Welcome to Austria!
Whether you are still considering to develop your career in one of the Austrian R&D organisations, or if you are already doing research in Austria, our portal supports you and your family to get a good start. It provides information about Austria in general but will also give you a general idea of the legal basis of entry and residence regulations, taxation and social security.
Hands-on help:
- Our EURAXESS Centres help you with a range of issues regarding moving to Austria.
- The Austrian Business Agency (ABA) support international skilled workers and their families on issues relating to the right of residence as well as extensive expertise on the topics of living and working in Austria. Read more
- The Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) assists international skilled professionals with their integration on individual topics such as learning German, professional recognition, or social integration. Read more
- The Vienna Business Agency supports international professionals moving to Vienna: Discover more
Living
Relocating to a new country is both exciting and challenging, and it comes with its formalities and practicalities. As you are about to start working in Austria and you and your family are planning your life in a new environment, the following guides will help find your way around the practicalities and everyday life. Important topics we think are interesting for you when moving to Austria and settling in are easily browsed in this section.
Basic information on visa and entry conditions for international researchers. Read more
Finding suitable accommodation during your stay in Austria may take time and effort on your part. Keep in mind that there are many possibilities. We advise you to start your search for housing as soon as your plans for a research stay have become definite. Read more
For opening an Austrian bank account you need a valid personal ID card, passport or driving licence. It is advisable to open a current account (an account to which your salary is paid; "Gehaltskonto"). Read more
What should you know to make it easier to get used to life in Austria? In this section you will find information about various aspects of life in Austria such as cost of living, public transportation, driving licences, entry and re-entry of pets, culture and leisure in Austria's provinces, etc. Read more
Austria is considered to be a family-friendly country. Find out more about parental benefits and childcare provision. Read more
In Austria, health care is based on a social insurance model that guarantees all inhabitants equitable access to high quality health services – irrespective of their age, sex, origin, social status or income. Read more
In Austria's culture and academic world German is the predominant language. Read more
Working
Whether or not you are allowed to work in Austria depends on your nationality, the kind of work you would like to undertake and – for nationals of third countries – also on the kind of residence title. Read more
The Austrian tax system is a pay-as-you-earn system. The most important categories of income that are subject to taxation for researchers/scientists are income from employment and income from independent personal services (self-employment). Read more
Unemployment insurance is part of the compulsory social insurance system in Austria. It is administered by the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) supervised by the Ministry. Unemployment benefits consist of a basic sum, family supplement and various supplementary benefits. While in receipt of unemployment benefits you and your family members continue to be covered by health insurance. Read more
In Austria women currently reach pensionable age at 60 years and men at 65 years. As of 2024 the retirement age for women will be raised stepwise from 60 to 65 years. Read more
ENIC NARIC Austria (National Academic Recognition Information Centre) is the official contact point for all kinds of questions concerning transnationalrecognition in the field of higher education. Read more
In Austria inventions, company labels and industrial designs can be protected by Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) like patents, utility models, trademarks and registered designs. Read more
Find out more about the services, offered by Austrian organisations, to support international researchers on their personal and professional level. Read more
Austria offers many opportunities on the job market. However, starting a new working position in Austria is exciting, but it is better do to it when you are already aware of the administrative procedures that concern you. In this section we will provide answers to the most important questions like taxation, unemployment, recognition of academic diplomas and much more.
Leaving & Returning
What do you need to take care of before leaving Austria for good? And what if you want to come back to Austria after a research stay abroad? In this section you will find relevant information and tips.
Find out more about what to do when you are leaving Austria. Read more
Are you an Austrian researcher abroad, interested in returning to Austria? On the following page you can find information for researchers who are returning to Austria after spending a longer period doing research abroad. Read more