International Removals to Austria

Yes – but your options depend on your nationality and purpose of stay.

Common documents that require translation:

• Birth certificate

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Academic diplomas and transcripts (for work or study)

• Police clearance certificate (criminal record)

• Employment contract (if issued abroad)

• Proof of health insurance

• Rental agreement (if issued in another language)

Translation requirements:

✔ Translations must be done by a certified/sworn translator

✔ Documents may also need to be apostilled or legalized, depending on your country of origin

✔ Some embassies or authorities may only accept notarized translations

✔ Originals and translations are often both required

Tip: Get your documents translated into German before arrival to avoid delays in your application process. Check with the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country for up-to-date requirements.

Processing times depend on the type of permit and how complete your application is.

• Work permit (Red-White-Red Card): 8–12 weeks

• Includes processing before arrival and issuance of the physical card after entry.

• Student residence permit: 4–6 weeks

• Usually faster due to simpler requirements.

• Family reunification: 2–3 months

✔ Highly skilled workers may qualify for the EU Blue Card, which offers faster processing and simplified employer sponsorship.

✔ All non-EU citizens must apply and receive their residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) before entering Austria. Most permits require applying at the Austrian consulate or embassy in your home country.

Tip: Start your application at least 3 months in advance. Incomplete or incorrectly translated documents can delay approval significantly.

To move to Austria legally, you'll need several key documents depending on your nationality and reason for residence:

✔ Valid passport – Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay, especially for non-EU citizens.

✔ Visa or residence permit (if applicable):

• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not need a visa but must register their residence within 90 days of arrival.

• Non-EU citizens must apply for and obtain a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) before arriving in Austria.

✔ Employment contract or university admission letter – Required if applying as a worker or student.

✔ Proof of accommodation in Austria – A rental contract (Mietvertrag), property ownership document, or a residence registration certificate (Meldezettel) from your host.

✔ Proof of health insurance :

• EU citizens: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

• Non-EU citizens: Private insurance valid in Austria, until enrolled in the public system (ÖGK or private Krankenkasse)

✔ Proof of sufficient financial means – Bank statements, income confirmation, scholarship, or notarized financial guarantee. Mandatory for students, retirees, and family reunification.

✔ Criminal record certificate – Most residence permits require a recent certificate of good conduct (issued within the last 3 months).

✔ Birth and/or marriage certificates – Often required for family reunification or civil registration.

Official translations:

All foreign documents must be translated into German by a certified/sworn translator, and in many cases apostilled or legalized depending on the country of origin.

International moving costs to Austria depend on several factors, including the size of your move, origin country, and selected services.

✔ Volume & weight of items – The more space your belongings occupy (in m³), the higher the transport cost.

✔ Transport method – We offer:

• Dedicated vans for full household moves

• Groupage (shared load) transport for partial moves

• Express delivery with no stops for urgent shipments

✔ Distance – Prices vary depending on where you’re moving from within Europe.

✔ Additional services – Packing, loading/unloading, customs clearance (for non-EU), insurance, and storage.

Typical road transport prices (Europe → Austria):

• Full household move (15–30 m³): €2,500 – €6,000

• Partial load (1–5 m³): From €500

• Express van delivery (door-to-door, no groupage): From €1,200+

✔ All quotes are transparent – prices include fuel, tolls, and border handling.

✔ No hidden fees.

Tip: Request a free, fixed-price quote based on your item list and delivery time.

Optional: Short-term storage and customs support available for non-EU shipments.

Yes – but there are strict rules regarding vehicle import and registration.

✔ VAT & customs duties:

If you're moving permanently and the vehicle is part of your personal household goods (used for at least 6 months before relocation), you may qualify for customs and VAT exemption

Otherwise, 20% VAT may apply to the vehicle’s value upon import.

✔ Registration deadline:

You must register your vehicle within 1 month of bringing it into Austria (for residents), at your local Landesregierung (provincial authority) or motor vehicle registration office.

