Moving to Austria

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Austrian visa and residence permit system is a crucial first step, and the requirements vary significantly based on your nationality. Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland generally enjoy freedom of movement and do not require a visa or residence permit to live and work in Austria. However, they must register their residence with the local authorities if their stay exceeds three months.

For non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens, a visa and/or residence permit is typically required. The specific type of permit depends on your purpose for moving to Austria. Common routes include:

• Work Permits: Often tied to a specific job offer from an Austrian employer, these permits allow you to live and work in the country.
• Family Reunification Permits: For individuals joining family members who are already legally residing in Austria.
• Student Permits: For those enrolled in an Austrian educational institution.
• "Red-White-Red Card": A points-based system for highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, and other key personnel.
• Other Residence Permits: Various other categories exist, such as for self-employed individuals or those with sufficient independent means.

It is essential to verify the exact requirements, application procedures, and necessary documentation with the official Austrian authorities (e.g., the Austrian embassy or consulate in your home country, or the local immigration offices in Austria) well in advance of your move, as regulations can change.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Austria can be a competitive process, especially in popular cities like Vienna, Salzburg, or Innsbruck. The housing market offers a range of options, from apartments (Wohnungen) to houses (Häuser).

How to Find Housing:

• Online Portals: Websites dedicated to real estate listings are the most common starting point.
• Real Estate Agents (Makler): Agents can help you find properties that match your criteria, but be aware that they typically charge a commission, often equivalent to one to two months' rent plus VAT, payable by the tenant.
• Newspaper Classifieds: Less common now, but still a source for some listings.
• Word of Mouth: Networking within expat communities or local groups can sometimes reveal opportunities.

Typical Rental Process:

Once you find a property of interest, you will usually arrange a viewing. If you decide to proceed, you'll submit an application, which may include proof of income, employment contract, and possibly references. Rental contracts (Mietvertrag) are legally binding and should be reviewed carefully. They are often for a fixed term (e.g., 3-5 years) with an option to extend, or for an indefinite period with a notice period.

Deposits:

A security deposit (Kaution) is standard and typically amounts to three months' gross rent. This deposit is held by the landlord or in a separate bank account and is returned to you at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is left in good condition and all rental obligations have been met.

Temporary vs. Long-Term:

For initial arrivals, temporary accommodation such as serviced apartments or short-term rentals can be a practical solution, allowing you time to search for a long-term home once you are on the ground. However, these options are often more expensive than long-term rentals.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Austria is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these elements will help you budget effectively for your move.

• Volume and Weight of Your Belongings: This is often the primary cost driver. The more items you move, the larger the container or space required, directly impacting the price.
• Distance of the Move: Relocating from a neighboring country will naturally be less expensive than moving from another continent due to transportation costs.
• Seasonality: Moving during peak seasons (e.g., summer months, end of year) can sometimes lead to higher prices due to increased demand. Off-peak moves might offer more competitive rates.
• Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin and destination properties plays a role. If movers face challenges like narrow staircases, lack of elevator access, or long distances from the truck to the door, additional labor and time may be required, increasing costs.
• Type of Transportation: Options like sea freight, air freight, or road transport each have different cost structures, with air freight generally being the fastest and most expensive.
• Additional Services: Opting for services such as professional packing and unpacking, specialized handling for fragile or valuable items, storage solutions, or dismantling/reassembling furniture will add to the overall cost.
• Insurance: While an extra cost, transit insurance is highly recommended to protect your belongings against unforeseen circumstances during the move.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, exact prices come from a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline and smart packing strategies can significantly reduce stress during your move to Austria. Here’s a checklist-style guide:

4-8 Weeks Before the Move:

• Declutter and Downsize: Go through all your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Less to move means less cost and less to unpack.
• Research & Book Movers: Obtain quotes from reputable relocation companies. Confirm services included (packing, unpacking, insurance, etc.).
• Verify Visa/Residence Requirements: Double-check all necessary documents and application processes.
• Gather Important Documents: Collect passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, school records, employment contracts, and financial statements. Keep these in a separate, easily accessible "essentials" box or bag.
• Notify Utilities & Services: Inform your current utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone) of your move-out date. Cancel or transfer subscriptions (gym, magazines, streaming services).
• Medical Check-ups: Schedule any necessary doctor or dentist appointments before you leave. Obtain copies of prescriptions.
• School Enrollment: If moving with children, begin the process of enrolling them in Austrian schools.

2-3 Weeks Before the Move:

• Start Packing Non-Essentials: Begin packing items you won't need immediately, such as seasonal clothing, books, and decorative items.
• Change of Address: Notify banks, credit card companies, and any other important institutions of your upcoming address change.
• Forward Mail: Arrange for mail forwarding to your new Austrian address if possible.
• Pet Relocation: If moving with pets, finalize all veterinary checks, vaccinations, and necessary travel arrangements and documentation.
• Essentials Box: Prepare a box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, a few changes of clothes, important documents, chargers, basic tools, snacks).

1 Week Before the Move:

• Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm all details with your chosen relocation company.
• Pack Remaining Items: Finish packing everything except for daily necessities.
• Clean Out Fridge/Freezer: Start consuming perishable food items.
• Withdraw Cash: Have some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival.
• Charge Electronics: Ensure all devices are charged for travel.

