confirm flight arrangements to Vienna or your destination city · Do a final walkthrough of your current home · Back up important digital files and download offline maps
· Supervise the loading of your belongings · Hand over keys and do a final check of your old property · Keep important documents, valuables, and medication with you · Confirm delivery date and Austrian contact details with the mover
· Book your preferred moving company · Start your visa or residence permit application · Notify your landlord or list your current property · Research health insurance options (public or private)
· Book your preferred moving company · Start your visa or residence permit application · Notify your landlord or list your current property · Research health insurance options (public or private)
· Arrange international packing and shipping services · Open an Austrian bank account (Erste Bank, Raiffeisen, or Bank Austria) · Organize important documents: birth certificates, diplomas, apostilles · Begin cancelling or transferring utility accounts
· Confirm all moving dates and logistics with your mover · Arrange temporary accommodation (Airbnb or hotel) for arrival · Purchase travel insurance for the international move · Notify relevant authorities of your change of address
· Confirm all moving dates and logistics with your mover · Arrange temporary accommodation (Airbnb or hotel) for arrival · Purchase travel insurance for the international move · Notify relevant authorities of your change of address
· Pack a suitcase with essentials for the first few weeks · Confirm flight arrangements to Vienna or your destination city · Do a final walkthrough of your current home · Back up important digital files and download offline maps
· Supervise the loading of your belongings · Hand over keys and do a final check of your old property · Keep important documents, valuables, and medication with you · Confirm delivery date and Austrian contact details with the mover
· Supervise the loading of your belongings · Hand over keys and do a final check of your old property · Keep important documents, valuables, and medication with you · Confirm delivery date and Austrian contact details with the mover
Most Asked Questions
Most Asked Questions
EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have the right to live and work in Austria without a visa. You simply need to register your residence at the local Meldeamt within 3 days of arrival and apply for a Anmeldebescheinigung (registration certificate) if staying longer than 3 months. This gives you full access to work, healthcare, and social services.
Red-White-Red Card (Skilled Workers)
The Red-White-Red Card is Austria's points-based work permit for skilled workers, graduates, and key workers from non-EU countries. Points are awarded for qualifications, work experience, language skills, and age. You need a job offer from an Austrian employer and must score at least 70 points. The permit is valid for 2 years and leads to permanent residence. Processing takes 2-3 months.
EU Blue Card
For highly qualified non-EU workers with a university degree and a job offer paying at least €4,752/month gross (2026 threshold). The Blue Card allows you to work in Austria and later move within the EU. After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence. Your family members can join you and work without a separate permit.
Student Residence Permit
Non-EU students accepted to an Austrian university can apply for a student residence permit (Aufenthaltsbewilligung Studierender). You need proof of admission, health insurance, accommodation, and sufficient funds (€606/month for students under 24). The permit allows part-time work (20 hours/week). Processing takes 2-3 months at the Austrian embassy.
Family Reunification
Non-EU family members of Austrian or EU citizens can apply for family reunification. Spouses and children under 18 are eligible. Requirements include proof of relationship, health insurance, adequate accommodation, and sufficient income (€1,217/month for couples). Processing takes 3-6 months. Family members of Red-White-Red Card holders receive a Red-White-Red Card Plus.
Customs Regulations for Household Goods
EU citizens can move household goods freely without customs duties. Non-EU citizens transferring residence to Austria can import used household goods duty-free if owned for at least 6 months prior to arrival and used for personal purposes. You need a detailed inventory list, proof of previous residence, and registration in Austria. Vehicles must be registered within 1 month. Processing at customs typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Want to know more about each city?
Want to know more about each city?
Want to know more?
Patrocinadores
A + Internacional
A + Internacional
APRIL International provides flexible international health insurance for expats, travelers, students, and businesses, offering worldwide coverage and easy access to quality healthcare.
Un lugar en el sol moneda
Un lugar en el sol moneda
Our currency exchange service helps individuals buying, selling, or maintaining overseas property with secure international payments and competitive exchange rates.
Reclutamiento de Experiencia en el Extranjero
Reclutamiento de Experiencia en el Extranjero
Abroad Experience connects international professionals with multilingual career opportunities in the Netherlands, offering recruitment support and career guidance.
ActiveQuote Ltd
ActiveQuote Ltd
ActiveQuote is a health insurance comparison platform that helps individuals and businesses easily compare and choose the right health plans.
Seguro de salud Aetna
Seguro de salud Aetna
Aetna provides comprehensive health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness solutions worldwide.
Agato Visa e Inmigración
Agato Visa e Inmigración
We connect people and businesses across cultures and languages, helping organizations build strong international relationships and expand globally.
AGILA
AGILA
AGILA provides pet health and liability insurance, helping pet owners manage veterinary costs with flexible coverage and fast reimbursements.
Todos los apartamentos de lujo
Todos los apartamentos de lujo
All Luxury Apartments connects travelers with premium apartments and villas worldwide, offering comfortable accommodation for business, leisure, and extended stays.
Allianz
Allianz
Allianz provides insurance and financial solutions, including health, life, home, auto, travel, investment, and retirement services for individuals and families.
Abril Internacional
Abril Internacional
APRIL International provides flexible international health insurance for expats, students, travelers, and businesses, offering worldwide medical coverage and digital support.
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Sponsors
A + Internacional
APRIL International provides flexible international health insurance for expats, travelers, students, and businesses, offering worldwide coverage and easy access to quality healthcare.
Un lugar en el sol moneda
Our currency exchange service helps individuals buying, selling, or maintaining overseas property with secure international payments and competitive exchange rates.
Reclutamiento de Experiencia en el Extranjero
Abroad Experience connects international professionals with multilingual career opportunities in the Netherlands, offering recruitment support and career guidance.
ActiveQuote Ltd
ActiveQuote is a health insurance comparison platform that helps individuals and businesses easily compare and choose the right health plans.
Seguro de salud Aetna
Aetna provides comprehensive health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses, including medical, dental, vision, and wellness solutions worldwide.
Agato Visa e Inmigración
We connect people and businesses across cultures and languages, helping organizations build strong international relationships and expand globally.
AGILA
AGILA provides pet health and liability insurance, helping pet owners manage veterinary costs with flexible coverage and fast reimbursements.
Todos los apartamentos de lujo
All Luxury Apartments connects travelers with premium apartments and villas worldwide, offering comfortable accommodation for business, leisure, and extended stays.
Allianz
Allianz provides insurance and financial solutions, including health, life, home, auto, travel, investment, and retirement services for individuals and families.
Abril Internacional
APRIL International provides flexible international health insurance for expats, students, travelers, and businesses, offering worldwide medical coverage and digital support.
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