✔ CO₂ and engine-based taxes (NoVA):

Austria imposes the NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe) tax on first registration of vehicles. It is calculated based on:

• CO₂ emissions

• Fuel type and efficiency

• Vehicle value

Older diesel or petrol vehicles may incur very high NoVA charges.

✔ Electric vehicles (EVs):

EVs are exempt from NoVA and motor vehicle tax (motorbezogene Versicherungssteuer).

Additional purchase subsidies (up to €5,000) may be available through klimabonus.gv.at, depending on federal programs and the type of vehicle.

Tip: Many expats choose to sell their vehicle before relocating due to Austria’s strict import rules and potentially high taxes, especially for non-EU vehicles or older models.

Yes – we offer partial-load (groupage) removals to Austria for customers who don’t need an entire truck.

✔ Partial-load service – You pay only for the space you use (measured in cubic meters).

✔ Perfect for: Students, remote workers, expats, and anyone relocating with boxes, suitcases, or just a few furniture items.

✔ Shared transport routes – Your items travel with others on the same truck, which helps reduce costs and emissions.

✔ Flexible delivery windows – Delivery may take a few days longer than full-load transport, depending on the groupage schedule and route.

Tip: Contact us to check availability for upcoming shared loads to Austria. Groupage services depart weekly from major EU cities, including Berlin, Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, and Warsaw.

Yes – health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Austria, regardless of nationality.

Coverage & Enrollment Rules:

✔ EU/EEA/Swiss citizens – Can use the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for short stays, but must register for Austrian public health insurance (ÖGK) if staying longer than 90 days.

✔ Non-EU citizens – Must provide valid private health insurance when applying for a residence permit. Once employed or enrolled as a student, they are automatically enrolled in Austria’s public healthcare system (ÖGK or SVS).

✔ Workers & students – Are automatically insured through their employer or university after receiving a residence permit. Insurance contributions are deducted from salary or included in tuition/employment contracts.

Optional: Private top-up insurance (Zusatzversicherung)

While Austria's public system covers most essential healthcare needs, many residents choose supplementary insurance to access:

• Private clinics or single hospital rooms

• Faster access to specialists

• Higher reimbursement rates

• Additional dental or vision benefits

Tip:

Check which insurance provider applies to your category:

• ÖGK – employees & general residents

• SVS – self-employed or freelancers

• BVAEB – public sector employees

• Private insurers – for top-up or full private coverage

Yes – but the process and requirements depend on the bank and your residence status.

✔ To open a full bank account in Austria, you typically need:

• A valid passport (or national ID if you're an EU citizen)

• A residence permit (required for non-EU citizens)

• Proof of address in Austria, such as:

• Rental contract (Mietvertrag)

• Utility bill

• Confirmation from your employer or landlord (Meldezettel)

✔ Online banks like N26, Revolut, and Wise may allow you to open an account with an EU address before arrival, but:

• You may need to update your address after relocation

• Some banks require video verification or a tax ID number

✔ Traditional Austrian banks (e.g. Erste Bank, Raiffeisen Bank, Bank Austria, BAWAG P.S.K.) usually require an in-person appointment and:

• Proof of income (employment contract or payslips)

• Tax identification number

• Registration certificate (Anmeldebescheinigung)

Tip: If you're not living in Austria yet, ask if the bank offers a “non-resident account” or allows you to start the process remotely and finalize it after arrival.

Moving to Austria can be a rewarding but surprising experience for newcomers.

Here are some of the most common culture shocks reported by expats:

✔ Formal communication style – Austrians can seem reserved and polite, especially in business settings. Titles and last names are often used until a relationship is established.

✔ Directness & rule-following – People follow the rules strictly (traffic, recycling, quiet hours). Don’t jaywalk or speak loudly on public transport.

✔ Language barrier – While many Austrians speak English, German is the working language, and many official forms are only in German. Dialects (especially in rural areas) can also be challenging.