Packing Tips:

• Label Everything Clearly: Mark boxes with their contents and the room they belong in at your new home. Use colored labels for different rooms.
• Use Quality Packing Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, and strong tape to protect your belongings.
• Distribute Weight Evenly: Don't make boxes too heavy to lift. Put heavy items in smaller boxes and lighter items in larger ones.
• Photograph Valuables: Take pictures of valuable items before packing them for insurance purposes.
• Keep Important Documents Separate: As mentioned, keep all critical paperwork in a secure, easily accessible bag that travels with you.
• Disassemble Furniture: If possible and practical, disassemble larger furniture pieces to save space and prevent damage. Keep all screws and hardware in labeled bags attached to the corresponding furniture.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com to start planning your move today.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Austria: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Austria is an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import regulations for your personal belongings is a crucial step. This guide will help you navigate the process smoothly, ensuring your move is as stress-free as possible.

If you're relocating as a new resident

When moving your household goods to Austria as a new resident, you can typically import your used personal items duty-free. These items must have been owned and used by you for at least six months prior to your move and are intended for your continued use in Austria.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport.
• Proof of stay abroad for at least 12 months (e.g., exit certificate, confirmation from local authority of previous residence, employer confirmation).
• Copy of your packing list.
• Valid Austrian Residence Registration Form (for your primary residence).
• Original Power of Attorney.
• Original Austrian Customs Forms.

Good to know

• Removal goods must be imported within one year of your change of residence to qualify for duty-free status.
• After customs clearance, your imported goods are "blocked" for 12 months, meaning you cannot sell or give them away during this period without paying the applicable customs duties.
• If you previously lived in the European Union, you might need a special permit for duty-free importation of household goods ("Grundlagenbescheid"). This permit can be obtained from the customs office nearest your new residence.

Diplomatic moves

If you are moving to Austria under diplomatic status, the rules for importing goods are different and generally more flexible.

What you'll need

• Copy of your packing list.
• Copy of your passport.
• Original Austrian Customs Forms for diplomatic goods, completed and signed by your Embassy/Organisation and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Good to know

• New goods can be imported duty-free.
• Alcohol can be imported duty-free, but it is subject to an annual quota agreed upon by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective Embassies.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

For those moving to Austria in connection with marriage, specific provisions allow for the duty-free import of wedding trousseaux, which can include new items.

What you'll need

• Original passport.
• Marriage certificate (a notice of banns is not sufficient).
• List in triplicate of the goods to be imported, along with a declaration from you stating the goods are dowry.
• Attestation from your Austrian partner confirming their residence in Austria for at least six months before the marriage.
• Valid Austrian Residence Registration Form (for your primary residence).

Good to know

• New goods can be imported duty-free under this category.

Inherited belongings

If you are importing inherited goods into Austria, there are specific requirements and timeframes to consider.

What you'll need

• Passport of the heir.
• Inheritance certificate (attested by the courts or a Notary).
• Inventory of the goods (attested by the courts or a Notary).
• Valid Austrian Residence Registration Form (for your primary residence).
• Death Certificate.

Good to know

• Inherited goods must be used items.
• Importation must occur within 24 months of the acceptance of the inheritance.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a motor vehicle (passenger car, motorcycle, motor scooter, moped) duty-free is possible only in connection with a move, provided you have owned and used the vehicle for at least six months in your country of departure. Additionally, the owner must have resided outside the EC for at least 12 months. Caravans, trailers, and motorboats can be imported duty-free.

What you'll need

• All documents required for general removal goods.
• Vehicle papers (type certificate).
• Invoice or purchase order.
• Copy of registration or title certificate.

Good to know

• A "NOVA" tax (Normverbrauchsabgabe - standard consumption tax), ranging between 8% and 14% of the actual value, must be paid at the time of vehicle registration. This tax is calculated based on the average fuel consumption of the specific model.

Pets

Bringing your domestic animals to Austria is generally duty-free.

What you'll need

• Veterinary certificate.
• Inoculation certificate.

Restricted & prohibited items

• Firearms: A special official permit is required. The import of pump guns is forbidden.
• Cigarettes and tobacco: Generally prohibited for import as removal goods.
• Plants: Plants and plant products can be imported duty-free with a plant protection certificate.

Alcohol & tobacco

For spirits and perfumes, only permitted amounts for travelers are free of duty and tax. Importing larger quantities typically requires an import permit, incurs heavy import duties, and involves complicated customs clearance. It is generally recommended to avoid importing these products as part of your removal goods.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import new furniture or appliances duty-free?
New furniture, domestic appliances, and souvenirs are generally subject to customs duty and tax. You will need a purchase invoice and, where applicable, a certificate of circulation of goods and an import permit.

Are gifts subject to duties?
Yes, gifts are subject to customs duty and tax. You will need a purchase invoice in duplicate, an import permit where applicable, and a certificate of origin.

What about objects of art and antiques?
Antiques over 100 years old are duty-free but subject to VAT. Objects of art are subject to customs duty and tax. For antiques, an appraisal certificate from an Austrian expert is usually required. You'll need an invoice (if applicable, an expert appraisal).

How long do I have to import my personal belongings?
You have one year from your change of residence to import your removal goods duty-free.

What happens if I sell my imported goods within the first year?
After customs clearance, removal goods are blocked for 12 months. If you sell or give them away within this period, the customs duties must be paid retrospectively.

Do I need a special permit if I lived in another EU country before moving to Austria?
Yes, customers who lived in the European Union prior to importing household goods may need a permit for duty-free importation ("Grundlagenbescheid") from the customs office nearest to their residence.

If you have further questions or require assistance with your specific import situation, please contact relocation123.com for expert guidance.

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