A Guide to Moving to Vienna

If you are relocating to Vienna, here you will find some essential and curious facts about the Austrian capital as well as some insights from Sarah Woods, an award-winning travel writer and author of the National Geographic Travel Guide: Vienna and Desi Ivanova, a musician and music teacher in Vienna.

Vienna at a glance

Vienna is the capital of Austria and is situated on the banks of the Danube River. The city has a population of about 2 million and according to the latest Mercer’s report, it has been rated as the best city to live in terms of quality of life.

Vienna is a hub for many cross-border projects within the European Union. Actually, the metropolis takes third place in the International Congress and Convention Association’s chart about initiatives related to international events. Many meetings in the fields of medicine, environment, business and technology happen yearly in the numerous Viennese venues, including in the Hofburg Palace.

Moving to Vienna: Entry and residence permits

Depending on the purpose and the duration of the stay, the Austrian Government offers different types of visa and residence permits. You can familiarize with all the options you have at the nearest Austrian embassy.

Generally, a residency permit is required for temporary stays and a settlement permit is required for longer than 1-year stays. The latter allows you to take up full-time employment.

Also, once you arrive, you will have to register with the municipal district office within three days of your arrival.

The Economy of Vienna

Vienna is a major business center in Europe, featuring many offices of international companies. Many expats working in Vienna are employed by one of these companies.

Vienna contributes some 25% to Austria’s GNP. The city is one of the wealthiest regions in Europe.

Most jobs in Vienna are in the service sector – some 83% of the revenue is generated within this sector. Roughly one third of these employees earn a living in trade, real estate, leasing and business services.

Vienna is a world-class renowned tourist destination. The economy benefits from the many tourists who visit the many historic landmarks and exceptional works of art. The city allures with its vivid cultural events and splendid festivals.

Vienna International Airport is said to be the largest employer in East Austria. For the period 2011-2012, some 20,000 people have been employed by the Airport. And, 52,500 jobs are said to have been indirectly connected with it.

Viticulture is also very important for the local economy. The official register of vineyards called Rebflächenverzeichnis comprises some 520 individual vineyards, employing a few thousands workers.

Transportation

It’s easy to travel in Vienna without owning a car. The Wiener Linien provides good public transport services, making even the farthest parts of the city center real accessible. Subways run every two minutes during rush hours and don’t stop till the late hours in the weekends.

Due to its steep and hilly streets, Vienna is not quite what we can call a bicycle-friendly city.

If you consider driving a car, have in mind that gas prices might seem higher to you (if you are moving from the Middle East or USA). Traffic jams are not rare and parking is subject some fees.

Many large European cities are connected to Vienna through high-speed railway services. Moreover, you can fly to almost every European capital city for an hour or two without breaking the bank.

 Health care

Vienna provides excellent medical care facilities for all citizens and foreigners. The largest hospital in the capital is the Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien, or also called AKH. Doctor’s appointments and some hospital visits will be covered by your basic Austrian health insurance. However, additional insurance coverage will guarantee you higher-quality hospital stays and compensation for specialists’ fees.

Most doctors often speak English, but if you would like medical attendance in your native tongue, you should consult your embassy.

You can buy medicines both with or without prescription. Some medicines can be ordered and picked till the end of the day. Every district has at least one pharmacy which works 24 hours a day. Medications bought with prescription usually cost 5,30€, regardless of the actual cost. Your health insurance is supposed to cover the difference.

Education

If you are moving to Vienna with kids, mind that public schools are free of charge. There are private schools where classes are taught in English, but fees might seem expensive to you. Some of the English-language schools are the Vienna International School, American International School Vienna and Danube International School.

The highest level of secondary education in Austria ends with “Matura”, which is the equivalent to a high-school diploma. It enables students to seek further education.

Neighborhoods in Vienna: Where to live in the capital city

Vienna consists of 23 districts. Districts have their names, but it’s common to be referred by their number. District 1 is the city center and the number moves up as you go away from the inner part of the city.

Choosing to live in one of the one-digit districts will guarantee you short commuting time to your workplace, as most businesses are located in the city center.

Viennese rents vary on the district and the size of the property.

Restaurants and nightlife

Here is what Sara Woods shares about Viennese social activities and entertainment: “Several thousands of restaurants, diners, cafes, bars and taverns offer every conceivable type of cuisine, from native Austrian fare from across the regions and gourmet Viennese eateries to Turkish grills, cozy Italian pizzerias, Mexican cantinas and top-notch Michelin starred restaurants for the ultimate gastronomic splurge. Each district has its own culinary character, from the funky ethnic food joints of the hip 7th district to the exclusive foodie havens of the Inner Stadt.

Nightlife is just as diverse with plenty of cafe, bars, wineries and beer gardens to choose from. However, most people head to the city’s famous watering holes of Seitenstettengasse, Judengasse and Sterngasse – neon-lit string of clubs, music bars and pavement cafes dubbed the “Bermuda Triangle” (Bermudadreieck) – so called because revellers can have so much fun they get lost for days.”

Interesting facts about Vienna

Once being a seat of a great empire, the city basks in splendor. It features majestic architecture and vibrant cultural life.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Hofburg Palace and Schönbrunn Palace are some of the most cherished landmarks visited by tourists from all over the world.

Vienna features many cultural events. Whether a classical theatre, a film or a dance festival, an opera or operetta, or an exhibition, or a concert, you can enjoy a marvelous day or night out. During May and June, the city organizes so many festivals, including the Vienna City Festival. The Viennese Ball is a traditional event attended by the high society.

The city is one of the greenest capitals you can ever enjoy living in. The Vienna Woods is an ecological region declared as a Biosphere Park by UNESCO. And, the Lake Neusiedl region is home to unique flora and fauna. With over 2 000 hours of sunshine per year, the region is one of the most popular holiday destination in Austria.

Vienna has also been a home to some of the greatest minds and artists in the whole world, including Sigmund Freud, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the Nobel Prize laureate Erwin Schrödinger.

Sources:
www.wien.gv.at
www.bmeia.gv.at
www.wien.info

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