Unbeknownst to many, Vienna actually has only 1.929 million people in its population. And while that's not a lot by general standards, the city remains a bustling metropolis with lots to see and do. It helps that many foreign residents keep the city alive and kicking. And they make up a good chunk of the 1.929 million here, so much so that back in 2019, they made up 40% of the entire city's population. A lot of them had to learn German though. It's still the dominant language both in Vienna and in the rest of Austria. But don't worry, the city has many language schools to teach it!
You probably already know that you need a Schengen Visa in order to gain entry to Austria and the rest of the EU. Especially if you're coming from a non-EU country. There's also the option of getting into the country via the ETIAS Visa Waiver Program. If you're eligible, you can travel to Austria even when you don't have a Schengen Visa. But to stay here for more than 90 days (approximately three months), you'll need to apply for a residency visa. This will allow you to stay for at least a year and from there, you can start the legal process of actually moving here.
It's pretty funny to see Vienna's modern public transport against the backdrop of centuries-old castles and early period palaces, isn't it? But that's simply how it is in the Austrian capital. Thanks to the many modes of public transportation here, it's easy to travel around the city. Add to that the many transportation apps you can use to book a ride or to know the latest information on various public transport systems. No matter which you choose, just make sure to pay honestly. While there are no ticket stalls and closed gates in the stations, certain agents are on guard to see if people pay for public transport.
Each and every corner of Vienna is just too beautiful that it's difficult to choose which neighborhood you'd live in, right? Well, at least it's a problem worth having! After all, you'd want to stay in a Vienna district right for you, correct? In a place that fits perfectly with the lifestyle you lead. For instance, if you prefer a quieter life in the Austrian capital, choosing the 8th district, Josefstadt, would be a good idea. If you're an intellectual and you want to continue researching in Vienna, you might find the 9th district, Alsergrund, more suitable.
Whichever neighborhood you choose, at least you won't have to worry all that much about living costs, especially rent! While yes, renting in Vienna would cost thousands of Euros, it's not as expensive as in the other European capitals. Sometimes, if you're lucky, even if you picked out a luxury apartment for your home here, your rent might not even cost you €1,000.00! The common price range for renting in Vienna is from €750.00 to €2,500.00, taking into account the location of the place and the number of bedrooms in it. Though if you prefer to own your own home here, it'd cost you around €3,500.00 to €12,000.00 per square meter.
With a current unemployment rate of 9.2%, Austria's job market is surprisingly one of the more stable ones in Europe. And this is amidst the global Covid-19 pandemic! What more when there isn't such an international crisis going on? It's safe to say that the job market here might even be stronger then. This bodes well for those seeking employment in the country, especially in Vienna. Add to that the fact that there are countless ways to find a job here. There are common job-seeking sites, like Jobs in Vienna, Indeed, and LinkedIn, for instance. Or going to recruitment agencies like Manpower or Aveitus.
Vienna’s prominent schools will ensure that your kids get to continue school with no problem at all. And seeing as this is a pretty important city in Europe, you can expect that many of the educational institutions here are top-notch. Not to mention international at that! Vienna has always been a central city when it comes to global education. It makes sense that there are, at the very least, a handful of prestigious schools here to cater to different nationalities. The likes of which include the Vienna International School, the International Christian School of Vienna, and the Amadeus International School Vienna, among many others.
You also don't have to worry about healthcare here either! Austria's healthcare system operates universally, ensuring that most, if not all the people who live here get some sort of health coverage, be it public or private. The moment you become a legal resident here, you, too, will get access to the system. And this also means you can get into some of Vienna's best hospitals too, which are probably some of the most recognized in the whole world for their excellence and effectiveness in curing millions of patients. Some of the ones worth noting include Rudolfinerhaus Privatklinik and the Döbling Private Hospital.
Not only will your health be well-take-care-of here in Vienna, but your safety is too! The Austrian capital's crime rate is one of the lowest in the world; a measly 21.15%! This probably means that the Vienna police really know what they’re doing in lessening the crimes committed here. In fact, it's even become a lot safer to walk around the city. It's 88.32% safe to do so during the day and 72.06% at night. Both of which are considered high safety rates. Just don't go to a few places, like Karlsplatz square in the Wieden or a few spots in Mariahilferstrasse. These are some of the sketchiest areas in the city.
You really ought to pay more attention to Austrian taxes if you ever plan on living a hassle-free life in Vienna. If you decide to just start learning about them when you're already here, you might not be able to catch up before it's time to pay or file your taxes. No matter how similar the country's tax system may seem to that in your home country, there will be some differences that, though seemingly small, can still make a world of difference. And before you can fix your mistakes, you might find yourself faced with high penalty fees or possibly even some jail time.
You have no reason not to join a local mobile network in Austria. Those in the country not only offer great deals with exciting packages, but you can trust that you will get signal wherever you go, whether you stay in Vienna or explore the other cities or even the more rural areas. At the same time, you'd also benefit from opening your own Austrian bank account. It may seem a hassle to set one up at first, but as long as you stay in Vienna, you're going to need it. After all, you want your money to remain safe and secure here, right?
Moving to Vienna, the capital city of Austria, can be challenging. But it's not exactly the most difficult thing to do in the world. As long as you follow this relcoation guide, you'll know what to do, what you need to understand, and how you can set up your new life here easily!
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