✔ Bureaucracy – Residence registration, banking, and healthcare often involve paper forms, in-person appointments, and notarized or translated documents.

✔ Quiet Sundays & limited retail hours – Most shops are closed on Sundays and after 6–7 PM. Plan ahead for groceries and essentials.

✔ High cost of living – Particularly in Vienna, housing can be competitive and expensive. Landlords often require 2–3 months’ deposit, and contracts can be formal.

✔ Social integration takes time – Austrians are friendly but value privacy. It may take effort and time to build deeper friendships.

✔ Punctuality matters – Being late is considered rude, especially in work or professional settings.

Tip: Learning basic German phrases and understanding local customs will greatly improve your experience. Join language cafés, local clubs, or expat groups to meet people and integrate faster.

Yes – many official documents must be translated into German before they can be accepted by Austrian authorities. The exact requirements depend on the type of residence permit and the purpose of your move (work, study, family reunification, etc.).

Common documents that require translation:

• Birth certificate

• Marriage certificate (if applicable)

• Academic diplomas and transcripts (for work or study)

• Police clearance certificate (criminal record)

• Employment contract (if issued abroad)

• Proof of health insurance

• Rental agreement (if issued in another language)

Translation requirements:

✔ Translations must be done by a certified/sworn translator

✔ Documents may also need to be apostilled or legalized, depending on your country of origin

✔ Some embassies or authorities may only accept notarized translations

✔ Originals and translations are often both required

Tip: Get your documents translated into German before arrival to avoid delays in your application process. Check with the Austrian embassy or consulate in your country for up-to-date requirements.

Finding rental housing in Austria can be competitive, especially in larger cities like Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Linz, and Innsbruck, where prices are higher and demand is strong.

To rent an apartment in Austria, landlords typically require:

✔ Valid passport and residence permit (if you're a non-EU citizen)

✔ Proof of income – recent payslips, employment contract, or bank statements

✔ Security deposit (Kaution) – usually 2 to 3 months’ rent

✔ Austrian or EU bank account – often required for automatic rent transfers

✔ Meldezettel (residence registration certificate) – may be requested after move-in

Best rental websites in Austria:

Willhaben.at – Austria’s largest platform for private listings

Immobilienscout24.at – Apartments, houses, and student rooms

Immo.at – Reliable listings across Austria

Wohnnet.at – Well-designed portal for long-term rentals

Tips for securing a rental in Austria:

✔ Landlords often prefer tenants with a long-term employment contract (unbefristetes Arbeitsverhältnis)

✔ If you're new or self-employed, offering advance rent payments or a local guarantor (Bürge) may improve your chances

✔ Instead of a full cash deposit, you can sometimes use a “rental guarantee insurance” (Mietkautionsversicherung)

Tip: Start your housing search early, especially in Vienna. Good flats are often rented within days, so respond quickly and have your documents ready.

Yes – but your ability to work remotely in Austria depends on your residence status and the type of permit you hold.

✔ EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

You can live and work (including remote work) in Austria without any special visa or permit. You are free to be:

• Employed or self-employed

• Working for Austrian or international companies

However, you must register your residence (Anmeldung) within 3 months of arrival and have valid health insurance and sufficient means.

✔ Non-EU citizens

Remote work is only allowed if your residence permit explicitly permits employment or self-employment, such as:

• Red-White-Red Card tied to an Austrian employer

• Settlement permit – self-employed key worker (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Selbstständiger Schlüsselarbeitskraft)

• Residence permit for start-up founders or entrepreneurs (Aufenthaltsbewilligung – Sonderfälle unselbstständiger Erwerbstätigkeit)

You must apply for the correct type before entering Austria, and submit a business plan if applying for a self-employment permit.

Tourist (Schengen) visa holders

You are not allowed to work remotely from Austria on a tourist visa – even if your clients or employer are located outside Austria.

Violating this can result in fines, deportation, or entry bans.

