AUSTRIA
Country Guide

Have you decided to Move to Austria ?

Whether you’re planning a tourist trip or a business relocation, here’s what you should know before you go.

Austria General Overview

• Official country name: Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich)
• Location: Central Europe
• Capital city: Vienna
• Official language: German
• Currency: Euro (€)
• Time zone: UTC+1 (Standard Time), UTC+2 (Daylight Saving Time)

Austria Culture & Traditions

• Key customs to be aware of:
  • Austrians value politeness, formality, and punctuality in both business and social settings.
  • Handshakes are the standard greeting; use formal titles (Herr, Frau, Doktor) unless invited to use first names.
  • Punctuality is highly respected—being on time is considered a sign of respect.
  • Coffee house culture is significant and recognized by UNESCO as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage.”

• Number of official public holidays: 13 days
  • New Year’s Day, Epiphany, Easter Monday, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Corpus Christi, Assumption Day, National Day (October 26), All Saints’ Day, Immaculate Conception, Christmas Day, St. Stephen’s Day.
    
• Main traditional dishes and local drinks:
  • Dishes: Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Tafelspitz (boiled beef), Sachertorte (chocolate cake), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake), Gulasch, Knödel (dumplings).
  • Drinks: Austrian wine (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling), coffee (Melange, Einspänner), beer, Almdudler (herbal lemonade), Schnapps.

     

• Languages spoken daily and common expressions:
  • German is the official language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas and business settings.
  • Common expressions:
    ■ “Grüß Gott” (Hello – formal greeting in Austria)
    ■ “Servus” (Hi/Bye – informal)
    ■ “Danke” (Thank you)
    ■ “Bitte” (Please/You’re welcome)
    
• Specific clothing and behavioral norms:
  • Austrians dress elegantly and conservatively, especially in business and formal settings.
  • Smart casual attire is common; avoid overly casual clothing in restaurants and theaters.
  • Remove shoes when entering someone’s home (common practice).
  • Avoid loud conversations in public spaces, especially on public transport.
• Cultural Festivals:
  • Vienna Opera Ball (February), Salzburg Festival (July-August), Vienna Christmas Markets (November-December), Krampuslauf (early December).

Austria Demographics & Society

• Total population: Approximately 9.2 million
• Major ethnic groups: Predominantly Austrian/German, with communities of Turkish, Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, and other Central European descent.
• Main religion(s): Predominantly Roman Catholic (around 55%), followed by Islam (8%), Protestant (3%), and a growing non-religious population (around 22%).
• General safety level:
  • Austria is one of the safest countries in Europe with low crime rates.
  • Petty theft can occur in tourist areas; remain vigilant in crowded places.
  • Emergency services are highly efficient and reliable.
• Attitude towards foreigners and diversity:
  • Austrians are generally welcoming but reserved initially; building trust takes time.
  • Vienna is particularly international and multicultural.
  • Learning German significantly improves integration and social acceptance.

Key Cities & Regions

• Capital city: Vienna (2.0 million people) – UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for imperial palaces, classical music heritage, and coffee house culture.
• Major cities:
  • Graz (290,000) – Austria’s second-largest city, UNESCO-listed old town, vibrant student population.
  • Linz (210,000) – Industrial hub, European Capital of Culture 2009, modern art scene.
  • Salzburg (155,000) – Birthplace of Mozart, baroque architecture, The Sound of Music location.
  • Innsbruck (132,000) – Alpine capital, winter sports destination, hosted Winter Olympics twice.
  • Klagenfurt (102,000) – Capital of Carinthia, located near Lake Wörthersee.

     

• Must-visit regions or landmarks:
  Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace, Hallstatt village, Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Wachau Valley (wine region), Hohe Tauern National Park, Melk Abbey, Lake Wolfgang.

Austria Weather & Climate

• Type of climate: Temperate continental, with Alpine climate in mountainous regions.
• Average seasonal temperatures:
  • Winter (December – February): -4°C to 4°C, cold with snow in mountains
  • Spring (March – May): 10°C to 20°C, mild and pleasant
  • Summer (June – August): 20°C to 30°C, warm with occasional thunderstorms
  • Autumn (September – November): 10°C to 20°C, cool with beautiful foliage

     

• Best times to visit:
  May to September for pleasant weather and outdoor activities; December to March for winter sports; April-May and September-October for fewer crowds.

Austria Schooling

Austria Health & Care

Austria Banking

Austria Practical Information

• Entry requirements:
  • EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: No visa required.
  • Many nationalities: Visa-free entry for up to 90 days within 180 days (Schengen rules).
  • Long-term stays require residence permits or work visas.
    

Austria (Schengen Area) Visa Requirements Summary

Common Schengen Visa Requirements for All Three Countries

The core requirements for the Schengen Visa are standardized across all member states, including Austria. Applicants must provide:

• Completed Application Form: Signed and filled out correctly.

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area.

• Travel Medical Insurance: Must cover the entire Schengen area with a minimum coverage of €30,000.

• Proof of Accommodation: Confirmed hotel reservations or formal invitation/accommodation letter from a host in Austria.

• Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements, salary slips, or a formal letter of guarantee from a sponsor.

• Proof of Return: Confirmed round-trip flight reservation.

Useful Link

Since Austria uses the Schengen system, the best official resource is the website for the specific Austrian Embassy or the authorized Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) in each country, as they list the precise local requirements and submission procedures : VFS Global Official Page for Austria Visas (General) (You will need to select the specific country of application from here.)

• Local transportation options:
  • Excellent public transport: Vienna U-Bahn (metro), trams, buses.
  • ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railways) connects cities efficiently with high-speed trains.
  • Regional buses and trains serve smaller towns.
  • Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber, Bolt) available in cities.
    ○ Cycling infrastructure is well-developed, especially in Vienna.
• Cost of living:
  • Housing: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Vienna city center: €950–1,500 ($1,050–1,650). Outside center: €700–1,200 ($770–1,320).
  • Food: Groceries: €200–350/month. Restaurant meals: €12–25 per person.
  • Transport: Monthly public transport pass in Vienna: €51 ($56).
  • Electrical outlets and voltage used: Type F (Schuko), 230V, 50Hz.

Austria Visitor Tips

• Gestures to avoid or cultural taboos:
  • Avoid talking about World War II and Nazi history casually or insensitively.
  • Don’t snap your fingers to get attention—it’s considered rude.
  • Maintain a respectful distance in conversations; Austrians value personal space.
  • Don’t put your feet on furniture or seats.

     

• Specific regulations:
  • Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, including restaurants and bars.
  • Quiet hours (Ruhezeit) are typically enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM and all day Sunday.
  • Jaywalking can result in fines; always use pedestrian crossings.
  • Public drinking is generally allowed but avoid excessive behavior.

     

• Tips for integrating locally:
  • Learn German—even basic phrases are appreciated and improve integration significantly.
  • Respect queuing culture; Austrians take orderly lines seriously.
    
  • Join local clubs or associations (Vereine) to meet people and integrate.
    
  • Be patient with bureaucracy—administrative processes can be lengthy and require thorough documentation.

     

• Potential risks or important considerations:
  • Winter weather can be harsh, especially in Alpine regions—dress warmly and prepare for snow.
  • Healthcare is excellent but registering for social security can take time for newcomers.
  • Language barrier can be challenging in smaller towns and rural areas.
  • Housing shortage in Vienna—start your search early and be prepared for competition.