Austria

Living in Austria: the short version

Austria offers Alpine scenery, very safe cities and excellent public services, with Vienna regularly ranked among the world’s most liveable cities. Taxes and social contributions are high, and non-EU citizens usually need a Red-White-Red Card based on a points system and minimum salary.

Best for: Skilled professionals, EU citizens, families and anyone who values safety, culture and public services.

How to move to Austria: main visa and residency routes

Summaries only — requirements and income thresholds change. Always check the official sources below.

Red-White-Red Card

Points-based permit for very highly qualified workers, skilled workers in shortage occupations, other key workers and graduates; most categories need a job offer meeting a 2026 minimum salary.

EU Blue Card

For university graduates with a job offer paying at least about €55,700 a year in 2026.

Settlement Permit – Gainfully Employed (Private)

For financially independent people who will not work, issued within a small annual quota.

EU free movement

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can live and work in Austria and register within four months.

Healthcare for newcomers

Employees and their families are covered by compulsory public health insurance funded by payroll contributions. Care is high quality; many residents add private insurance (Zusatzversicherung) for private rooms and shorter waits.

Sources and methodology

Figures on this page are estimates in US dollars, compiled from the international datasets below and converted at recent exchange rates. The cost of living index uses New York City as 100. Guidance was last reviewed on October 6, 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.