Digital Nomad Visa

Austria does not currently offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa, unlike Portugal or Estonia.

Tip: If you're a freelancer or remote worker, consider applying for a self-employment residence permit. This requires:

• A business plan

• Proof of sustainable income

• Austrian address and health insurance

• Pre-approval from MA35 (in Vienna) or local immigration office

Austria has a high-quality, universal healthcare system that is mandatory for all residents. Most people are covered through the public health insurance system, managed by providers like ÖGK (Österreichische Gesundheitskasse).

Coverage & Enrollment:

✔ EU/EEA/Swiss citizens – Can temporarily use their EHIC card for emergency care, but must register for Austrian public insurance (ÖGK) if staying longer than 90 days.

✔ Non-EU citizens – Must show proof of private health insurance when applying for a residence permit. Once employed or enrolled at a university, they are automatically registered in the public system.

✔ Employees & students – Are insured through their employer or educational institution, and receive an e-card used for accessing healthcare services.

Private top-up insurance (Zusatzversicherung)

Many residents choose supplementary private insurance to:

• Access private clinics or single rooms during hospitalization

• Get faster appointments with specialists

• Improve reimbursement rates for dental and optical services

Healthcare costs in Austria:

• Doctor visits: Free or reimbursed via public insurance

• Specialist visits: Covered, but may involve wait times or co-payment

• Hospital care: Public hospitals are covered, but private rooms cost extra

• Emergency care: Fully covered in public hospitals for insured residents

Note: Without insurance, treatment can be expensive – private care must be paid out of pocket.

Tip: Get private top-up insurance if you want faster access, shorter wait times, and extra comfort. Always carry your e-card when visiting any doctor or pharmacy.

Yes – if you work in Austria (as an employee or self-employed), you must have a Social Security Number called a Sozialversicherungsnummer.

This number is assigned by the Austrian social insurance authority when you start working or register as self-employed.

Your social security number is required for:

• Receiving your salary (it's linked to tax and payroll systems)

• Registering with the public healthcare system (ÖGK)

• Paying taxes and social contributions

• Accessing benefits such as:

• Sick leave

• Maternity or parental leave

• Unemployment insurance

• Pension accumulation

In Austria, the social security number is called the “Sozialversicherungsnummer”, and it is automatically assigned when you register for public health insurance or employment.

✔ EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

If you start working in Austria, your employer will register you with the Austrian social insurance provider (usually ÖGK). You’ll be assigned your Sozialversicherungsnummer automatically.

✔ Non-EU citizens

After receiving your residence and work permit, your employer will handle your registration with the Austrian social security system, and your number will be issued as part of the onboarding process.

✔ Freelancers or self-employed persons

You must register directly with the SVS (Sozialversicherung der Selbständigen) to obtain your Sozialversicherungsnummer. This includes submitting your business registration, income estimates, and proof of address.

Tip:

Your Austrian social security number is used for:

• Health insurance

• Tax identification

• Pension system

• Unemployment and family benefits

• Keep it safe and accessible once assigned.

Yes – you can bring your pets when moving to Austria, but you must follow EU animal import regulations, which vary depending on your country of origin and the type of pet.

✔ General requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets:

• Microchip – ISO-compliant (15-digit) microchip for identification

• Valid rabies vaccination – Administered at least 21 days before travel

• EU Pet Passport (for travel within EU/EEA), or

• Veterinary certificate (if arriving from non-EU country)

• Max 5 pets per person – Non-commercial entry only

If you're arriving from a non-EU country:

• A rabies titer test (antibody blood test) is required

• The test must be taken at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before entry

• Pets must enter Austria through a designated border control post (BIP)

Transport note:

• Pets must travel with or shortly after the owner

• Use approved pet transport companies or airlines

• Check airline policies for in-cabin vs. cargo transport

Tip:

Check official guidelines from:

• Austrian Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK)

• Austrian Customs (BMF)

• for the latest updates on pet import rules and required documentation.

Yes – both short-term and long-term storage options are available in Austria to help with pre-move or post-move logistics.

✔ Storage is ideal for:

• Delayed housing availability (e.g. still apartment hunting)

• Staggered moves (when part of the household arrives later)

• Temporary relocation (e.g. study programs, internships)

• Renovations or subletting situations

✔ Features of our storage service:

• Secure, video-monitored units

• Climate-controlled environments

• Flexible access with prior notice

Additional benefits:

• Combine storage with international moving for better pricing

• Inventory tracking and labeled packaging for easy retrieval

• Insurance options available for high-value items

Tip: Ask about combined moving + storage packages to reduce costs and streamline logistics. We can pick up your items and deliver them later once you're settled.

After arriving in Austria, there are several legal and practical steps you must complete to settle in properly – especially if you’re a non-EU citizen.

Post-arrival steps:

✔ Register your address (Anmeldung)

You must declare your residence within 3 working days at the local registration office (Meldeamt or Magistrat). You'll receive a Meldezettel (proof of residence), which is required for many administrative tasks.

✔ Undergo a medical check (Non-EU citizens only)

A general health check (GZ 4 form) is required for certain residence permit categories before receiving your Aufenthaltstitel (residence card).

✔ Apply for your residence card

If not already issued, apply for your residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) at the local immigration office (MA35 in Vienna) or district authority within 90 days of arrival.

✔ Register with social security and public healthcare (ÖGK)

If you're employed or a student, your employer/university will typically register you. Freelancers and dependents must register themselves with ÖGK or SVS.

✔ Open a bank account

While optional, having a local Austrian bank account is important for salary payments, rent, and utilities.

✔ Get a local SIM card

For easier communication, mobile banking, and app access (e.g. parking, transport), getting an Austrian SIM is highly recommended.

Tip: Pre-book appointments with your local registration and immigration offices if possible. Some cities (like Vienna) have long waiting times.

Yes – family reunification (Familiennachzug) is possible if you already have legal residence in Austria.

✔ Who is eligible?

• Spouses and registered partners (including same-sex partners)

• Minor children (under 18)

• In some cases: dependent adult children or elderly parents, under strict conditions

Requirements for family reunification:

✔ You must have a valid residence permit in Austria

✔ You must prove:

• Sufficient income (without relying on state aid)

• Adequate housing (Wohnraum-Nachweis)

• Valid health insurance for all family members

✔ All documents must be translated into German and legalized/apostilled

✔ Non-EU family members must apply for a residence permit (Niederlassungsbewilligung – Familienangehöriger) before entering Austria

Important notes:

• The application is submitted at the Austrian embassy or consulate in the home country

• Processing times range from 2–4 months, depending on the case

• Once approved, family members receive a D visa to enter Austria and pick up their residence card

Tip: Apply as early as possible – incomplete applications or missing documents can cause long delays. Some provinces (Bundesländer) may require pre-approval of housing contracts or proof of long-term rental.

Yes – all children living in Austria, regardless of nationality, have the right and obligation to attend school.

Schooling is free and mandatory for children aged 6 to 15 (primary + lower secondary), with kindergarten (from age 4) being optional but often encouraged.

Public education in Austria:

• Teaching language is German

• Integration and German language support classes (Deutschförderklassen) are available for children who don’t speak German fluently

• The curriculum is standardized nationwide and managed at the state (Bundesland) level

Private and international schools:

Austria has a strong selection of:

• International schools (e.g. English, French, bilingual)

• European Schools (such as the one in Vienna)

• Faith-based and alternative education (Montessori, Waldorf, etc.)

These schools often:

• Have limited spots and entrance exams

• Charge tuition fees

• Require early application (some have 6–12 month waitlists)

Tip:

• For public schools, you register at the local school district authority (Bildungsdirektion) based on your residential address

• For international schools, apply directly to the institution well in advance

• Bring translated school records and vaccination certificates